STEPPS Group Therapy Begins October 4th

LCA News and Information

Lake Country Associates will again be offering the Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) group therapy. STEPPS is a cognitive behavioral, skills training approach to assist people in the management of emotional intensity and the development of emotional regulation skills. Developed at the University of Iowa, this program is a skills training approach originally designed for persons diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. However, in our experience when delivering this group, we find that the material applies well to any disorder in which an individual experiences intense emotions that are difficult to manage and regulate. We call these experiences “emotional intensity episodes”. Persons with Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders as well as PTSD can find this skills-based approach helpful in their recovery. A key aspect of this program is the development of a Reinforcement Team. This allows key support persons, family, friends and professionals working with the individual to learn and reinforce the skills the individual is learning.

The STEPPS group therapy sessions will begin Wednesday October 4th, 2017 and will be held at the Lake Country Associates Park Rapids office. The sessions will start at 1:00 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. They will be held for 20 – 1 ½ hour group therapy sessions and 1 Reinforcement Team session. Referrals are being accepted at this time. A late afternoon or evening group could be offered if enough interest is generated for that time slot.

STEPPS will be facilitated by Jean Greseth, MSW, LICSW Clinical Social Worker at Lake Country Associates. Jean has facilitated STEPPS groups for the past 8 years and is an experienced clinician in the treatment of mental illness. All individuals referred or self referred will need to have a current Diagnostic Assessment completed by a Mental Health Professional and meet with Ms. Greseth for a 30 minute individual session prior to the start of group. Costs for the sessions can be billed to insurance.

How to get started

Please call Lake Country Associates at 218-366-9229 to make a referral or download a referral form. Referral forms may be faxed to our office at 218-732-2520.

Updates from the Lake Country Cottage

LCA Welcomes Alicia Holley to the Team!

The receptionist knew my name after the second visit...very friendly!

Friendly and helpful atmosphere. Feel at ease walking in.

I like that the staff are flexible with scheduling.

Easy to work with. Made me feel comfortable!

The front desk staff had a positive attitude and was patient with me.

Greatly appreciate having the option of Christian Counseling and being able to filter issues through that lens!

My therapist is a life saver! :-)

The receptionist staff have been amazing. They are friendly and caring. You can tell they enjoy their job.

All the staff were friendly and helpful. They answered all my questions.

You are all warm, welcoming and so very helpful! Thank you!!

Easy to work with. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients.

My children's counselors are awesome. I've seen huge progress in both my kids.

I always feel that my therapist is listening to what I have to say and helping me come up with practical ways to deal with things.

My ARMHS staff is awesome! She has helped me make progress in many areas of my life. I have better relationships now.

I appreciate the text/phone reminders.

Her thoughtfulness and her knowledge of helping people with depression is what I need to achieve my goals!

The staff members are always well informed and ready to help/answer questions.

Very welcoming place. We love our therapist!

Talking with my therapist is helping, instead of holding it all in.

My therapist is great! Of all the therapists we've had over the years, she understands our family and kids the best. Very helpful!

Our counselor wanted to meet our entire family to find out how to better help our son. She offered lots of suggestions and things to help us in the long term.

The staff have good attitudes and open minds.

My therapist was very, very kind and is an awesome problem solver.

I love the comfortable feel in the office.

Easy to get to. Very friendly people willing to help.

Everyone was very helpful. I'm glad I called to get help!

My counselor helps me out when I need it most. I can always count on them to say the right things, even when I don't want to hear it.

I love coming to LCA. Everybody is so friendly and make you feel so much better.

I appreciated being treated normally, even though I was getting help with a difficult situation.

Quick and easy to get an appointment. Friendly, helpful staff.

They gave me hope for the future. Life saving.

Therapy at LCA has helped my progress immensely!

I found scheduling flexible to my needs.

My son and daughter are making steps toward our family goals!

She's thinking through things with me instead of just giving directions. It shows that she cares.

I am so thankful I was directed here!

They work with your schedule and do whatever they can to help you.

I'm so appreciative of my therapist's knowledge, skill and understanding.

It is a very comfortable atmosphere. Everyone is flexible and understanding!

When we come in for an appointment, the reception staff always has a friendly smile on her face.

My child's therapist is awesome! So helpful and relates well to the whole family.

They matched me with the perfect therapist!

The appointment times work well with my schedule. My children get along well with their therapists.

Meeting with my therapist has been making my life and relationships a lot less stressful.

They were open to my opinion of which counselor I see.

I have a great therapist. I appreciate her assistance!

Listens to both my child and me. Getting us through some very difficult times with care and compassion.

My therapist understands my child's needs and listens.

I had a person to talk with about my problems and my problems are getting better.

Good location, feels very professional and confidential!

Location is great and the staff is excellent with customer service. Therapy is also professional and comfortable.

Mental Health and Family Services
218-366-9229