Interventional Psychotherapy Groups
Facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Minnelly Vasquez, LCSW, the groups are offered virtually for patients residing in New York or Connecticut. Enrollment on a rolling basis, contact cpcenter@cumc.columbia.edu or 212-305-2700.
Learn more about our mental health program.
Disability Affirmation Circle
Age requirement: 18 and older
Format: Monthly virtual group
This group offers a space to explore and affirm disability identity through shared discussion, reflection, and learning. Each week, we will engage with materials such as articles, podcasts, or films centered on the lived experiences of people with disabilities. Topics will include key moments in disability history, from periods of injustice and resistance to milestones of progress and ongoing advocacy. Together, we’ll process the emotional, social, and personal dimensions of disability and build community through collective affirmation and dialogue.
Interventional Psychotherapy Group for Teens with Cerebral Palsy
Age requirement: 15 - 18
Format: Virtual group, every other week
This group offers a safe and welcoming space for teenagers with cerebral palsy to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through open conversations, fun activities, and peer connection, teens will have the opportunity to build friendships, explore identity, and talk about the challenges and strengths that come with living with CP.
Mindfulness Sessions
Who can join: Adults in the cerebral palsy community, including patients and family members
Age requirement: 18 and older
Format: Monthly virtual group
This virtual group offers a supportive space to slow down, pause, and reconnect through mindfulness practices such as guided meditation, sound healing, and breathwork. Each session will begin with 20-30 minutes of mindfulness practice, followed by tine for reflection, sharing a group processing.
Together, participants will explore the practice of bringing gentle, present-moment awareness to their thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and surrounding environment. Practicing mindfulness in a group setting an ehlp reduce stress, build connection, support emotion wellbeing, and foster greater compassion for ourselves and others. This group is designed to help participants pause, reset, and connect with others in the CP community.
LGBTQIA+ Adults with Cerebral Palsy Group
Who can join: LGBTQIA+ adults with cerebral palsy
Age requirement: 21 and older
Format: Monthly virtual group
A monthly virtual group for LGBTQIA+ adults with cerebral palsy to connect, share experience, build community, and receive encouragement in a safe, affirming and inclusive space.
The group will explore the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and disability through supportive discussion, including themes related to queer theory, gender identity, minority stress, disability theory, and asexual an aromantic experiences. Participants will also have space to process emotions connected to past experiences, present challenges, and hopes for the future.