Hermosa Beach

Group Therapy

Fostering connection, creativity, and growth through in-person process groups in Hermosa Beach.

At The Wellness Collective, we believe that human connection is one of the most powerful tools for healing. Our in-person, process-oriented group therapy sessions for children and adolescents provide a supportive community where adolescents can explore their identities, build resilience, and develop meaningful relationships.

Our groups are more than just therapy sessions—they're communities. We incorporate art, music, creativity, snacks, and even birthday celebrations to foster trust and connection among members. Not all groups are created equal—ours are thoughtfully designed to be a Triple E treatment:

  • Effective: Facilitates lasting emotional growth

  • Equivalent: Offers benefits comparable to individual therapy

  • Efficient: Provides a cost-effective and impactful therapeutic experience

All groups are led or supervised by Leah M. Niehaus, LCSW, a Certified Group Psychotherapist with extensive training and over 20 years of clinical experience.

We conduct a thorough intake process to ensure each adolescent is a good fit for the group, both emotionally and developmentally. When placed well, group therapy becomes a safe space for children and adolescents to explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how to manage the ups and downs of adolescence.

Current Group Offerings

Group Therapy for

Elementary School Girls

Elementary School Girls’ Group (Grades 3–5)
Led by Rebecca Riordan, APCC
Wednesdays | 2:30–3:45 PM

This open-ended therapy group supports girls in grades 3–5 in building confidence, emotional awareness, and connection with others. Through creative activities, therapeutic games, and guided discussions, group members practice coping skills, problem-solving, decision-making, and making and keeping friends. It’s a safe and encouraging space where girls can explore who they are and feel supported, just as they are.

Please note: This group is paused over the summer while Rebecca is out on maternity leave. If you're interested in joining once the group resumes, we welcome you to reach out—we’re happy to answer questions and add you to our interest list.

Group Therapy for

Middle School Girls

Middle School Girls’ Group (Grades 6–8)
Led by Meaghan Sliva, LPCC (Tuesdays) or Michelle Parker, ASW (Wednesdays)
Tuesdays or Wednesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM
$100 with Meaghan | $75 with Michelle

This open-ended therapy group offers middle school girls a safe, supportive space to build self-confidence, deepen peer connections, and explore their evolving identities. Through guided conversations, creative exercises, and shared experiences, group members strengthen their communication skills, practice self-advocacy, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and shifting friendships.

Whether your child is struggling socially, seeking belonging, or simply benefits from extra support during these dynamic years, this group fosters emotional growth, resilience, and connection.

Group Therapy for

High School Girls

High School Girls’ Group (Grades 9-12)
Led by Michelle Parker, ASW (Mondays) or Vanessa Ramirez, AMFT (Wednesdays)
Mondays | 6:00–7:30 PM with Michelle
Wednesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM with Vanessa
$75 per group

This open-ended therapy group supports high school girls in navigating the complexities of adolescence with greater confidence, clarity, and connection. Group sessions focus on building coping skills, managing stress, and improving communication with peers and family. With the support of a therapist and trusted peers, group members explore topics such as body image, self-esteem, peer pressure, decision-making, identity development, and navigating dating and sexuality.

Through honest conversations and shared experiences, girls gain emotional insight, reduce isolation, and begin to define who they are on their own terms.

“Group is a place of security, acceptance, and support. It has felt like home to me.”

— Client, Age 15

  • Our therapy groups for children and adolescents are ideal for a wide range of young people—and often provide the right kind of support at the right time.

    Group therapy may be a great fit for:

    • Kids and teens who don’t need or aren’t ready for individual therapy, but would benefit from structured emotional support

    • Families looking for a more affordable alternative to one-on-one therapy

    • Youth who are stepping down from more intensive treatment (such as PHP or IOP) and need continued support in outpatient care

    • Adolescents who are feeling isolated, disconnected, or lacking a sense of belonging

    • Children and teens who want to build or strengthen social skills in a safe, therapist-guided environment

    • Those who are already in individual or family therapy and could benefit from peer connection and real-time interpersonal skill-building

    • Young people navigating mild to moderate challenges like anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship stress, or life transitions

    • Kids and teens who are resistant to individual therapy or feeling stuck—many are more engaged and open in a group setting with peers

    For some young people, group therapy feels less intimidating, more relatable, and more motivating than talking one-on-one with an adult. In many cases, group therapy is not only an effective and affordable option—it’s the preferred modality for building confidence, connection, and emotional growth.

  • 1. Initial Contact

    Reach out to the therapist leading the desired group for a phone screening.

    2. Intake Appointment

    Attend a one-time intake session to gather history, review confidentiality and policies, sign release of info forms, and set goals. The group therapist will contact collaterals (if relevant) to further explore goodness of fit.

    3. Group Participation

    Begin attending group sessions once it's determined to be an appropriate fit and space is available.

    Note: Parents of middle and high school participants receive monthly email updates on group topics, themes, and parenting resources.