Hermosa Beach
Group Therapy
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 person 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.
Fostering connection, creativity, and growth through in-person interpersonal 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.
Benefits of Group Therapy:
Promotes altruism
Fosters empathy
Decreases isolation
Universality (I am not alone)
Current Group Offerings
Group Therapy for
Moms Raising Teens
Roots & Wings: A Circle for Moms Raising Teens
Led by Leah Niehaus, LCSW, CGP
Fridays | 10–11:30 AM
$150 per session, sliding scale available if needed
Raising teenagers is one of the most challenging seasons of parenthood. The push-pull of wanting independence while still needing you. The worry that keeps you up at night. The moments you question everything you’re doing. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Roots & Wings is a twice-monthly support circle where moms of teens come together to share, connect, and find their footing during these complex years.
This group offers a warm, judgment-free space to be real about the hard stuff, connect with other moms who truly get it, and find practical support for the daily challenges of raising teens. Together, we’ll explore common goals like managing anxiety about your teen’s choices and future, finding the balance between holding on and letting go, navigating conflict and communication breakdowns, trusting yourself when you feel like you’re failing, supporting your teen through mental health challenges, staying connected when they’re pulling away, and taking care of yourself while still showing up for them.
Group Therapy for
Middle School Girls
Middle School Girls’ Group (Grades 6–8)
Led by Michelle Parker, ASW
Wednesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM
$100 per group with Michelle
Middle School Girls’ Group (Grades 6–8)
Led by Vanessa Ramirez, LMFT
Wednesdays | 5:30–7:00 PM
$100 per group with Vanessa
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), Meaghan Sliva, LPCC (Tuesdays), and Vanessa Ramirez, LMFT (Wednesdays)
Mondays | 6:00–7:30 PM with Michelle
Tuesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM with Meaghan
Wednesdays | 4:30–6:00 PM with Vanessa
$100 per group with Michelle & Vanessa | $100 per group with Meaghan
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 Therapy for
Young Adults
Young Adults Group (Ages 18-25)
Led by Leah Niehaus, LCSW
Wednesdays | 10:30–12:00 PM
$150 per group with Leah
This interpersonal process group for young adults meets in person weekly in Hermo,sa Beach. Together, we explore identity, friendships, dating & relationships, adulting, and launching. We discuss families of origin, creating independence, and process how our relationship dynamics show up in the “here and now”.
The group increases socialization, improves coping skills, fosters connection, and instills hope.
“Group is a place of security, acceptance, and support. It has felt like home to me.”
— Client, Age 15
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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.
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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.
