Support Groups
Support groups provide a safe space to share the experiences, feelings and challenges you face when you experience a significant loss, a change in your lifestyle, or live with a chronic health condition. Support groups are also a good place to share coping strategies, exchange information, and learn about community resources.
We offer a number of support groups where you can receive mutual support and assistance from others in similar situations. All support groups are facilitated by professional or peer counselors. Specific support group descriptions can be found below.
Support Groups Currently Offered:
- Adult Children Caregivers
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Bipolar
- Caring for Someone With Memory Loss
- Co-Dependency Anonymous (CODA)
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Early Stage Memory Loss
- Family Caregivers
- From Heartache to Open Heart
- Health and Wellness
- Hearing Loss
- Men’s Group
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Sharing and Caring
- Stroke
- Think Thin
- Women's Group
For specific dates and times, see page 47 of the Summer Newsletter or contact:
Janet Zielasko, MS, LSW
(425) 286-1035
Stefanie Bonigut, MSW
(425) 286-1047
stefanieb@seniorservices.org
Jeannie DeSmet, RN
(425) 286-1029
jeannied@seniorservices.org
Andrea Parker, MSW
(425) 488-4821
andreap@seniorservices.org
Georgia Rigler, MSW
(425) 948-7183
Detailed Support Group descriptions:
- Adult Children Caregivers
Are you an adult child caring for an aging relative with dementia or other chronic illness or disability? Come share ideas, exchange information, and receive support from other unpaid adult children caregivers. Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. 3rd Wednesdays.
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Kenmore
If you think you have a problem, there is a solution. Come to our meeting or give us a call. Wednesdays.
Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder are welcome to share strategies, resources, and techniques on managing this condition. 3rd Tuesdays.
- Caring for Someone With Memory Loss
A consistent and caring place for caregivers to learn, share, and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association. 3rd Thursdays.
- Co-Dependency Anonymous (CODA)
A fellowship of men and women with a desire for a healthy and loving relationship. Fridays.
For individuals working on managing depressive symptoms. This group provides an opportunity to learn about community resources, techniques, and skills to manage depression, all in a safe, friendly environment. 1st Mondays and 3rd Wednesdays.
Meet and share ideas, strategies, and helpful nutritional hints with this supportive group. 2nd Wednesdays.
- Early Stage Memory Loss - Mill Creek
If you have been diagnosed with early stage memory loss, come to this group to share coping strategies, exchange information, and explore community resources. Class size is limited; please contact Georgia Rigler, (425) 948-7183 prior to attending. Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. 2nd Tuesdays.
- Enhance Wellness Booster Group - Kenmore and Mill Creek
If you are already a participant in EnhanceWellness, find support, an opportunity to do some problem solving, and meet others who are also in the program. 2nd Mondays (Kenmore); 2nd Thursdays (Mill Creek).
- Family Caregivers - various locations
Are you a spouse, partner, daughter, son, relative, or friend that cares for a loved one with dementia or other chronic illness or disability? Come join other unpaid family caregivers for mutual support and assistance. 2nd & 4th Mondays (Northshore Senior Center); 2nd Mondays (Kirkland); 4th Thursdays (Kenmore); 1st & 3rd Fridays (Mill Creek).
- From Heartache to Open Heart
Everyone must deal with loss, whether it is the loss of a loved one or close friend, a treasured relationship, or physical functioning or previous status. Learn how to move through the grief process and grow "from heartache to an open heart". 1st Wednesdays.
If hearing loss is getting in the way of you fully enjoying conversations, open your world of communication by joining this Hearing Loss Association of America sponsored group. 4th Mondays.
- Men's Coffee Hour - Kenmore and Mill Creek
Join other men for a cup of coffee and lively discussion about healthy, optimistic aging. Research shows that positive aging is fostered by good physical and mental health, social interaction, and productive activities. Share your expertise, strengthen your social connections and have fun in this relaxed and informative group. 2nd Thursdays (Kenmore); 2nd & 4th Fridays (Mill Creek).
- Multiple Sclerosis - First meeting October 12, 2010, 10-11am
Find comfort and strength with your peers as you learn, cope, laugh and celebrate the challenges of living with MS. Self-help support group members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others. Co-sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter. 2nd Tuesdays.
Both caregivers and persons with Parkinson’s disease can gain from presentations by guest speakers and discussions with other group members. 3rd Tuesdays.
Confiding in others, sharing your feelings, and building social support are effective ways to promote your health. Join this open-ended support group to share and care. Wednesdays.
Stroke survivors and caregivers meet to share experiences, information, and friendship. A special lunch table will be set-up at noon for those wishing to have lunch beforehand. Call Alice Christison for information about lunch: (425) 488-2213. Last Monday of the month.
A supportive group that focuses on the successes of weight loss while offering encouragement to overcome struggles. Based on the book, The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person by Judith Beck. Thursdays.
- Women's Coffee Hour - Kenmore and Mill Creek
Join other women for a cup of coffee and lively discussion about healthy, optimistic aging. Research shows that positive aging is fostered by good physical and mental health, social interaction, and productive activities. Share your expertise, strengthen your social connections and have fun in this relaxed and informative group. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays (Mill Creek); 1st & 3rd Thursdays (Kenmore).