Group therapy
We often feel alone in our struggles. Group therapy offers a simple and elegant solution.
Experiences of togetherness and commonality are fortifying. Our burdens become easier to bear when shared; group members often leave feeling lighter. Surprising and unexpected breakthroughs emerge in the matrix of multiple perspectives.
Together, we create something to which we all belong. We belong, together. This never fails to move me.
My approach to group work is grounded in contemporary psychoanalysis and existential humanism, and integrates techniques from Gestalt therapy and mindfulness-based practices.
Learn more about the therapy groups I facilitate below.
“We are built for connection, and nothing is more important to our well-being and health than deep and meaningful relatedness.”
Irvin D. Yalom & Molyn Leszcz
The Theory & Practice of Group Psychotherapy
Current Groups
HOT MESS
Harm Reduction Group
Virtual group therapy
Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30 PM
Jun. 17 - Jul. 22, 2026
When life gets messy, we come together.
This is an open-minded, non-judgemental space where members can get curious about their relationship with drugs and alcohol.
We’re taught to see substance use as the problem, when it’s often an attempted solution to deeper challenges. Together, members will take a closer, more compassionate look at what’s really driving their use. We’ll make room for both the personal benefits and drawbacks of drugs and alcohol, and try to get clear on what members want for themselves — defining goals that are shaped by their own desires, not just external expectations. From safer use, to cutting back, to targeted or complete abstinence, all goals are welcome and respected. Success is any movement towards positive change or safer substance use.
In the mess, there is a message: vital information about ourselves, our needs, and what we must do to create the lives we long for. With a little support, life’s messiest moments can be fertile ground for remarkable transformation.
Rate:
6 weeks, $70 / session
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This group is for anyone curious about exploring their relationship with drugs and alcohol, or thinking about making changes to their substance use. You don’t need to have a defined goal, or be committed to stopping or reducing your use to attend — this group offers space to explore, with no expectations or commitments required.
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Harm reduction psychotherapy aims to reduce the harms associated with drug and alcohol use. It embraces a wide range of possibilities for positive change, including but not limited to abstinence. Harm reduction reminds us that change isn’t a zero-sum game — it’s incremental, and any step towards the life you want matters. Goals are client-driven — we’re focused on tapping into intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy, rather than telling you what to do.
Harm reduction also acknowledges that people are adaptive, and takes into consideration the social, cultural, intergenerational, and psychological forces that influence substance use. We approach drug and alcohol use with curiosity and compassion, rather than stigma or moral judgement.
What group members have said about HOT MESS
“Courtney’s comments and support and gentle challenges to our perspectives were spot on and felt really good.”
“The structure of each session, prompts, and Courtney’s facilitation created a safe space that allowed us to share, experience, and learn together. All the members were respectful and seemed like-minded with similar struggles, so it was easy to relate to each other.”
“I really liked the trying one small, achievable goal to shift behavior each week and that each person got to try what was specific to them and their journey.”
“I liked hearing directly from other people and realizing that there were so many similarities across our experiences.”
“I liked the steady, un-hurried pace and the balance between journaling and speaking. The grounding exercise and structure was easy to follow and felt safe. I learned about myself and my substance use not only currently, but retroactively too.”
“Safe to be honest with this group. Plenty of time/space to talk. Allowed for non abstinence approach which is better for some.”
“I particularly appreciated the facilitator's calm demeanor and clinical expertise, the strategic use of quotes and narratives to evoke engagement, and the quick "gelling" of the group as supportive.”
“Knowing we were all there for one purpose, or topic, made the experience really invigorating. Especially because talking about our addictions is kind of taboo most of the rest of the time. It was a relief to be able to talk about it, in all its dimensions, with like-minded people. Courtney did an excellent job of both keeping us focused (with prompts, etc.) and leaving room for spontaneous conversation and discoveries.”
“The members of the group were well chosen: there was some diversity of substances used, but lots of cultural affinity. Courtney quickly established safe and supportive containment and I admired well planned group sessions and Courtney's thoughtful interventions. Each poem or quote Courtney brought was generative and prompted insight in me and other participants. And, most of all, the group "worked" for me and I think other participants. I benefited from having a safe place to talk about substance use and also from seeing other participants process their experiences.”
Past Groups
HOT MESS
Harm Reduction Group
This harm reduction group supported people who are curious about their relationship with drugs and alcohol. The group met as a small, closed cohort, creating an intimate and consistent space for honest reflection, shared learning, and mutual support. Together members explored the roles substances play in their lives, the needs they may be responding to, and how they would like their relationship with substances to evolve alongside their own evolution. Members’ goals were self-defined and all goals were welcome and respected.
Winter Cohort: January 14 - February 18, 2026
Spring Cohort: March 18 - April 22, 2026
Emotions & Mindfulness Group
Co-facilitated by Courtney Stack and Nakhter Ahad (AMFT 129330) from 2024-2025, this harm reduction group at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation was for queer, gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men; trans and nonbinary folks; and other men who have sex with men. We explored the connections between emotions, mindfulness, and substance use for those considering changes in their relationship to drugs and alcohol. Sessions included meditation, somatic awareness exercises, and psychoeducation on mindfulness practice.
Tipping Point Group
Co-facilitated by Courtney Stack and Drew Hockman (LCSW 126299) from 2024-2025, this group at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation was for queer, gay, bisexual, and same-gender-loving men; trans and nonbinary folks; and other men who have sex with men. The group focused on supporting those considering changes in their relationship to alcohol, emphasizing harm reduction and providing psychoeducation.