Growing Together: A Parent Circle for Understanding, Connection, and Support

Program Overview

“Growing Together” is a supportive, skills-based group for parents and caregivers of children navigating emotional, behavioral, developmental, or learning differences. This group is a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and growth in understanding both your child and yourself as a caregiver.

Whether families are facing daily meltdowns, emotional outbursts, school challenges, or uncertainty about a child’s development, this group offers education, tools, and support rooted in compassion and practical strategies.

Grounded in evidence-based practices and family-centered care, Growing Together promotes connection over correction and empowers parents with real-life tools, peer support, and renewed confidence.

Group Purpose & Objectives

Purpose:

Reduce caregiver stress and isolation
Promote healthy emotional and behavioral patterns in the home
Provide insights into child behavior and regulation strategies
Build a strong community of support and understanding

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Objectives:

Better understand their child’s emotional and behavioral needs
Apply proactive and compassionate parenting tools
Build supportive routines and boundaries that reduce power struggles
Communicate more effectively and calmly during stressful situations
Strengthen self-awareness and resilience as caregivers

Target Population:

Parents, guardians, or caregivers of children aged 4–17 who:

Experience frequent emotional or behavioral challenges
Are managing school or learning struggles
May have or are being evaluated for diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing needs, trauma-related concerns, or developmental delays
Need support with transitions, routines, or home dynamics

This group is inclusive of all parenting journeys, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been made.

Group Format

Duration: 8-week closed group
Session Length: 90 minutes
Day/Time: Mondays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (time flexible based on group needs)
Location: Apple Psychological (in-person) OR secure Telehealth platform
Facilitator: JoAnn Palopoli, MSEd, LP-MHC
Group Size: 6–10 participants (closed after Week 1)

Session Structure

Each session follows a consistent structure:

Welcome & Check-In
Mini-Lesson or Topic Discussion (15–20 minutes)
Guided Reflection or Sharing
Practical Skill or Activity
Parent-to-Parent Peer Support
Takeaway Practice or Home Reflection

Weekly Topics

Week 1: Grounded & Growing

Building community, group norms, parenting with intention.

Week 2: The Behavior Beneath

Understanding behaviors as communication.

Week 3: Regulation Starts with Us

Parent stress, emotional modeling, and co-regulation.

Week 4: Boundaries Without Battles

Setting realistic, kind limits and structure

Week 5: Triggers & Tensions

Recognizing personal stress patterns and responding calmly.

Week 6: Advocating for Your Child

Working with schools, providers, and support systems.

Week 7: Tools That Empower

Scripts, strategies, visuals, rewards, natural consequences.

Week 8: Reflection & Renewal

Recognizing growth, building future support plans.

Materials & Resources

Weekly resource packets and behavior tools
Visuals, scripts, and sample home strategies
Community support guides and resource referrals
Access to a secure email list or private Google folder
Optional family-friendly reading and podcast recommendations

Therapeutic Framework

Positive Discipline and Collaborative Problem Solving
CBT-Informed Parent Coaching
Attachment and Emotion-Focused Parenting
Strengths-Based and Developmental Approaches

Outcomes Measurement

Pre- and post-group reflections to gauge stress levels, confidence, and skill use
Weekly check-ins or anonymous journaling prompts
Optional follow-up sessions or check-ins available for ongoing support

Referral & Enrollment Process

Referral by Apple Psychological clinicians, school teams, pediatricians, or self-referral
Brief intake conversation to ensure appropriate fit (15minutes)
Consent form and welcome packet provided upon enrollment
Flexible payment options or insurance-supported billing available

Program Benefits for Apple Psychological

Enhances family engagement and clinical retention
Expands support services beyond individual child sessions
Reinforces Apple Psychological’s commitment to whole-family care
Builds community reputation as a center for caregiver empowerment

Contact for Enrollment or Questions

JoAnn Palopoli, MSEd, LP-MHC
📧 joann@applepsychological.com
📍 Apple Psychological Services
Roslyn, NY | Phone: [914]288-6435
🌐 www.applepsychological.com

Please Fill Out The Form to Join Our Group

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