Group and Workshop

Offerings for the Public

Group Offerings for the Public

  • (Im)perfect: A group for women who would like to let go of who they are “supposed to be.”

    Embark on a transformative journey with Nes Pinar, LMFT, in our exclusive group sessions designed for individuals seeking growth and self-discovery.

    If you resonate with at least three of the following statements:

    You feel like whatever you do, it is neverenough.

    You tend to be anxious about letting people down.

    It is hard for you to sit down and just relax or have fun.

    You tend to overextend yourself, but you often don’t realize this until after the fact.

    You tend to focus on what you are failing to do versus what you accomplish in your life.

    Other people tend to disappoint you, OR it seems like everyone else seems to be “better” than you.

    Your life is full of “supposed to’s” that you apply to yourself and others.

    You hate ambiguity, you want to know “What, When, and How,” and you want to know it “Now!”

    This group is tailor-made for you!

    Take the first step towards positive change. If not now, when?

    EVENT DETAILS:

    For 10-weeks on Mondays from 12:30 pm to 2 pm (additional evening group possible with sufficient interest).

    Investment: $85 per session ($50 off in total, if paid in full by the first session)

    Advance registration is required.

    Facilitator: Nes Pinar, LMFT ( A perfectionist in-recovery)

    Location: EBTC - 251 Lafayette Circle Suite 330

    To register or learn more, send an email to nespinar@gmail.com.

  • After Losing a Loved One

    Step into a compassionate space by joining Nes Pinar, LMFT, a Certified Grief-Informed Counselor. Together, we'll navigate the intricacies of grief and loss, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing and understanding.

    If you've experienced the profound loss of someone who ended their own life, and find yourself grappling with complex emotions and unanswered questions, this group offers a space to connect with others on a similar path.

    If you resonate with these experiences:

    Someone you loved ended their own life.

    - You keep searching for answers, trying to understand “why”.

    - You keep re-playing all the “what if” scenarios in your head.

    - You keep looking for someone to blame (including yourself) and hope you will feel better once you know.

    - No matter how hard you try, you cannot have “closure,” whatever that is!

    - Your grief feels so complicated and so heavy you are struggling in your daily life.

    - You’re tired of hearing your friends and family saying all the cliches, no matter how well-intentioned they are.

    This is an opportunity to try something different. Let’s come together with others who are on the same path and find the support you need.

    EVENT DETAILS:

    Wednesdays, 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

    Investment: $100 per session with strong encouragement for weekly attendance.

    Limited to 6 people each week; advance registration is required.

    Facilitator: Nes Pinar, LMFT

    Location: EBTC - 251 Lafayette Circle Suite 330

    To register or learn more, send an email to nespinar@gmail.com.

    This group provides a space for shared understanding and support as you navigate the complexities of grief.

  • Caregivers of Neurodiverse Kids Group

    Do you ever feel like you're navigating a world designed for a different kind of kid? You're not alone. Being a caregiver of a neurodiverse child can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges and emotions. This therapy group is a safe and supportive space for you to connect with other caregivers who understand exactly what you're going through.

    This group is for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Twice Exceptionality, ADHD, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other neurodiversities; Moms who are feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or alone in their parenting journey; Parents who are seeking validation, understanding, and practical tools for managing daily life. Your child does not have to have a diagnosis for you to join. If you relate to the description, you are welcome.

    We will share experiences and challenges, gain insight and perspective from other moms who “get it”, celebrate your victories, and find strength in shared experiences. You will develop a sense of community and belonging.

    6+ Week Group Therapy Program:

    Virtual Program: $330 / $50 per session

    Thursdays - 3/14 - 4/25 (No session 4/4)

    Time: 12 PM -1:30 PM (feel free to bring your lunch)

    It's 6+ because it can be ongoing beyond 6 weeks if enough group members would like to continue!

    Email Deb@debshell.com to get signed up.

    Deb Shell, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, supervised by Nes Pinar, LMFT

  • Raising Neurodiverse Kids - Q&A Session with Deb Shell, AMFT

    Discover valuable insights and support as a parent, caregiver, or teacher of a neurodiverse child in this thoughtfully crafted workshop.

    While acknowledging the challenges, we recognize the profound rewards that come with guiding neurodiverse children towards happiness and well-being.

    Key Topics Include:

    Understanding neurodiversity and its significance.

    Exploring common neurodiverse conditions and their impact on children.

    Nurturing the development of your neurodiverse child at home and in school.

    Creating an inclusive environment that supports your child's needs.

    Strategies for navigating the challenges of parenting a neurodiverse child.

    Benefits of Participation:

    Gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.

    Receive practical insights into supporting your child's development.

    Learn to foster inclusivity in your child's environment.

    Navigate the parenting journey with valuable coping strategies.

    This is an opportunity to connect with Deb Shell, AMFT, and fellow parents, sharing experiences and gaining valuable knowledge. Join us on this journey towards fostering happiness and health in neurodiverse children.

    EVENT DETAILS:

    Dates: TBD

    Location: TBD

    Email Deb@debshell.com to get signed up.

  • Binge Eating & Self-Compassion: A Trauma Informed Healing Approach

    Led by Erica Thomas, LMFT.

    You’ve promised yourself it won’t happen again, but there you are, standing in front of the fridge at midnight or nursing a stomachache after another sugar binge, wondering why you keep doing this. This workshop offers a new way to understand what’s really going on. Rather than trying to control or shame yourself into change, you’ll learn how binge eating can be a response to emotional pain, and how self-compassion can gently interrupt that cycle. Through simple, powerful practices grounded in both research and real-life experience, you’ll begin to relate to yourself with more understanding and less judgment. Whether you're supporting others in healing or navigating this struggle yourself, you’ll leave with insight, a guided self-compassion practice, and a take-home tool to help you respond more kindly and effectively the next time the urge to binge arises.

    Bio: Erica Thomas is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She has a Master’s Degree in Integral Counseling Psychology. She has over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families navigating trauma, addiction, neurodivergence, and disordered eating. Erica now specializes in helping clients heal emotional and binge eating through the lens of self-compassion. Drawing from training with Dr. Kristin Neff as well as training in Mindfulness Based stress Reduction and her training in eating disorder treatment. She leads workshops for both clients and professionals, blending clinical expertise with warmth, clarity, and presence. To learn more about Erica, please visit https://ericathomaslmft.com.

    Saturday, June 21, 2025

    2 PM - 4 PM

    EBTC - 251 Lafayette Circle Suite 330

    Fee: Free

    To register: send an email to eastbaytherapistcommunity@gmail.com

  • Open House

    Ribbon Cutting/Open House

    Please join us for our ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate our one-year anniversary in our new location and being a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. We are also celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our Lafayette practice!  

    Our office provides psychotherapy and neurofeedback for children, teens, and adults. We also host the East Bay Therapists Community (EBTC), which is a social and educational hub for mental health therapists.

    We hope to get to know each other at our event through some fun & simple group games. 

    Please visit www.nespinar.com by the event date to subscribe to our e-mail list for a chance to win a wellness basket.

    To register:
    https://cca.lafayettechamber.org/EvtListing.aspx?dbid2=CALAF&evtid=122353&class=E