SNAP CLASSES
The SNAP classes began
in the early 1980's because we realized that we perceived much of therapy
as education. While our original training was to see an individual a few
times and then introduce them into a therapy group, that seemed like an
ineffective approach, especially since many people did not know what a
therapy group was or what to expect. We also at that time wanted people
to have a positive group experience and to incorporate that they could
leave Meramec Counseling and therapy at any time they chose. So we built
in time-limited classes with endings. Our classes are 10 - 15 weeks long,
two hours a week. A this point, all classes are on weekday evenings. We
teach Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced classes. After taking all
three time-limited classes, clients have the option of joining on-going
therapy groups.
Originally called Anger
Classes, the SNAP classes were re-named around 15 years ago when we knew
that anger was only a part of what we were trying to teach. SNAP stands
for Self-Nurturing, Anger and Problem-solving.
These are the four major focuses of the class. Meramec Counseling teaches
men’s and women’s classes separately. Self-Nurturing is a cornerstone of
the kind of therapy we do. People do not really know how to take care of
themselves, even when they are trying their very best. We teach simple
skills to help individuals talk to themselves and treat themselves in a
respectful, caring manner. Many people seem to have some problem dealing
with anger. They either cannot express anger at all or they may express
it ineffectively in an aggressive or passive-aggressive manner. They may
have difficulty knowing what to do when someone is angry with them. We
teach how to give and receive feedback (criticism) in effective ways. We
also teach how to problem-solve everyday conflicts so that a person can be
comfortable in an honest give and take of normal interpersonal irritations
and concerns. You might say that we teach interpersonal communication
skills for the average person who wants to better their relationships with
family and friends.
The two ground rules of
the class are that members maintain confidentiality of others attending
the classes. This means that no one’s name or stories are taken by class
members outside of the classroom. The other ground rule in the beginning
class is that no one shares what they do for a living until the last night
of class. This levels the playing field and keeps competition to a
minimum for the first 14 weeks. Group members can get to know each other
for how you come across rather than for what they do for a living. Years
ago, before adopting this practice as a rule, a housewife and an attorney
were in the same group and before two weeks were over, the one-up and
one-down dynamic had gone into play. It was a lesson learned the hard
way. After having a positive group experience, group members guess on the
last night of class what their classmates do for a living. In the
advanced level groups, identifying career choices is part of the class
because more advanced groups deal with competition and power issues, so
the “sibling rivalry” can be addressed and problem-solved.
The classes are divided
so that the facilitator can teach the skills we want to impart. They also
function as a lab for students to try on feedback skills in a low-threat
environment. There are exercises to help integrate skills taught. There
is time to share from one’s personal life for feedback or support. Group
interaction is encouraged and we teach from interactions as they occur
(group process).
Melinda Fry, PLPC,
teaches the Beginning and Intermediate Women’s Classes. Donna Kitchen,
LCSW, teaches the Advanced Classes and the Men’s Classes.
Fees: $400 per
time-limited class.
Advanced classes/therapy
groups: $115 per month payable in advance.
