And she trained the two therapists who facilitate her groups. The groups have 5-12 members, with family encouraged to attend. A 418-page manual, which is given to participants in four pieces. Homework is assigned at each lesson. A synopsis of each lesson, mailed to every group member between sessions.
Audio tapes are also available to patients for a small charge.
Free 10-minute telephone consults are available to patients during the program, continuing as needed afterward. At lesson six, a phone list is handed out, and clients are encouraged to call each other for support. Most participants suffer from agoraphobia, though some have asocial phobia, panic disorder, OCD, and generalized anxiety disorders. She subcontracts with two LCSWs to facilitate the groups, doing the assessments and individual sessions herself. The rest use managed care and traditional insurance.