An integral part of the services offered at OjaiCARES are the regularly scheduled support groups.
While not exactly therapy in the traditional sense, our support groups exist as a complementary service to medical treatment to provide forums for patients and their loved ones to meet with others who are experiencing similar situations. Led by experienced peer facilitators, social workers or licensed therapists, support groups are known to yield positive outcomes for those who regularly attend, who with compassion and understanding, can relate to their peers in ways others simply cannot.
Call 805-646-6433 for information or email info@ojaicares.org.
Caregiver Support Group
It can be difficult for caregivers to make time for themselves, or even to ask for help. Yet, to go the distance with a loved one who has cancer requires allowing oneself to receive care, in addition to giving care. Isolation can increase distress, so our Caregiver Support Group is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment where cancer caregivers can receive understanding, compassion, and support to help maintain their own wellness. Self-empowerment combines with empowerment through community, as members discover and share inner and outer resources with one another, give one another emotional and practical support, and learn they are not alone. Here, we share challenges, triumphs, hopes, fears, joys, and strategies for maximizing well-being, comfort, and peace.
Meets first and third Monday of the month in-person 1:00 – 2:30pm at Ojai United Methodist Church 120 Church Rd, Ojai
Call us at 805.646.6433 for more information
Grief Support Group
Grief is the normal response to loss and affects all areas of our lives, but just because it’s normal doesn’t make it easy. This group offers monthly support through the tender time of anticipating and/or following loss. This is a time to develop a better understanding of grief, practice healthy coping skills, and connect in a safe and supportive environment with others who are experiencing loss. This group is open to the whole community, not just OjaiCARES clients.
In-person, drop in group meets every Tuesday 10:30 -11:30am. Additional groups 1st and 3rd Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm at Ojai United Methodist Church 120 Church Rd., Ojai
Call us at 805.646.6433 for more information
Circle of Life
Find support and community as together we explore conscious living and dying & all the messy parts in between. Learn to support yourself and your loved ones in challenging times of life-transitions, experience personal growth, reduce fear and increase connection by focusing on the shared human experience.
Facilitator, Cheserae (Ta) Scala found her life’s mission working as a death midwife. She has spent the last 7 years studying the process of mystical death through transpersonal psychology and learning about how to support and facilitate end of life care. Cheserae has committed to sharing this work with families, groups, and individuals. She currently works as a death doula, and offers end of life support, death care directives, after death care, home funeral planning and ceremony, as well as classes and programs for those interested in learning more about death and dying work.
Second Thursdays of the month, 4 pm. In -person at Alquimia Wellness, 445 W. El Roblar Dr. Meiners Oaks -Open to the public. Free registration required.
Call us at 805.646.6433 for more information
Cancer Support Group
The cancer support group provides a safe space to connect with others coping with any type and stage of cancer and is led by a medical social worker who provides emotional and practical support.
- A cancer support group can:
- Reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and distress
- Help learn new ways of coping
- Increases feelings of hope and empowerment
- Provide you with practical information, treatment and resources
- Help you communicate better with your medical team and loved ones
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 5:30pm – 6:45pm. In-person at In-person at Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Rd. Ojai