Therapy Groups & Activities

Life skills are constantly taught and reinforced within all our programs and services focusing on the needs of the individual and their unique disability. We offer many groups, therapies and outings that help provide a sense of connection.

Choir, Drum Circles, Dance, even Zumba!

Moving to the beat, reacting to cues are all part of the whole person development. These groups allow a participant to be more abstract, allows them to utilize and experience other senses and are just fun. Dance therapy and Choir are available weekly. Drum Circle is a monthly gathering.

Horticulture and Pet Therapy

Taking care of other forms of life is a learned skill. Planting and petting are more than just fun, we learn to nurture and it teaches responsibility. These groups are available on a weekly basis.

Community Integration

Various outings are offered for our participants:

• Taking walks to a local park for picnic lunch or going to the zoo
• Movies, Bowling, Snack Shop or Games. Participants engage in discussions, learn to work together as a team and get some exercise. 
• Delivering books to homebound residents in collaboration with Skokie Public Library
• A library visit with the Next Chapter Book Club at the Skokie Public Library, where adults with disabilities are invited to read and discuss books selected by group members. Or check out something on the mobile book library when it comes to the center. 
• Even going to the grocery store has the potential for exploration. Picking out healthy foods, learning about money and budgeting, then practicing basic kitchen skills and meal planning helps fosters independence. 
• A group outing to a restaurant where the clients order food, practice table manners and social skills 
• Mall visits: As simple as it may sound, a walk to Walmart or a trip to the mall to purchase items, eat in the food court or buy lunch is a big deal. 

These are just sample of the BIG, little things the participants do in the community weekly.

 

Women’s Group, Men’s Group and Let’s Talk

These groups are designed to allow participants a safe, positive and non-judgmental environment to help them explore and express their daily struggles and past experience. These groups take a mental health approach to client treatment. The Douglas Center realizes that there are a number of participants that are with duel diagnosis. These groups are held on a weekly basis.