Recovery Workshops and Support Groups

Power of Peers (POP Program)

Power of Peers (POP) behavioral health program links Peers with Natural Supports upon discharge from Crisis Stabilization Units.

The average length of admittance to a Baker Act receiving facility or crisis unit is between three and five days. There are many circumstances that lead to an individual arriving on a unit but little time to address environments or relational issues that contribute to admittance. A five-day stay may be appropriate for prescription management or detoxification, but this length of stay becomes problematic when the individual lacks resources to provide an effective transition from the facility back to the community.

The facility is able to connect the person served with behavioral health specialists, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and therapists, but many persons served are lacking in fundamental human connection in the community.

Some return to circumstances so difficult to manage that they become overwhelmed and return to a state that calls for duplicated efforts, usually to similar effect. This can quickly become a habit for an individual seeking solutions from acute care environments: first, because there seems to be little else to do, then because that environment becomes what the individual understands as help.

Sometimes, what is necessary for the individual is to find a place where they feel accepted. Making contact with an individual leaving a crisis unit is a powerful way of saying “You are not alone.” The connection begun in a place of assessment and evaluation and has the potential to become a natural support, a place to develop trust and rapport. Power of Peers engages with folks on the unit independent of clinical staff but attend treatment team meetings and communicate with staff, always with the consent of the individual being served.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Support Groups for people with behavioral disorders follow a common theme and purpose. All groups operate under the guidance of a trained facilitator.

Everyone is provided the opportunity to speak. All attendees are encouraged to share their issues and experiences relating to the groups focus.

Support groups offer opportunities for sharing stories and giving members the opportunity to hear what has worked for others along the road to recovery.

We do not offer therapy, although attending groups tends to have a therapeutic effect. We do not offer advice but rather encourage people to take what is right for them and leave what is not.

Regardless of diagnosis, we invite all members to attend any group they wish with the understanding the facilitator has the option to guide the discussion.

MEANINGFUL CONNECTION CLUB

BEYOND ADDICTION

Connection is an essential wellness tool, and this club is a space where members can feel included, supported, and part of something real. Inspired by principles from MHA National’s It’s My Life program — which helps people build social supports, set meaningful goals, and move beyond isolation — this interactive group uses familiar ice‑breaker activities reimagined through a peer support lens to explore connection, communication, and resilience.

These activities and discussions help members practice authentic connection, strengthen social skills, and build community. Facilitated using approaches developed by Tera from her experience leading supportive peer groups, the club emphasizes inclusion, engagement, and shared learning.

Beyond Addiction is a peer-led, peer-focused support group focused on attaining and maintain sobriety from various addictions. Beyond Addiction takes a whole health approach by examining lifestyle, triggers, self-care, prevention, and possibility aside from the addiction or substance misuse. This group is focused on healing and sustainable choices to work through addiction(s) and beyond.

The Seth Line 

It is said that we live as long as we are remembered. Gail and Chuck Stambaugh have assured a legacy for their son Seth and an asset for our community through the Seth Line, created in his memory to provide a supportive listener for people facing the challenges of living with behavioral illnesses.

Even during periods of hospitalization, Seth was never far from his caring family. With their support and love, the entire family helped Seth to realize strengths that helped him to move into the community. Shortly after Seth’s passing, the Stambaugh’s were introduced to the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida by community advocate and EPIC honoree Jack Kuhn who sensed that a “match” was possible. How right he was. Gail and Chuck embraced the concept of a warm line to offer the same support that Seth himself enjoyed through family and community friendships.

Establishing the warm line was just the first step in the Stambaugh’s efforts. From the line’s inception, they took active roles, pursuing funding, giving generously of themselves, helping to motivate volunteers, and serving weekly as Seth Line phone listeners. Gail and Chuck Stambaugh represent family values in the best possible way, not just for their immediate family but for the extended family that they have adopted and embraced. They are our family and we are proud to celebrate them.

Social Belonging

Social Belonging is a goal-oriented group based on It’s My Life, an evidence-based program originally developed by Mental Health America. Led in a life-coaching format, this group is designed to reduce isolation and strengthen meaningful connection for individuals living with mental health challenges. Participants identify personal barriers to connection, build actionable goals, and develop practical strategies to create fuller, more socially engaged lives. At its core, It’s My Life empowers individuals to take ownership of their growth, expand their support networks, and redefine what community and belonging look like for them.

Live Mentally Healthy

Live Mentally Healthy is a peer-led, peer-focused group centered on building and sustaining mental wellness in everyday life. Through shared experience and open discussion, participants explore topics such as personal growth, mental health awareness, self-directed strategies, healthy habits, and practical, common-sense approaches to maintaining well-being. This group invites members to reflect on what truly matters in their lives and examine the choices, boundaries, and daily practices that support long-term mental wellness. Grounded in peer support and real-life application, Live Mentally Healthy is about creating balance, purpose, and resilience — together.

B4Stage4

B4Stage4 is an initiative of Mental Health America focused on recognizing and responding to the early warning signs of mental health challenges. Just as we prioritize prevention and early intervention for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, mental health deserves the same proactive approach. This group explores practical strategies for early identification, self-awareness, and preventative care — helping participants take action before challenges escalate into crises. B4Stage4 empowers individuals to understand their mental health, recognize changes early, and seek support at the first signs — not the fourth stage.

Acquiring Tools for Recovery

Depression and Anxiety Support

SMART Map

This whole-health focused group helps members reflect on their personal goals, strengths, and needs. Using Goals, Strengths, and Needs, participants explore areas of growth, including mood, anxiety, stability, and overall wellness. Members guide their own journey toward whole health using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set clear, attainable goals and track their progress over time. Members are invited to self-reflect, track changes over time, and receive peer mentoring support in an encouraging environment. The group promotes accountability, empowerment, and practical strategies for sustained well-being. Time is dedicated to open feedback and shared reflection, incorporating gratitude as a grounding practice and reinforcing progress.

 

#4Mind4Body

Our whole health approach includes nurturing the body as well as the mind. Mindful Movement is a yoga course specifically designed for those with mental health concerns and who hope to improve their physicality in a peaceful environment. This meditative fitness group helps participants center themselves, improve their flexibility, and build strength. Our group is typically led by a real yoga instructor and accommodates those with physical restrictions. Join us for Mindful Movement to begin or continue your health journey.

Evidence Based Recovery Workshops

WHAM (Whole Health Action Management)

Our wellness activities incorporate WHAM principles by emphasizing whole-person wellness and self-directed growth. Members are encouraged to explore the 10 health and resiliency factors, reflect on patterns and strengths, and set realistic, meaningful goals. Rather than focusing only on symptom management, our programs support individuals in building balance across physical, emotional, and social wellness, creating personalized pathways toward sustainable recovery and well-being.

It's My Life

It’s My Life is an evidence-based program developed by Mental Health America (MHA) that combines life coaching with social self-directed care for individuals with serious mental illnesses. The program helps participants set personal goals, build social connections, and enhance overall quality of life.

At 9Muses, many of our wellness offerings are informed by It’s My Life, using its evidence-based strategies to guide members in exploring their Goals, Strengths, and Needs, strengthening peer connections, and taking meaningful steps toward personal recovery and well-being.

WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

Our wellness activities weave WRAP principles throughout with a focus on Goals, Strengths, and Needs, helping members proactively prevent crises and respond effectively when challenges arise. Through guided activities, reflection, and collaborative planning, participants identify personal triggers, explore coping strategies, and create actionable plans. WRAP supports connecting with trusted peers, healthcare providers, friends, and family to maintain stability, build resilience, and promote overall wellness.