Fall 2012 “Now What?” series.

A group for post-high school young adults with social-communication challenges.

 Communication Options, Challenges, and Supports

The focus of this series is managing communication in various contexts, and understanding learning differences.

Topics will include:

• How to recognize and manage different perspectives.
• Uses, advantages, and limitations of electronic and social media.
• Self-disclosure (how much, when, why or why not etc.).
• Communication in different relationships.
• Identification of learning styles and differences.
• Managing the stress and anxiety that accompanies social communication.
• The group may discuss the basics of disability law in the context of self-disclosure and work/school settings. Please note, we do not have legal expertise, but will provide resources for finding information.

Group Schedule:

Introductory meeting for members and families: Wednesday, September 19 2012, 7:00-8:00 pm.

First of 12 group sessions: Wednesday, September 26 2012. 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
No group on October 10, 2012
Thanksgiving week, group will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

Location:
7739 SW Capitol Hwy, suite 220
Portland OR, 97219
Intake Interview:
New members must schedule a 30 minute interview prior to the start of the series.

Cost: $55 per session

Recommended: One or two individual meetings during the course of the series at $55, the cost of the group sessions.

Insurance may cover the cost of the groups. Vocational Rehabilitation may cover costs of one series, for individuals with open files.
 
For more detailed information, or to schedule an intake:
Call or email Peggy Piers
Email: piers.p@comcast.net
Phone/fax: 503-977-2411

download pdf: fall 2012flyer

It is our experience that adult relationships most often develop around shared activities and interests. Peggy Piers M.Ed. and Veronica Sautter, SLP are offering 4 evenings for facilitated social get-togethers.

These 2 hour events may include games, snacks, conversation, and/or activities that foster social connections. Peggy and Roni will assist participants with initiating contacts, communication, negotiation, prioritizing, and decision-making as needed. If weather permits, we may meet at a nearby park. Bocce Ball anyone? (Plan “B” will be at the office of Peggy Piers.)

The following four evenings are available for 2 hour facilitated social gatherings.

•  Wednesday June 27, 2012
• Wednesday August 1, 2012
• Wednesday August 15, 2012
• Wednesday August 29, 2012

We will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Peggy’s office:

7739 SW Capitol Hwy, suite #220

Portland OR, 97219

● Registration for each evening is required one week in advance of the scheduled date.

● Each Social Evening requires minimum of 8 committed participants. If there are not 8 participants by one week prior to the event, we will notify those who have signed up, that the event is cancelled.

● Fee for each evening is $30. This will include our services, snacks and available games and activities. Members are welcome and encouraged to bring games or snacks to share with the group as well.

If you are interested in attending, and have not been in a “Now What?” series, or met with Peggy or Roni, please schedule a free 30 minute meeting time prior to the sign-up deadline.

Please call or email to sign up for any or all of the above dates. We welcome participants to suggest games, projects, or other activities that support socialization.

To Sign up for any or all of the above evenings please email or call:

Peggy Piers, M.Ed.-counseling

email : piers.p@comcast.net

-cancelled-

Summer Series for Young Adults with Cognitive-Social Challenges

A “Now What?” mini-series

For Young Adults Ages 18 and Older

Facilitated by Peggy Piers, M.Ed.-counseling, and Veronica (Roni) Sautter, M.S. CCC-SLP

Participants in this series of 6 groups will explore the ever-expanding varieties of communication. These will include:

• Identifying communication strengths and preferences.
• Face-to-face contact and non-verbal cues.
• Uses, risks, and limitations of various electronic communication including social media, texting, and e-mail.
• Auditory communication (phone and listening to vocal cues).
• Tools and devices that support communication.
• Articulating supports for specific challenges, and self-advocacy.

Transition from K–12 to post–high-school education or employment poses new and sometimes overwhelming challenges. Individuals are often expected to identify their own challenges and advocate for their own services or accommodations. Identifying specific challenges and suggesting appropriate supports is a step toward self-advocacy.

The group will briefly address the laws that apply to disability as well as how to articulate their own needs. This is not a “legal” seminar. We will share the most basic information that explains the change in social thinking and expectations after K–12.

When challenges are clearly identified, an individual can more confidently advocate for themselves and understand what they can ask for and expect.

New members: please schedule a free 30 minute intake interview.

Six consecutive Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00pm.

Dates: May 23 2012 to June 27, 2012

Location:  Synergy Autism Center

7739 SW Capitol Hwy, suite 220

Portland OR, 97219

Cost: Six-session series $360.00.

Please inquire about possible insurance billing or Vocational Rehabilitation eligibility.

Email or call for more information and to get on the mailing list for future groups.

Peggy Piers, M.Ed.-counseling

Phone: (503) 977-2411    email : piers.p@comcast.net

Peggy Piers and Roni Sautter

 Tools, Support, and Social Experience for post-high school Young Adults with Asperger’s and Other Social-Thinking and Behavioral Challenges.

This series will focus on tools for identifying individual strengths, priorities, and choices. Group members will work on their own goals by using the skills they have to explore immediate and future goals. The group sessions will include self-assessment, shared experiences and pragmatic/social communication.

The winter series will begin with an informational meeting for all interested members and their families on January 25, 2012, at 7, pm at 7739 SW Capitol Hwy, suite 220, Portland OR, 97219.
Group meetings for members will begin on February 1, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00pm pm at the above location.

 New Members:
If you are interested in joining the group and have not scheduled an appointment to meet with me, please schedule your complimentary appointment before September 9, 2011.

 If we have already met, please call or email to let me know how many will be at the January 26^th meeting.

 This meeting is open to prospective members and family members/caretakers. At that meeting Roni and I will have the group outline and more details about the groups. I have very much enjoyed meeting with some prospective members already.

 Returning Members:
If you have decided to join this series please, fill out an “Intent to attend” form (attached to email) and return it as soon as possible. Also, call or email to let me know how many will be attending the informational meeting on January 25th.

Roni and I are excited about the new series. We look forward to hearing from you.

Peggy Piers M.Ed.-counseling
Email: piers.p@comcast.net
Phone: 503-977-2411
Web: http://peggypiers.com/
and
Roni Sautter M.S. CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

“Now What?” groups Winter 2012

 Addressing topics such as:

•  How do I handle friendships?
•  How do I use my strengths?
•  College?  Job?  Work?  School?
•  More independence.
•  Keeping myself safe.
•  Taking the perspective of others.

 Now Accepting Registration for Fall 2011 Groups
(New members schedule an interview before the start of the first group)

$55 per 90-minute group. 12 weekly meetings.
Group size: 8-12 members.
Skills Notebook and other materials included.
Information for insurance billing available.
Vendor for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Day and Time:

Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Date:

Members and families informational meeting September 14, 2011
Weekly groups beginning September 21, 2011

NEW LOCATION:

7739 SW Capitol Hwy, suite 220
Portland OR, 97219

To register, or for more information, contact:

Peggy Piers, M.Ed.-counseling  
(503) 977-2411
Email: piers.p@comcast.net

Co-facilitator: Veronica (Roni) Sautter, M.S. CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

Printable Flyer for Fall 2011 Now What Group

Peggy Piers M.Ed.Newsletter
Issue#:1Volume#:1 Author:Peggy Piers
Phone: 503-977-2411,
email: piers.p@comcast.net
NEW WEBSITE:  http://peggypiers.com/

News and Information: New office space – More office hours – New groups – More resources

NEW OFFICE SPACE: In November 2010, I moved  into an office at the new ARRO Community Center, 2360 SW 170th Avenue, Beaverton OR. 97006.  The Center adjoins the Tualatin Nature Reserve, and has a lovely outdoor area. (Look for the Project Pace sign.)The new location provides expanded opportunities for groups, and more available hours to schedule appointments.My practice still includes general counseling as well as individuals and families who are coping with “invisible disabilities.”Appointments may be scheduled in the Lake Oswego office by special arrangement. More office hours.New groups.More resources.

NEXT “NOW WHAT?”SERIES A group for young adults with  cognitive-social challenges.

The next group is scheduled for February 16th, 2011. The group will meet At the ARRO Center, on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.It will again be co-facilitated by Veronica “Roni” Sautter S.L.P.

FREE INTRODUCTORY MEETING: February 2, 2011, 6:30 pm.
PLEASE CALL/email TO LET US KNOW YOU WILL ATTEND. It helps our planning to know how many will be there.

For more information.
Call: 503-977-2411
Email: piers.p@comcast.net

FUTURE GROUPS: 

• Parent Seminars
• Young Adult Recreation—Unplugged,

Parent Seminars:  Topics for discussion will include “Transitions and a parent’s changing role”, “Managing Anxiety”, “Finding Resources (a full-time hobby?)”, “Safety and Supports.” Family and support persons may suggest topics of interest. Day and time TBAIn the planning stage:

Young Adult Recreation:  An evening of social contact, for young adults with cognitive-social challenges. Non-electronic games, activities. Electronics are great, but here’s a chance to meet in a real rather than virtual setting. Facilitators available for support. 
OTHER NEWS AND RESOURCES:
Full Life (formerly Portland Supported Employment)http://www.full-lifepdx.com/Full Life has a new program called Tech St. It is a job-preparation program for youth who are interested in HTML/tech related employment. I will be doing a cognitive-social component with them.
                                                                           
ARRO Westside Community Center: http://arroautism.org/                   

To view or download a pdf version of this newsletter click here.

A group for young adults with  cognitive-social challenges.

The next series is scheduled for February 16^th, 2011. The group will meet At the ARRO Center, on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
It will again be co-facilitated by Veronica “Roni” Sautter S.L.P.

FREE INTRODUCTORY MEETING:
February 2, 2011, 6:30 pm.
Please call/email to let us know you will attend. It helps our planning to know how many will be there.

For more information:

Phone: 503-977-2411

Email: piers.p@comcast.net