I believe that even during times of pain, panic, or despair, we all share an underlying quality of basic sanity and wisdom.

Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and confusion are like a car's warning light, they signal a need to replenish one's energy, pay attention to self-care and maintenance or replace worn out habitual patterns with mindul behavior more in tune with one's core values.

I am optimistic about our capacity for change when the process of therapy is tailored to the individual instead of a pre-determined one size fits all system. Some people enter therapy with a specific problem they want to solve. Others are interested in achieving a broader purpose such as psychological growth and self-understanding. I am happy to help you define and work towards a goal which best meets your needs. In the safe space created by compassionate understanding and gentle humor, I facilitate self-discovery through skillful questionning. At other times, I teach coping skills such as mindfulness, relaxation, effective communication and assertiveness. In my work I draw from my training in cognitive-behavior therapy, family systems approaches, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, Buddhist psychology and mindfulness meditation, and Acceptance and Committment Therapy.

Mindful Group Therapy is a weekly practice of mindful interaction with men and women.

The presence of a variety of personalities makes it likely that each member’s habitual patterns of thinking feeling and behaving will be evoked. Group therefore becomes a safe place in which to recognize these patterns and learn how to move beyond them toward honesty, intimacy and love.

Each session will begin with ten minutes of mindfulness meditation so that members can slow themselves down and enter into the here and now. Members are encouraged to have a regular mindfulness practice between group sessions.

The group contract is that members agree:

1. To express one’s thoughts and feelings toward the other group members as those thoughts and feelings arise in the present moment.
2. If one is unable to do this (or to fulfill any other part of the contract), to discuss with the group why not.
3. Attacking is not allowed. For example, an appropriate expression of feeling might start with a description of it and why one has it: “I feel…because…” An attack might start with, “You are a…” and will cause people to react with fear, anger, or guilt, stopping communication, which defeats the purpose. When an individual attacks, or in any other way seeks to influence or alter another’s behavior, the attacker loses awareness of what they are feeling and doing.
4. To tell the emotionally significant story of one’s life (not an autobiography, but historical information appropriate to the moment, explaining why one acts and reacts the way one does).
5. To take a roughly equal part of the talking time and to help others do the same.
6. To understand the other group members and put that understanding into words.
7. To put everything into words rather than physical action.
8. To maintain confidentiality. For the group to work and be a safe place for its members, it is absolutely necessary that other group members never be identified to someone outside the group.
9. A twelve week commitment is expected. Please understand that you are not expected to have finished your work In 12 weeks; your commitment can be renegotiated at that time.
10. Your presence is expected at each group meeting. You will become an important part of the group and will be missed. In addition, you will find it harder to trust and connect with others if you cannot attend regularly. If an absence is unavoidable, please call and let us know. You have four “free” absences per calendar year; after the free absences you will be charged.
11. When you decide to leave the group, please give the group at least a two week notice so that everyone has  a chance to process your leaving and say goodbye.
12. The group is to be used for therapeutic, not social purposes. We therefore require that all significant interactions between group members which occur outside of group sessions be reported to the group in the next session. The purpose of this rule is to prevent the development of secrets which might undermine the group process.

Time: I do one group on Wednesdays and one on Thursdays. Both meet from 4:30 to 6:00.
Fee: $75 per session. Preferred One, Blue Cross, BHP, and Magellan insurance accepted.

For More Information Contact:
Scott Kamilar, Ph.D., ABPP, LP
8085 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 216
Golden Valley, MN 55426 
612-296-7942

Scott Kamilar, Ph.D., ABPP, LP
8085 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 216
Golden Valley, MN 55426

Phone: 612-296-7942

E-Mail: scottkamilar@yahoo.com