As we usher in 2023, CommunityCare of Lyme’s Mental Health Team is proud to welcome new programs and opportunities for our community!

Starting in the New Year, we will be hosting a book group, where we will read and explore books on different topics throughout the year. We’ll have two wonderful discussion leaders! Mental Health Team coordinator, Laurie Veillete, PsyD, will be joined by psychologist Dr. Brittany Norris to co-facilitate this group. Access to materials will be provided by Converse Free Library, with support of the Jenks Fund. 

We’ll meet each Wednesday at 6pm in the cozy Lyme Center Academy Building to review and discuss our readings together. We will be given homework including book chapters and possibly handouts. 

The first series will start on January 25th and will continue for 8 weeks. We will read The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. This book is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – which is an evidence-based mental health approach. Russ Harris is an ACT expert and has written this book so that the material is easily digestible and applicable outside of a therapeutic setting.

What this is about: Learning skills for navigating the inevitable challenges of human life. An 8-week class to help you…

1.  reduce stress and worry
2.  effectively manage unpleasant thoughts and feelings
3.  break self-defeating habits
4.  improve self-esteem
5.  create a more meaningful life

* Please note this will NOT be a therapy group.