STEP is a life-changing program that provides evidence-based and easy-to-remember tools to improve relationships, reduce stress, and address trauma. Email Contact@CTSEprograms.org to schedule STEP or for more information.

STEP provides support for the following:

  • Pandemics, Public Health Emergencies, & Natural Disasters
  • Racism & other Societal Biases & Discrimination 
  • Grief & Loss
  • School Shootings, Family, & Community Violence
  • & More

Who might benefit?

Adults who work jobs with in increased-risk situations or closely with those who do. This includes people who experience increased stress, fear, grief, sadness, anxiety, and/or a lack of social support/increased social isolation.

What is covered?

There will be a new topic or theme for each group in a six-group cycle, with group leaders providing education on individual topics, and teaching a variety of attention, emotion, social, and other skills to manage challenging situations that are commonly related to working in stressful situations. Topics and skills include: understanding and managing stress, fear, and trauma; improving relationships, social connections and social support; preventing cumulative stress and trauma; managing grief and loss effectively; and dealing with chronic uncertainty.

Logistics?

Most groups will last for 60-90 minutes and meet every week for 6 weeks. Alternative formats, in terms of length and frequency of meetings, are available. Groups are led by two very experienced co-leaders, and participants can remain anonymous.  Times are flexibly arranged.

Is this group therapy?

No. This is an education and skills group, and will be completely confidential. The idea is to help you increase your understanding of the impact of stress and trauma on your well-being socially, psychologically, behaviorally, and emotionally, and to help you increase skills to manage the increased stressors and burdens so common during these difficult and challenging times.

Cost?

There is no cost for participants. A combination of donations and/or contracts with employers, unions, or other organizations cover the program fees.

How STEP is helping

85% of participants feel prepared to respond to stress and traumatic experiences as a result of STEP

95% of STEP participants rate the STEP program very helpful

72% continue using STEP skills and knowledge at least six weeks after participating in the program.

Managing Fear & Grief (NEABPD Webinar) with Dr. Alan Fruzzetti

In this hour-long presentation, Dr. Fruzzetti explains how to manage painful emotions such as fear and grief psychologically, and how to use social connection to soothe our emotions and build good relationships..

Virtual Tutoring

What others have said about STEP (formerly CSTEP):

 

The Group Leader Training-

“The training exceeded my expectations and was the most valuable training I’ve taken all year.”

“These are the tools and the support we need right now. I’m excited to share this with my clients & colleagues.”

The Groups-

“I cried. I laughed. I learned a lot. I’d say that’s a successful group wouldn’t you? I recommend this.”

“I use the lessons and practices from CSTEP daily. At first I wasn’t sure about meeting virtually, but I really enjoyed each week’s group.”

“This was a Zoom group I actually looked forward to each week.”

For Group Leaders

Testimonials

“Really appreciated connecting on a deeper level with my colleagues. These groups provided us with a space to really process some of the events, struggles, and hardships we’ve experienced as staff at a hospital during a pandemic. The tools have been very useful as well and I’ve used many of them weekly. I appreciated the emotion wave surfer analogy and being more honest and affirming in my communication.”

– Rob- Nurse

“This was one Zoom meeting I actually looked forward to every week.”

– Felicia – Case Manager

“I absolutely loved STEP. The openness of the people in my group willing to share their stories, and all the tools we learned were excellent.”

– Amanda – Social Work Professor

“STEP was a wonderful opportunity. I would repeat this training again without hesitation.”

– Mary Pat – Planning & Development Specialist

“STEP was my favorite training by far. Many trainings say they’re interactive but aren’t. This one absolutely is and I feel took away more that way.”

– James – First Responder

“STEP was a highly relevant training I didn’t know I needed. The tools are easy to remember, and I can both use them myself and share them with patients. Thank you to the geniuses who developed this.”

– Brittany – Therapist