ABSTRACT & ARCHITECT. Liz Sproul (left) and Lani Joy Osicka (right) are two licensed professional counselors in Eau Claire, who are ready to bring group therapy “in style.” Through their latest venture, Group Therapy Gals, they bring an interpersonal approach to self care.

Liz Sproul and Lani Joy Osicka are becoming quite the dynamic duo, as they share mutual vocations for counseling and self-care through a new venture in the Valley: Group Therapy Gals.

The two licensed professional counselors in Eau Claire are ready to bring group therapy “in style.” Specifically, they bring an interpersonal approach to self care – with the help of those who take part in the recurring sessions.

“The idea with interpersonal therapy is that whatever is happening outside in the world, is what shows up in the room – it’s a microcosm,” Liz said.

“Group therapy is like ‘leveling up,’ ” she continued. “You are taking skills that you’re maybe learning in individual therapy and you are putting them to practice.”

Before founding Group Therapy Gals, both Liz and Lani gained hands-on experience through the University of Wisconsin-Stout Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program.

Respectively, the two have offered individual therapy practices for locals while working at outpatient mental health clinics in the Valley.

Liz and Lani first initiated group therapy “rounds” together within Thrive Counseling and Assessment of Eau Claire (4330 Golf Terrace, Suite 209).

"A big motivator for me is the need I can see in the area for (group therapy). I feel a fire burning, just to have other options for people." –Liz Sproul, Licensed Professional Counselor of Group Therapy Gals

Their individual specializations – ranging in topics from disordered eating, women’s issues, trauma and climate consciousness – will continue to inform future Group Therapy Gals sessions they create.

Sitting down with Liz and Lani, I immediately felt the dual, complementary forces they brought to our discussion. Lani injects a joyful spirit – coupled with her witty comedic timing – into the group therapy sessions, she often serves as the perfect icebreaker to get clients in a safe headspace. 

In turn, Liz ensures the groups remain both focused and grounded; she centers her energy toward safety, calm and curiosity. 

“There is magic in the room – and I don’t believe that we are the only ones that feel it,” Lani said. “I think that the participants engaging in that level of vulnerability and openness – with a group of people – (feel) it’s disarming.”

Each does their very best to offer valuable individual interpretations of group therapy, always knowing the right time to bring a smile or encourage connection, they shared.

Unsure if group therapy is right for you? Liz and Lani aim to dispel those doubts. Both counselors – through the Group Therapy Gals social media presence – will address any misconceptions on the vulnerability that comes with sharing a mental health journey alongside others.

A flyer for “Bad News Group Therapy,” which will be co-facilited by Liz and Lani later this summer. (Image via Group Therapy Gals)

For incoming Group Therapy Gals series’, attendees can anticipate a range of 12-15 sessions – which are held weekly for two hours at a time.

Depending on the particular themes – be it “Bad News Group Therapy” or “Body Image and Disordered Eating Group Therapy” – there are opportunities for closed and open sessions. 

A group might be closed for a number of weeks and then opened up for new people to join or existing members to leave, they said.

Alternatively, these rounds could remain closed the entire time. For Liz and Lani, a perfect group would include eight to 10 individuals – each with their own goals and objectives.

The two aim to begin their first rounds of planned groups this summer; the exact start date depends on whether they have enough participants to fill the groups and months-long screenings with prospective participants.

“Screening is a really big part of running groups,” Lani said. “The purpose of screening is (to) have a set of questions – we ask anybody who is interested – to determine ‘are they a good fit?’ ”

To align with their shared value of accessible mental health care, Group Therapy Gals offers private pay options for $45 per session, bypassing the need for insurance.

With a collective excitement from their initial launch in the Chippewa Valley, Liz and Lani are set to demonstrate how relating to one another can offer transformative results in mental health practice.

“There isn’t necessarily a timeline on healing or reaching a goal, when it comes to humanness,” Liz said. “A big motivator for me is the need I can see in the area for (group therapy). I feel a fire burning, just to have other options for people.”

Visit grouptherapygals.weebly.com to learn more about the services and specializations of Liz Sproul and Lani Joy Osicka. To inquire about future group rounds and screenings to join, email TheGroupTherapyGals@gmail.com.