Group Therapy for High School Juniors and Seniors
The Upperclassmen’s Collective: Boys to Men
Group Therapy for High School Juniors and Seniors in Chicago
The transition from high school to college is one of the most formative and challenging periods in a young man’s life. Academic pressures, shifting friendships, identity exploration, independence, and uncertainty about the future can create stress, confusion, and self-doubt. Many young men struggle to talk openly about these experiences, or feel they should “figure it out on their own.”
Wellington Counseling Group is proud to offer The Upperclassmen’s Collective: Boys to Men, an 8-week group therapy experience designed to support high school juniors and seniors during this pivotal time. Led by Martin McGovern, Catherine Baker, and Taylor Rike, this group provides a safe, supportive environment where young men can learn, reflect, build skills, connect with peers, and prepare for the next phase of life with confidence and clarity.
Sessions will be held in person at our River North office on Thursday evenings from January 15 – March 5, 2026 (excluding holidays).
What Does This Group Look Like?
The Upperclassmen’s Collective offers a structured yet conversational space where participants can:
- Explore their identity, values, and sense of self
- Learn about emotional awareness, communication, and stress management
- Discuss changing relationships with parents, peers, and partners
- Navigate expectations around masculinity, achievement, and independence
- Build practical skills for college: time management, boundaries, decision-making
- Process fears, hopes, and questions about the future
- Receive guidance in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting
Each session incorporates reflection, psychoeducation, skill-building exercises, and group discussion. Our facilitators use accessible frameworks including parts work (IFS), mindfulness, and relational processing to help participants better understand themselves and interact more effectively with others.
Topics Covered in the 8-Week Curriculum
- Group Norms, Rapport, High School Check-in
- Identity & Parts Work (IFS): Who Am I Becoming?
- Masculinity & Socialization; Society’s Version vs. Your Own
- Friendship, Connection, and Changing Parent Relationships
- Time Management, Goals, and Planning for the Future
- Stress, Performance, Expectations, and Mindfulness
- Values, Ethics, Integrity, and Decision-Making
- Reflection, Individuation, Future Vision, Next Steps
Group Goals
This group is designed to help young men:
- Strengthen emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Improve communication and relationship-building skills
- Build confidence in handling stress, transition, and independence
- Clarify values and personal identity
- Prepare for college life across academic, social, and emotional areas
- Develop resilience and healthier coping strategies
- Feel less alone through meaningful peer connection
Facilitation & Session Details
Location:
Wellington Counseling Group
747 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60654
Schedule:
Thursdays, January 15 – March 5, 2026
Duration:
8-week group | Weekly sessions
Eligibility:
High school juniors and seniors
Insurance & Fees:
Insurance accepted; self-pay options available
Enrollment
Interested participants (and guardians, where appropriate) will complete a brief intake and pre-screening to ensure the group is a good fit based on needs, developmental considerations, and goals for participation.
Ready to Learn More or Reserve a Spot?
Contact Martin McGovern at Wellington Counseling Group today and ask about The Upperclassmen’s Collective: Boys to Men. We look forward to supporting your student as he navigates this exciting and transformative chapter of life.
