CBT for Insomnia Group
CBT For Insomnia
The CBT for Insomnia Group is designed to be a therapeutic space in which persons 18 years and older receive education, tools, and support as they address issues related to their sleep quality and quantity. The group is a closed group, and all members must undergo a screening process* and agree to group norms, including limited confidentiality***. Typical meetings will be 90 minutes and will include time for client education, goal-setting, trouble-shooting, and peer support. Difficult topics may be discussed, but it is hoped that this group will also be a place where members can share their concerns while also sharing their successes. It is expected that participants will complete assigned activities between sessions in order to meet their treatment goals.
Proposed Day/Time: A weekday, ideally before sundown.
Proposed Location: Telehealth****
Facilitators:
Dr. Elisa “E” Woodruff (she/her/they/them) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor who has worked in private practice, college counseling, and a community-based children’s agency. They are certified in CBT for Insomnia, Neuropsychotherapy, EMDR, and the assessment/treatment of ADHD, and are affiliated faculty at Northwestern University where they teach master’s level counseling students. E received their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (2019), a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Informed Care (2018), and Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health (2015) all from Northern Illinois University. E’s clinical and research interests include traumatic and adverse experiences, attention and motivation; anxiety and depression; LGBTQIA+ identity development; gender identity and expression; mind/body wellness and brain health; medical issues, chronic illness, and somatization; developmental transitions (i.e., leaving home, retiring); career and vocation; and spiritual and values identification and development. They have formal training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuropsychotherapy (addressing challenges using exercises that strengthen the brain), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Informed Mind/Body approaches, and modern psychodynamic theory as well as 9+ years’ experience teaching and supervising students who utilize the cannon of other tried-and-true counseling theories and modalities.
Rebecca Rome is a Counselor-in-Training currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical development is informed by her lived experience as a trauma survivor and lifelong caregiver, as well as her extensive background in education, ministry, and community service. Rebecca integrates theological insight, relational care, and evidence-based practices in her work, with a commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and spiritually grounded therapeutic spaces.
Rebecca’s clinical interests include trauma, grief, life transitions, caregiver support, and spiritual exploration. She is particularly influenced by Relational Cultural Theory and Person-Centered Therapy, emphasizing the healing power of authentic connection and the importance of honoring each client’s unique story. Her work is shaped by a deep belief in the sacredness of each person’s journey and the transformative potential of being seen and heard in relationship.
* A closed group runs in a cycle that has defined start and end dates. Members are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible within a given cycle, and new members are usually asked to wait until a new cycle to enter the group. This allows for participants to get to know one another and experience change together, leading to a stronger sense of group cohesion and allowing for more effective implementation of Irvin Yalom’s 8 therapeutic factors.
** The screening process consists of an intake questionnaire, several standard screening tools, and an individual phone consultation with the group facilitator. This process allows the facilitator to get to know individual members’ reasons for joining the group, their goals/challenges, and answer any questions in a private and welcoming setting.
***Limited confidentiality is defined as a promise among group members that they are allowed to share that they are in the group and what they themselves have discussed, but promise not to share who else is in the group and what others share. Additionally, they agree not to create triangulations by forming alliances with other group members or gossiping about other members when the group is not in session. While participants are asked to observe limited confidentiality, facilitators are still bound by confidentiality as determined by their codes of ethics and HIPAA law, including limits of confidentiality regarding harm to self/others and/or abuse/neglect of vulnerable populations.
****Clients must be located in the state of IL while participating in the group therapy session. Clients must be in a confidential space for Telehealth purposes in order to protect confidential information for themselves and others (i.e., wearing headphones is recommended, as an added layer of privacy).