Overview
Examine, discuss, and begin to change your problematic relationship to your smartphone within a supportive group environment.
Group details
- Size: 8-10 people
- Facilitated by: Spencer Wharton, LPC
- Schedule: 8× 90-minute sessions
- Dates: Expected to begin late May/early June 2026
- Pricing: $50/session, 8-session commitment, plus 1-2 pre-group individual sessions
- Location: Salem First Presbyterian Church, 770 Chemeketa St. NE
- Drop-ins?: No, group is closed after first session
Does your current relationship to your smartphone make you uncomfortable?
Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling, or checking the same three apps over and over again? Do you become a version of yourself you don’t like when you spend so much time staring at your screen? Do you wish you could feel in control of your phone—instead of the other way around?
Hello, World is a two-month therapy group for people who want to learn about and begin to change their problematic relationships to their smartphones. In a supportive group environment facilitated by Spencer Wharton, LPC, we’ll explore how and why we get hooked and use tools like mindfulness to build new, more purposeful habits.
Together, we will:
- Reflect on our current relationships with our smartphones—good and bad
- Explore our values so we can start to build smartphone habits that help us lead satisfying lives
- Learn why changing our unhelpful smartphone habits can be so difficult
- Learn and use mindfulness to stay engaged and present when it counts
- Experiment with enriching alternatives to scrolling
- Encourage and support each other as we work together toward similar goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Each group session will cost $50, with a requirement that all group members commit to and pay for the full 8-session duration.
Additionally, before the group begins, I will conduct 1-2 one-on-one sessions with each group member in order to better understand their background and build a personalized treatment plan. These sessions will be billed at my normal rate: $175 for the initial consultation and $150 for each hour-long session after, with reduced-rate options available.
As of May 1, 2026, I am in network with PacificSource Commercial. If this is your insurance provider, they may cover the cost of sessions. We will determine this during the pre-group orientation process.
If your insurance provider is not one I accept, you may still be able to use out-of-network benefits: you can pay me directly via cash, check, or credit card, and submit a “superbill” to your provider for reimbursement.
Coverage depends upon your insurance plan. I cannot guarantee what your provider will cover. It is ultimately your responsibility to confirm your benefits.
I am aiming to start in late May to early June, but the timing depends on when we reach an adequate number of signups to support the group process.
Yes! Your primary therapist and I will coordinate so we’re on the same page.
Yes! If you and I determine you’d be best served by individual and group work, I am happy to work with you one-on-one during the group—and beyond, if needed.
Absolutely not! Hello, World is not a strict “digital detox” program; no one will force you to stop using your smartphone outside of the group. We want to help you find a balance that works for you. How you do that is up to you.
Maybe! While some of this group’s educational content has been written with specifically smartphones in mind, the group atmosphere, as well as specific techniques and strategies, might be useful to you even if your focus is a different device. I encourage you to sign up for a free pre-group consultation so we can determine together if the group is a good fit.
No. Salem First Presbyterian Church has kindly provided us with a physical space for the group, but the content of Hello, World is not based on any religious or spiritual practice. Participants of all beliefs and practices are welcome.
If you would like to participate in Hello, World but have concerns about the venue, I would be happy to discuss this further with you in pre-group consultation.
While Hello, World is targeted at adults, young adults age 16 and up may also participate.
Hello, World is about building the skills and knowledge that allow us to mindfully reduce our screen usage. Attendance is in-person only.
Ready to learn more?
- Fill out the form below to register your interest in the group.
- After you complete the form, you’ll be directed to my client portal, where you can schedule a free 15-minute telephone consultation. This will help us determine together if the group will be a good fit for you and your needs.
- If it feels like a fit, I’ll add you to the group list.
- When the list is full and we’re almost ready to start, you and I will schedule 1-2 pre-group sessions. These are one-on-one sessions for us to review your history and make a treatment plan in preparation for the group.
- It’s group time!