Group Therapy Program

Group therapy is a unique, one of a kind form of effectively delivering treatments. Research shows that the clinical effectiveness of implementing evidence-based treatments within a group therapy setting is characterized by a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment, whereby participants are empowered to share their experiences and knowledge in the presence of others without feeling judged. Ultimately, this unifying, socially engaging group process ignites hope and determination towards achieving positive outcomes for each participant along their therapeutic journey. Group therapy is often most effective in conjunction with individual therapy.

Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Social Anxiety for Adolescents (ages 12-14 & 15-18 years) (12, 2-hour sessions)

CBT is based on the relationship between an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In order to learn how to manage anxiety provoking situations, this treatment approach focuses on identifying the thoughts and behaviours that trigger anxiety in social situations. The treatment combines a number of therapeutic components widely acknowledged to represent the standard of care:

1. Psycho-education
2. Cognitive restructuring with the aim of reducing anxious cognitions by developing more adaptive, coping thoughts
3. Repeated exposure & reduction of avoidance and safety behaviours
4. Problem solving skills
5. Social Skills (assertive communication & behavior)
6. Relapse prevention

CBT Parenting Group for Socially Anxious Adolescents is a 12-week group program for parents of adolescents, who are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety and/or are attending the Group CBT for Social Anxiety for Adolescents (See group above). Parents learn and develop effective strategies for supporting and coaching their kids to cope with anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Group CBT for Depression for Adolescents (ages 12-14 & 15-18 years) consists of 12, 2-hour sessions, which focus on how to gain control of feelings of depression using evidence-based, practical techniques that can bring about positive emotional and behavioural change. By means of promoting a dynamic and interactive unified group process, the group allows for the realization that one is not alone in the struggle to overcome depression. The treatment is divided into three main topics that consist of four sessions each:

1. How our thoughts influence our mood
2. How our daily activities affect our mood
3. How our interactions with others affect our mood

CBT Parenting Group for Depressed Adolescents is a 12-week group program for parents of adolescents, who are experiencing symptoms of depression and/or are attending the Group CBT for Depression for Adolescents (See group above). Parents learn and develop effective strategies for supporting and coaching their kids to cope with depressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Group CBT for Depression for Young Adults (ages 19-30 years) and Adults (ages 30 + years) consists of 12, 2-hour sessions, which focus on how to gain control of feelings of depression using evidence-based, practical techniques that can bring about positive emotional and behavioural change. By means of promoting a dynamic and interactive unified group process, the group allows for the realization that one is not alone in the struggle to overcome depression. The treatment is divided into three main topics that consist of four sessions each:

1. How our thoughts influence our mood
2. How our daily activities affect our mood
3. How our interactions with others affect our mood

• Maximum group size: 12 participants
• Pre-group clinical assessment and orientation
• Group therapy materials and manuals will be provided
• Effective homework tasks will be assigned between group sessions to enhance learning in real-life situations
• The start date will be determined upon the completion of the clinical assessments to determine suitability and to ensure best psychotherapy group practices.

Pre-group clinical assessment: $160.00
Group sessions: 12 for $50.00 per session