Yes. There is no pressure to speak until you are ready.

In a group setting, there will be a whole range of personality types... some will be outgoing, some will be more introverted and everything in between.

I have been working with folks in a group setting for many years and have learned to create a space that is welcoming to ALL.

No one is ever forced to speak in our groups, and we make room for all personality types and communication styles.

If you feel unsure about this, please reach out.

This is common concern about group counselling.

Group counselling is not just about sharing problems. It is so much more that this, although there is time for sharing issues folks are having in their lives.

The time utilized in group will be varied and diverse. There will be time for sharing, bonding activities, learning about mental health, strategies to deal with issues, mindfulness techniques, brainstorming and so much more!

I will also be checking in with you and others in the group to see how the use of our time is going.

For more questions, comments or concerns, feel free to connect with me to further explore if group therapy is a good fit for you.

Our groups range anywhere from 5-10 people.

The group will usually start with a check in to see how folks are doing and will do a grounding/ mindfulness activity. This will be followed by a guided topic, such as dealing with shame or the importance of routine. This will open up the group for conversation and personalization. The group will then end with a check out and a debriefing.

However, often times things come up in group that are really important and that could become the focus of the session.

Essentially, I will always have topics to go over but also have experience to know that in the moment something more relevant could be of more use.

Prior to any sharing or sensitive material, informed consent is key, and if anything ever gets too 'heavy', folks may step out for individual support.

The type of people that attend group are similar to the type of people you see every day. There are so many everyday folks out there struggling and looking for support and group is a great option to get this.

Specifically, it can depend on the group model and material. Group populations will be outlined prior to registration.

Diversity in types of people is one of the primary strengths of group work. Groups will be made up of people with different professions, different backgrounds, different life circumstances…and this is what makes groups so powerful.

All varieties of people, who may never have met otherwise, coming together with a certain communality, concern, or struggle allows people to gain wisdom and insight that they may have never encountered outside of group therapy.

The first session of group will focus on setting group norms, customs, standards, and discussions on what kind of group we would like to have (which can differ group to group and can change as the group progresses).

The first group will also be a chance to get to know each other as a 'whole' person and to get to know your facilitator as an individual. This is really important and key to group cohesion and the overall success of the group.

Group varies in length and time, depending on the group you choose to join.

Most groups will run weekly for a time period of two hours. However, groups can run long, depending on what is happening that evening.

The group often runs for 6 weeks, but they often get extended for as long as the group would like to stay together. The end of the 6 weeks is a great opportunity to check in and see if it's working for you!

Groups also vary in work completed outside of group, ranging from daily activities to passive reflection throughout the week.

This depends on the type of group the folks in the group decide to set up. At times, the facilitator will choose a topic that they feel, in their professional opinion, will be of benefit to the group as a whole. At other times, the group members will decide on an issue that they would like to get support for.

There may be other times when a specific member needs support because something occurred in their lives that they are struggling with and need support or ideas from the folks around them.

The group facilitator is knowledgeable and skilled at recognizing what is important for the group as a whole and is sensitive to the needs of all those who attend.

What is said in the group, stays in the group.

Confidentiality and informed consent is considered of the utmost importance for group.

This will be established on day one and be reminded throughout the sessions, and if any concerns arise, they will be dealt with appropriately.

The group will run for 6 weeks and the payment will be for the six weeks.

However, if you decide that this group is not for you after the first session, you can cancel with no charge 3 days after the first session.