Group Therapy
Psychotherapy conducted in a group format is a powerful, healing experience. It can help you gain a greater awareness and understanding of the problems you face, as well as learn how to develop healthier and more adaptive ways to cope. Some groups are structured, and follow a standardized protocol that aims to address a specific psychological issue. Other groups are more flexible and process-oriented, allowing you to explore deeper emotional and interpersonal experiences.
We are now offering Cognitive Processing Group Therapy for first responders
Are you a first responder who struggles with any of the following symptoms?
Anxious in or avoidance of public/crowded spaces
Intrusive thoughts or memories of work-related incidents
Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
Frequent work absences and dreading your shifts
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling angry or irritable
Feeling edgy and alert
Difficulty relaxing
Increased substance use
Low motivation, depressed mood or lack of energy
Feeling disconnected or detached from others
Cognitive Processing Group Therapy (CPT) is a form of treatment designed specifically to address symptoms of PTSD. Trauma can lead to alterations in the way you think about yourself, others, and the world in general. The changes in the way you think can lead to persistent negative feelings and uncomfortable bodily sensations which may eventually lead to negative coping behaviours such as increased substance use, avoidance, risky behaviour, or social withdrawal.
CPT can help you learn to identify, challenge, and modify maladaptive ways of thinking that keep you stuck in feelings of anger, fear, guilt, sadness or shame. The result of restructuring negative thinking patterns can be profound, and include:
Improved mood
Increased self-esteem
Improved sleep
Reconnection to others
Reengagement in meaningful and joyful activity
Enhanced sense of safety
Greater control over emotions
Improved interpersonal satisfaction
Reduced anxiety
The Specifics:
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This is a 12-session group that takes place Tuesdays from 6pm - 8pm.
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The start date will be announced once registration closes.
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Our groups include two facilitators and 8-10 members.
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In order to maximize privacy, we make every effort to minimize familiarity among group members. Though we cannot guarantee complete accuracy, we will ask about your employer, position, department, and location during screening in an effort to form a group of individuals who do not work together.
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This is a closed group, meaning you will begin and complete CPT with the same group of people.
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This is a trauma-specific group. Members will be similar in terms of their profession and mental health symptoms.
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We require commitment. Over the course of 12 weeks, group members form a special bond. We want to ensure you are committed to attending all sessions so that you and the rest of the group can experience the maximum benefit.
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This group is supervised by a Registered Psychologist.
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Payment for group is processed via credit card. Most extended health insurance plans cover group therapy. We recommend contacting your provider for confirmation of coverage.
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The cost of the group is $1200
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Materials are included in the cost
There are a number of exceptional benefits to group therapy
Helps you build a support network
Helps you gain a greater perspective
Keeps you more accountable to your recovery goals
Helps reduce sense of alonenness
Provides opportunities to practice building healthy connections
Provides opportunities for meaningful contribution to others
More cost effective than individual psychotherapy