Group Counselling
You are being invited to join us for Groups!
Have you been feeling alone and isolated with no one to talk to? Do you have relationships with others but don't really engage in deep and more meaningful conversations about how you truly feel about things? You are not alone. Group counselling is a great way to learn to connect with others on a deeper level. Research suggests that a lack of connectedness with others is like smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes a day for your mental health. Paying attention to your social health is extremely important and beneficial. I always ensure to match members appropriately in terms of age, issues and needs to maximize your experience. These are smaller groups with either in person or online options. If you are interested in knowing more, give me a call or send an email to schedule your Free 15 minute phone consultation.
Benefits of Group Counselling
A group of like minded women and men is a great place to share your experiences and what is going on in your life. A group provides a safe place to share and receive support for whatever life challenges you are facing.
Groups can improve interpersonal relationships and communication with others. Experience the benefit of having people by your side to encourage you to succeed, brainstorm ideas and solutions to life’s problems.
Groups create the opportunity for a safe place to be vulnerable and authentic to who you truly are. You will be with a group of people who understand you and care about you. This creates the feeling of connectedness with others and the opportunity of creating healthy, supportive relationships.
Groups provide the opportunity to be more assertive, to talk openly, honestly, and directly about your feelings and to truly feel seen , heard and validated. The tendency to suppress emotions is what can lead to disconnection and loneliness in relationships.
Empowerment
The goal of group counselling is for every member of the group to not only receive support, but to be encouraged, empowered, and strengthened for dealing with the ups and downs of what we go through every day. Improve your well being, self-confidence, self-image, self-esteem and consequently reduce social anxiety, isolation and even symptoms of complex PTSD. You will start to heal wounds and feel empowered to not only be able to share with like minded people but to know that no challenge is too big to overcome! Go from surviving and striving to Thriving!
Read this article for further information on groups: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/purposeful-evolution/202102/my-candid-thoughts-group-therapy
Testimonials
From Group Members
"I feel like groups have allowed me to finally start building up my self confidence again; they have also had a positive impact on my motherhood experience and I have found myself having more patience and coping ability when I’m struggling. I feel a sense of accountability to the group when we talk about self-care and self-compassion, which translates to me taking more steps to focus on prioritizing it for myself. I know the benefits will only continue as I stick with the process."
"I was very hesitant to explore group therapy at first when the idea was introduced to me; I felt that most of what I was working on in therapy was too vulnerable or personal to share with others. Yet ironically, I felt very lonely and disconnected in my personal life from my friends and family, especially in my relationship and throughout my motherhood journey. When I finally agreed to try attending a session, I was pleasantly surprised to find so many parallels and situations/feelings that I could relate to, despite the other group members all living different lives and even being in different life stages than me. It felt freeing and validating to meet with other women who were also on a self-discovery journey and willing to be open and honest. This was something I had been craving in my personal life but had not found in many of my pre-existing friendships. It was clear that Teresa brings together groups with careful consideration for who may connect and what we may learn from each other."
"I find others sharing their experiences, with raw emotion, honesty, and vulnerability to be a great source of strength and perspective for me. This is a place where I can actually express myself and process deeply personal experiences, instead of keeping them bottled up or toned down. I can be real and genuine here, never having to put on a front. I appreciate this community which provides space for me to be present and to connect."
"At first, I wasn’t sure about joining group therapy, especially since I was the only high schooler and the others were all older. I was hesitant about whether I’d be able to relate to their experiences or if it would even be helpful for me. However, as I continued attending the sessions, I quickly saw how valuable the experience could be. Hearing older men share their feelings and open up about their lives in such a deep and vulnerable way was eye-opening. It showed me that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness—it’s actually a powerful way to connect with others and gain insight into ourselves. Witnessing their openness made me realize that it’s okay to express emotions at the right time, even for men, who often face pressure to suppress their feelings. As a result, I started to open up more about my own experiences, which allowed me to better understand my emotions and the challenges I might face in the future. This new perspective has been incredibly helpful, especially as I begin to think about how my own life will unfold. In the end, I’m really glad I took the step to join group therapy—it’s been a much more enriching experience than I originally expected."
"Group therapy has been a great experience for me. Being somewhat of an introvert I’ve learned to discover the benefits of sharing more about myself, so I no longer feel as isolated. Being part of a group, where there is no judgement and understanding allowed me to share my struggles. Hearing other stories helped me realize I wasn’t the only one going through a lot of problems. I’ve learned to open up and learned more about myself and the value of connecting with others."
"I have left every group therapy session since I started with a feeling of connection and the overwhelming sense that I am not alone. I look forward to every session more than the next. I know that my confidentiality is respected and I feel safe having a place to be authentic and honest."
"Teresa's gentle and caring approach has fostered a supportive group where we feel safe expressing ourselves. She offers a psychologically safe environment where we can share our feelings without fear of judgment. Through our conversations, we have learned that while our individual situations may differ, many of our underlying fears and emotions are similar. This has allowed us to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives.
Teresa led us through establishing 'group rules' early on, which created a confidential space where we can express our innermost feelings, fears, and memories with confidence that they will remain within the group. Group therapy has not only provided us with a platform to practice expressing our emotions but also encouraged us to offer insights and ask questions that help others clarify situations and emotions.
Teresa's dedication to creating a caring and helpful group environment is truly commendable, and I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to further explore their mental wellness to ‘push through’ the initial reticence that most of us had at the thought of talking in a group setting to give it a try, and within a session or two, I have every confidence that you will also find it to be a source of caring support."
"I just wanted to send you a quick message and say thank you for going out of your way to make these group environments so welcoming for us all. The snacks, the welcoming environment, the affirmation cards, it all is so thoughtful and very appreciated. You made me feel so special in these last sessions with the lovely gestures after I had my baby. Thank you"
"I have been in three groups over the years. I’ve been lucky, and they were all special experiences. Two of them were guided by therapists, which I find tends to challenge and support the group, and is more fulfilling.
Trust, acceptance and discretion are essential for a good group. When that trust builds and the group starts to know and care for each other, then the magic can happen. We have always been a social species, and everyone from AA groups to therapy groups for PTSD have proved the value of group therapy.
In Teresa’s group, I have realized that I am able to pass on my life experience to others. This has helped me realize that I have something to give the world, that I am OK. This has been a struggle for me, and the support of others who are struggling makes the difference."
"Teresa is noted for being intuitive, intelligent and intentional. I was hesitant at first to join group therapy, but it has been a game changer and surprising gift in my healing journey. Teresa creates a safe space for people who are in similar life situations. Group sessions have created a sanctuary for me. My faith in trusting and being vulnerable with others is being restored. I leave each session with a sense of community and know that I am not struggling alone.
Joining group has been one of the best decisions of my treatment plan. The effect this has had on me is tangible. I have absolutely no hesitation to recommend personal or group therapy with Teresa. It’s a gift you give yourself."
"I was unsure about going to my first group therapy session. I had an idea in my head of the stereotypical group therapy where you sit in a circle and it all seemed very clinical and sterile and everyone just goes through the motions, until the end of the session. As we all see Teresa individually,she is very keen on what someone might have shared that could be beneficial for someone else in the group or for your to share and get the support from the group. She gently guides us through our successes as well as our struggles. The ladies in the group were so welcoming and genuine, it was like I had known them forever. I have felt a sense belonging and feel that sharing my story may help others in some way. I would definitely recommend individual therapy, but i am now a fan of the group dynamic as well."