4-WEEK ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety
Support, education, encouragement, and practical tools to help you better cope with anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles. It’s the result of your nervous system’s normal (yet often unpleasant) response to the way we perceive certain situations. This response can leave you feeling overwhelmed, fearful or stuck in a pattern of worry that you may find impossible to escape from. Over time, these affects can lead you to avoid certain situations altogether, in an effort to prevent the unnerving sensations that accompany them.
This 4-week, evidence-based support group is designed to provide you with new tools to manage your anxiety when it arises. You’ll learn about the benefits of mindfulness and self-compassion, and how to use these powerful tools to significantly reduce feelings of anxiety. By the end of the course, you’ll walk away feeling more in-control of your mind and body, and the tools needed to bring back a sense of calm into your life.
This group is intended for adult women who:
- Struggle with mild to moderate anxiety
- Are looking for education and practical strategies to manage anxiety
- Are committed to taking action and practicing the tools provided
Facilitators
Registered Social Worker
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Location
Online (via Zoom)
Next Date & Time
TBD
Cost
Early bird rate: $175 (+GST) until May 6
Work with your anxiety, not against it.
Your emotions are incredibly complex. When you experience a particularly strong emotion, like anxiety, it may be a signal that something important is happening in your life. That’s why we’ve developed this comprehensive 4-week program, in which we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of what anxiety is, how and why your body reacts the way it does, and what practical tools you can use to help you manage it.
Common Questions
Support groups are made up of people who share common challenges. These groups are focused on providing education, resources and tools, with the overall goal of helping you to cope. They provide a safe place for you to express your thoughts and feelings, and to share your experiences if you feel comfortable. Groups often provide reassurance and encouragement. There’s something truly unique about surrounding yourself with others who are experiencing similar challenges as you. Group members often walk away feeling stronger, more capable and hopeful about managing the difficulties that brought them to the group.
Our groups typically range anywhere from 5 to 12 people.
Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a current client in order to join any of the groups we offer.
Every group is facilitated by trained clinical counsellors who have a masters-level education and experience supporting individuals in a group setting. They will ensure that group members are respected throughout the group process and will provide members with new knowledge and skills to manage their struggles.
While most insurance companies will cover all or a portion of the cost for 1-on-1 counselling services, some are more particular when it comes to group programs. We encourage you to contact your service provider to determine what type of coverage might be available to you. We’re happy to provide individual receipts for each session if needed.
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance and is part of the ground rules for attending a group program. Everything said before, during and after group sessions is considered confidential and all members are required to sign and agree to this.
All of our group programs occur on a private and confidential video conferencing service that has an encrypted connection and is both PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant. You will receive a link by e-mail to access the sessions.
Every group member is expected to attend the full 4-week program, but we do understand that unforeseen events can occur. If you are going to be absent for any session, we ask that you please inform the facilitator(s).
Session breakdown
Session One
Anxiety and the Body
What exactly is anxiety?
- Learn about anxiety and how it may show up in your life
- Explore anxiety’s connection to sleep, nutrition and physical activity
- Practice specific exercises known to reduce symptoms of anxiety (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing and grounding)
Session Two
Thoughts-Feelings-Behaviours
Understanding the connection and why it plays a key role in anxiety
- Learn about the strong connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors
- Explore the various factors that may influence your emotions in order to achieve a more balanced state
- Practice tracking your thoughts and gain insight into how anxiety shows up for you
Session Three
Mindfulness & Accepting Uncertainty
Slowing down, tuning-in and getting comfortable with the unknown
- Learn how and why mindfulness is one of the most powerful tools for managing anxiety
- Explore the topic of acceptance and get more comfortable with uncertainty
- Practice specific exercises that can help calm the nervous system (e.g., body scan and guided meditation)
Session Four
Self-Compassion
Show yourself the kindness you would show to a friend
- Learn about the importance of self-compassion and why it can be one of the hardest things to do during difficult times
- Learn ways to incorporate self-compassion into your day-to-day life
- Practice specific self-compassion exercises
Interested in other groups & workshops?
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