What is Group Therapy?

Research shows that often groups are the most effective therapeutic tools for change. Companionship in solving problems, working with other people that are struggling in similar area often promotes a sense of connection, belonging, and new perspectives. Clients often find groups reassuring, inspiring, and hopeful. Group culture can promote reciprocity: meaning vulnerability is contagious, unfiltered knowledge sharing is united, and people develop a deeper level of compassion towards themselves based on others’ empathy. In group, individual stories are different, but people are able to see themes and commonalities of their own story in others, leading to expanded insight and thought-changing capabilities. In essence, seeing other people’s strengths, perseverance, and courage in real-time, inspires hidden strengths within ourselves.

I’m introverted, is group really for me?

Our group facilitators are skilled at guiding group culture and norms, making space for quieter voices and using a variety of communication methods. No one is ever forced to speak in our groups, and we make room for all personality types and communication styles. Connect with an individual counsellor to further discuss your concerns around group therapy being a good fit for you.

I don’t like hearing about other people’s problems, I have too many of my own to deal with.

This is common feeling for a lot of people. Our society demands perfection: being the perfect partner, friend, parent, employee…We all have challenges, and we all have a lot of them. Often connections with others on these challenges makes them easier to navigate, linking minds, diminishing fears, and inspiring strengths within ourselves. That being said sometimes, we are simply too maxed out to partake in group therapy, and that’s completely understandable. Connect with a counsellor to further explore if group therapy is a good fit for you.

I’ve never been a part of group therapy before, what should I expect?

Our groups range anywhere from 5-10 people. We will let you know how many people will be in your group in advance, or we help you find a group size that best suits your preferences. In each group, there are two counsellor facilitators, who have specialized training in leading groups as well as the designated group topic. This will allow for individual check-in’s after the group sessions if needed, or scheduled follow-up sessions with a group facilitator.

What types of people will be in my group?

Skylark counsellors facilitate mens-only groups, women-only groups, co-ed groups, and certain age range groups depending 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.

What should I expect for my first group session?

The first session of each group will focus on group customs, standards, and will allow members to brainstorm ideas on what everyone would like out of their group, allowing each group to express their own goals and define their own culture and needs. Some needs may be: designated 5 minute break, cell phones on silent, judgement free disclosure, etc.

Time commitment needed for a group?

Groups vary in length and time, ranging from an intensive weekend to an evening group scheduled for once a week for 6 weeks. Groups also vary in work completed outside of group, ranging from daily activities to passive reflection throughout the week.

Topics?

Group sessions will focus on a specific subject each session. For example, in an anger management group, a session may be on the benefits of anger. Another example may be, in a courage workshop, a session may focus on exploring barriers to authenticity and resilient self-worth.

What if people talk?

Confidentiality is considered of the utmost importance for emotional safety within a group. Each group will start with a reminder of confidentiality, and end with a reminder of confidentiality. Everything said before group, during group, and after group, is considered confidential and all group members are expected to sign to this agreement. No last names will be disclosed or used in group for anonymity, and participants will be assessed for group appropriateness for each group to protect group culture and expectations. With groups we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality based on group member integrity, however we will work with you individually if you have specific concerns at all during your group process with us.

Please contact us to enquire into our groups availability and for upcoming schedules.
Corporate consulting – Fees vary per service.

How Do I Sign Up?

If you are connected with a Skylark Counsellor, talk to them about registering for our current groups. If you do not have a counsellor with us, please book a free phone consultation, to discuss which group would be best for you.

Group Standard

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