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"Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others." William Arthur Ward
 Groups play a vital role in how we develop. As we move through the various stages of our lives, we learn about who we are and how we are perceived by interacting with family members, classmates, colleagues, and the community. We learn that "there is strength in numbers," "no man is an island," and "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." In fact, we come to understand that our basic survival is dependent on our interdependency on others. So it makes sense that group counselling should prove an effective and meaningful source of helping and healing for its individual members.
What Is A Psycho-Educational Group?
- Structured with a definite beginning and end.
- Once the group begins, no new members will be admitted.
- There is a finite number of sessions.
- Each session lasts 90 minutes.
- The focus is to learn information, ideas and skills about how to manage difficulties that members may be facing.
How Does it Work?
The counsellor works with group members to establish a safe and trusting environment in which they can:
- Express their thoughts and feelings openly
- Receive support and comfort from others
- Learn about themselves in relation to others
- Develop skills to improve their relationships
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- E.S.
Administator |
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One of the most important things I learned about myself during this process is that my feelings serve a purpose to help me be aware of my emotions in situations, and can help guide me in making choices that benefit my needs. This knowledge will help me take care of my needs and put myself first once in a while. Most of all I got to know and appreciate Barbara and the other participants of the group on a personal level. |
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How Will it Benefit Me?
There are many benefits to being a member of a counselling group.
- It is an affordable but powerful mode of therapy.
- Sharing stories with others, we realize that we are not alone in our feelings, fears and fantasies.
- Playing out real life situations within the confines of a safe and supportive environment helps us to explore parts of ourselves that we may have been afraid to try out in the real world.
- Working together with others, we may come up with better solutions to problems than we may have reached on our own.
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- A. H., Public Relations and Communications Specialist |
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I struggled with depression for many years and felt stuck in the recovery process. Barbara’s constant support and gentle guidance have helped me identify my feelings, recognize my automatic thoughts and change my thinking patterns. She didn’t just offer me a quick fix solution; she helped me build the foundation for a whole new way of thinking. My outlook is changing for the better, and my family members and friends have noticed the difference. |
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The following psycho-educational groups are offered:
a) Enhancing Self-Esteem
- Reduce self-doubt and self-critical thinking
- Strengthen your relationships
- Change your thoughts, moods and behaviours
- Develop a stronger sense of self-respect and self-worth
b) Are You At War With Your Body?
- Identify and break old habits related to eating and dieting
- Learn to eat intuitively
- Change your thoughts, moods and behaviours
- Develop a stronger sense of self-respect and self-worth
c) Express Yourself
- Identify your communication style
- Learn to express your ideas and opinions
- Say "no" without guilt
- Build your self-confidence
- Become more authentic in your interactions with others
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- K. S.M.
Financial analyst |
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I really enjoyed sharing my thoughts and concerns within a group of women. I have experienced one-on-one counselling before, but this for me was a more rewarding dynamic. It helped me realize that I am not isolated with my issues. Most women have common struggles with their body issues. What was interesting was to learn how others really cope (or don’t). It also made me feel justified /confident in the way that I make my decisions and stick with them, even if it may hurt the feelings of others.
I learned the power emotions have in making healthy decisions in our lives – a check-in with our mental compass. These lessons have provided me with more wisdom than a chocolate bar ever could!
I was shocked to learn the powerful impact our parents emotional intelligence has on us, not only in childhood, but how we carry it with us. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my parents did a great job with my upbringing, despite their own insecurities… I am truly grateful to them for that. It gives me even greater confidence to trust my instincts in everything I do. |
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For further information and registration, please call (416) 498-1352 or email barbara@barbarafish.com.
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