Therapy Groups at The Family Centre
Are you struggling with grief, relationship issues, or postpartum depression/anxiety? Do you often feel alone, wishing you had someone to lean on who understands what you're going through?
Our therapy groups for offer an opportunity to connect with others going through similar situations and work through life's challenges together.
While in individual counselling sessions you are solely focused on your concerns, in a group setting you can hear other people’s perspectives, and feel supported by others in a similar situation. You have an opportunity to talk about your feelings and experiences. A group can help you feel less isolated as you’re going through your struggles. The group sizes are kept small for a supportive, healing experience.
“To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first as I wasn’t sure if I belonged in this group. The atmosphere in the group was welcoming, always positive, and non-judgmental. The women in the group had very diverse backgrounds but were so supportive of each other.” --- Participant of Healthy Relationships Therapy Group
Taking the first step and signing up for a group can feel intimidating. Our mental health therapists, who facilitate the groups, are aware of this and will make sure you feel comfortable and know what to expect ahead of time. If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, please get in touch with us and we will make sure you feel prepared before starting the group.
We offer 5 therapy groups:
Grieving Through Art Therapy Group
Grieving a loss can be painful, but you don’t have to go through it on your own. In this group, you can talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with the loss of a loved one by death, separation, and even pet loss. You will engage in creative and mindfulness activities, conversation, and monitor therapeutic change. This group gives you the opportunity to:
- Process the loss of a loved one
- Honour the continuing bonds through symbolic meaning-making
- Gain a more comprehensive understanding of grief and how it influences your sense of identity
The group meets weekly for a total of 8 weeks. Previous experience in creating art is not required.
Learn more - Grieving Through Art Therapy Group
Strive: Men's Healthy Relationship Group
If you’re a man often experiencing conflicts and challenges in relationships, whether they are with romantic partners, family, friends, or co-workers, Strive could be a group for you. This program helps men to enhance their wellbeing by showing how to develop healthier relationship skills.
You will learn:
- Recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to respond
- Skills for communicating effectively in your relationships
- Implement flexible and appropriate boundaries
- Understand how your relationship with yourself impacts all your relationships
- Recognize the role that power plays in relationships
- Be more confident in managing conflict
The group meets in person once a week for 16 weeks. To get started, you can attend a free information session.
Learn more - Strive: Men's Healthy Relationship Group
Healthy Relationships Group for Women
Some relationships help bring out the best in you, while others may leave you feeling unsafe, hurt, angry, or insecure. It’s not always easy to determine which relationships are serving you well and how to fix the ones that are broken.
This program focuses on building more fulfilling relationships and balanced life with less conflict. It will help you enhance your wellbeing by showing you how to develop healthier relationship skills based on your own personal values and what you want your life to be.
You will learn:
- Recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to respond
- Effectively communicate in your relationships
- Implement flexible and appropriate boundaries
- Understand how your relationship with yourself impacts all your relationships
- Recognize the role that power plays in relationships
- Be more confident when resolving conflict
The group meets in person once a week for 16 weeks. To get started, you can attend a free information session.
Learn more - Healthy Relationship Group for Women
Free Postpartum Therapy Group
The Postpartum Therapy Group is a safe, comfortable, and judgment-free space where parents can speak about their personal experiences and receive therapeutic support on how to treat postpartum depression and anxiety. This therapy group is designed to empower parents with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to assist them on this journey.
You will learn:
- Common postpartum experiences, including depression and anxiety
- Emotional awareness and regulation
- Identity shifts in parenthood
- Relationships and communication
- Practical tools and strategies for emotional well-being and self-care
- Community care and building your support system
Each group runs for 6 weeks, with one 2-hour session per week. The group is offered at multiple locations in Edmonton and online.
Learn more - Postpartum Therapy Group
Free Partner Postpartum Therapy Group
Our free, virtual Postpartum Therapy Group for Partners will help you navigate baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re feeling unsure about how to support your partner, struggling with your own emotions, or simply want to connect with other new parents, this group can support you.
You will learn:
- The physical, emotional, and psychological changes that can happen during and after pregnancy
- Ways to manage stress and navigate new parenthood
- How to support your partner and maintain healthy relationships
- The importance of self-care
Each group runs for 6 weeks, with one 2-hour session per week.
Learn more - Partner Postpartum Therapy Group