Group Counselling
Counselling for Sexual Violence in a Supportive, Group Environment
At Saffron Centre, we recognize the power of community in the healing process. Our group counselling services offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who have had similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding. Group therapy can be an enriching complement to individual counselling or serve as a standalone resource, providing unique opportunities for growth and healing.
Benefits of Group Counselling
Group counselling brings together individuals who share common experiences or challenges, creating a space where participants can support one another and feel supported in return. Being part of a group can help reduce feelings of isolation, as members often find comfort in realizing they are not alone in their struggles. This shared experience can lead to deeper connections and a stronger sense of community.
Additionally, group therapy offers a platform for participants to explore and express their thoughts and emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The diverse perspectives within the group can introduce new and creative ways of thinking, helping members to break free from negative thought patterns and discover alternative approaches to their challenges. The collaborative nature of group counselling encourages active participation, where members can practice empathy, offer support, and receive feedback, all of which are essential components of the healing process.
Whether accessed before, during, or after individual therapy, or as an independent option, group counselling provides a unique opportunity for growth. The dynamic interaction within the group can help individuals build confidence, enhance social skills, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. By engaging in this collective healing process, participants can gain new insights, challenge limiting beliefs, and create meaningful change in their lives.
Ongoing Groups
Foundations of Healing - Adults
Stabilization, Coping Skills, and Psychoeducation
This group prepares you for the deeper work of processing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations triggered by experiences of sexual violence. Saffron’s Trauma Coaches help participants learn about the impact of trauma and how to use coping strategies to manage symptoms and gain an understanding of how the traumatic incident has impacted them. This group fosters a sense of belonging among participants, reminding everyone that they are not alone.
This group is offered weekly at a predetermined time. Each week will be a 90-minute session focusing on a different topic.
Healing and Beyond
Continuity and Care
This group is for survivors of sexual violence who have moved through the survival phase of healing and are looking to build community and connection. The goal of the program is to ensure that clients have transitional support as they are completing their individual therapy. Group facilitators will assist clients to strengthen existing coping tools and develop new ones to help manage everyday symptoms and reactions. This can help participants feel more prepared to manage change, triggers, symptoms, and new stressors on their own with the tools they’ve learned in therapy.
This group is by referral through your intake or your Saffron Therapist. The group meets once a month.
Occasional Groups
Occasional groups run when Saffron identifies a trending need among clients and when we have enough interested participants for the program.
Foundations of Healing – Youth (Ages 14-17)
Stabilization, Coping Skills, and Psychoeducation
The group prepares you for the deeper work of processing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations triggered by experiences of sexual violence. Saffron’s Trauma Coaches help the group learn about the impact of trauma and how to use coping strategies to manage symptoms and gain an understanding of how the traumatic incident has impacted you. This group fosters a sense of belonging among young participants, reminding everyone that they are not alone.
Virtual sessions are held weekly for 8 weeks, with each 60-minute session focusing on a different topic.
DBT Skills Training Group
Acceptance and Change
Grounded in mindfulness and behavioural therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that provides skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships and coping with difficult situations. DBT balances both acceptance and change and teaches participants to accept their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours while giving them the techniques to change them.
This virtual group program consists of 6 bi-weekly sessions that run for 90 minutes each.
Caregivers Assisting Healing
Nurturing Healing Hearts
Caregivers Assisting Healing is a program that equips caregivers to support their pre-teens and teens in improving their resiliency after experiences of sexual violence. Caregivers will receive psychoeducation about the impacts of trauma and strategies to assist their youth with decreasing symptoms caused or amplified by trauma. Participants are also provided opportunities to support each other and communicate how their teenager’s trauma has affected them.
Virtual sessions are held bi-weekly for 10 weeks, offering a total of 5 sessions. Each 75-minute session focuses on a different topic.
Foundations of Healing – Support Persons
Finding Support and Healing
Supporting someone you love through the experience of sexual violence can be difficult. This group program specifically for adult supporters provides more information on how to foster resiliency in loved ones after they have experienced sexual violence. The group is focused on understanding how the traumatic experience has impacted your loved one and learning coping strategies to help offer effective support while caring for yourself.
Sessions are held weekly for 8 weeks, with each session focusing on a different topic.
FAQs About Group Counselling
Group counselling involves participating in therapy sessions with a small group of individuals who share similar challenges or experiences. Unlike individual therapy where the focus is on one-on-one interaction with a therapist, group counselling emphasizes shared experiences and mutual support among group members.
Our group sizes vary depending on the program, but we typically aim to keep groups small, with around 6-10 participants. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from the group experience.
Yes, confidentiality is a key component of our group counselling sessions. All participants are expected to respect the privacy of others and maintain confidentiality about what is shared within the group.
Absolutely. Group counselling can complement individual therapy by providing additional support and perspectives. You can participate in group sessions before, during, or after your individual therapy, depending on what feels right for you.
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about sharing in a group setting, especially at first. Our facilitators are skilled at creating a safe and supportive environment, and participants are encouraged to share at their own pace. Many people find that as they become more comfortable, they gain confidence in speaking and participating in the group. If you still feel uncomfortable, talk to us about our Individual Counselling options.
Note: It is a requirement in virtual group counselling that participant computer cameras be on. If you are unable to meet this requirement, please speak to the group facilitator.
To enroll in a group counselling program, you can contact Saffron Centre directly. We will guide you through the intake process and help you find the group that best suits your needs.
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