Group Therapy

Group therapy is a widely used treatment option. It is an evidence-based approach that can be used alone or in conjunction with individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as medications.

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Group therapy has so many benefits for participants – not only do you get to work with a skilled mental health professional, but you also get to share space with other people experiencing similar issues. Whether sessions are in-person or online, you can learn from people from diverse backgrounds, get more comfortable speaking about mental health, receive support from others and give support back. Layla Groups are small, and each participant receives careful attention and support from the therapist.

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Our services are not covered by OHIP/AHCIP/MSP/MSI, but most extended health plans cover some of the professional designations licensed to conduct therapy. Each plan is unique. If you’re planning on using your extended health benefits, we highly recommend you check your coverage in advance of the call so that we can connect you to the right provider.
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Here’s what to look for: In your benefits booklet, insurance portal, or when you speak to an insurance representative specifically look for coverage for either 1. Registered Social Workers, or 2. Registered Psychotherapists (RP) or Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT), or 3. Psychologists. If you need our help in checking benefits, please let us know on the phone and we’ll gladly do what we can.

If affordability is a barrier for you, you may find these community-based alternatives helpful

Layla Groups will generally start with a check-in activity to bring everyone fully into the therapeutic space. Every session, your therapist will introduce new skills, facilitate discussion, share examples, and may provide practice review or “homework”. You’ll receive all the materials that you need, like handouts and worksheets, before the start of each group. 

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At the end of the session, your therapist will lead the group through a check-out activity to prepare the group to leave the therapeutic space and bring the session to a close.

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Yes definitely! Adjusting to a new experience in a new environment takes a bit of time. You may be feeling anxious as you start a new group, especially in the first session. The feelings of anxiety, discomfort or worry will likely decrease throughout the first session and with each session you attend. Take your time to settle in and participate as much (or as little) as you are comfortable with. The goal is for each of you to move through your own processes at your own pace within a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.

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It can feel scary to open up and share with others. Just remember that the other participants in the group are also going through similar struggles and are trying to deal with similar things. You’ll most likely find that when you share your experience, you’ll see a lot of other group members nodding and agreeing as they have gone through similar things and felt similar feelings. Being seen, heard, and understood by someone else who has the same lived experience can feel so validating. 

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We also review ground rules and expectations at session 1 and everyone agrees to follow these rules. Kindness, compassion, respect, and inclusivity, are the core values that frame all of the conversations in the group. 

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