Support Groups in Calgary, AB
I have presented to many different agencies offering lunch workshops, training, and speaking on many areas such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, family systems, stress relief, joy, and happiness, workplace stress, marriage, and relationships. Inquire kate@supportingwellness.com
In my practice, it is important to me that my clients feel heard and understood. I use an integrative approach combining techniques from traditional talk therapy to offering non-talk therapy for clients who have experienced PTSD or long-term trauma. My sessions are client-focused fostering self-awareness and personal growth. I emphasize building a strong therapeutic alliance, where clients are encouraged to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with support, and kindness. Through collaborative goal-setting and practical strategies, I guide clients toward positive change and resilience.
DBT skills group is a 16 week virtual group focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation & interpersonal effectiveness skills. It is a trauma informed group with a unique addition of learning how trauma affects our ability to regulate emotions. If you are struggling to cope; your anger climbs from 0-60, have difficulty making decisions, setting boundaries or pushing people away? Perhaps you're lacking a sense of identity or people pleasing at the cost of yourself, using substances to cope, struggling with self harm, feeling empty, or you never get time for yourself? Then this group is for you.
Therapy and healing from past negative experiences is a journey and having effective support along the way is invaluable. With over 20 years experience working in mental health, I believe that one of the most powerful elements in healing and achieving a life worth living is authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. I strive to bring compassion, humour, safety, respect and acceptance to the therapeutic process. Together, we will work to learn new effective coping skills, build on current strengths, take on new challenges that are in alignment with your personal values and goals and heal from past painful experiences.
Social and Emotional Adolescent therapy group High school Social-Emotional Classes Our high-schoolers are given the tools to navigate adolescence with effective communication skills, coping and tolerance, decision-making skills and additional social-emotional tools that help them make good choices, avoid pitfalls, such as peer pressure, substance abuse, and prepare for the journey of adulthood. Groups available in Calgary, Edmonton and Beaumont
Hosted by Positive Kids Inc
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, PsyD(c), RP
Group meets in Calgary, AB T2N
Does your child need support navigating challenges like ADHD, behavioural concerns, hyperactivity, motivation, decision-making, focus, aggression, shyness, or other social-emotional issues? At Positive Kids, we understand how difficult it can be to see your child struggle. That’s why we’ve created a nurturing space to help children and teens develop critical life skills, in the following areas: self-control, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. These children ultimately become independent, confident, inquisitive, enthusiastic, responsible and compassionate adults in later years.
When a person's executive functions fail, he has trouble analyzing, planning, organizing, scheduling, and completing tasks. People with EFD commonly lack the ability to handle frustration, start and finish tasks, recall and follow multi-step directions, stay on track, self-monitor, and balance priorities. Fixing the area of a deficit is key to fixing academic or occupational difficulties. The group sessions will be running on a continuous intake basis. You can enter the program at any time. The sessions will repeat so that you do not have to miss a session and can fit your busy schedule.
Hosted by New Discovery Psychological Services
Psychologist, BCom, MA, Reg, Psych, R
Group meets in Calgary, AB T3H
As a psychologist at New Discovery Psychological Services, I aim to understand and validate each person's unique experiences. Dealing with challenges like ADHD or Adult Autism? Get insights and strategies to manage your traits. Issues with focus, organization, emotions, or social interactions can affect your life. Understand your condition, learn coping methods, and establish an empowering routine. Use your strengths, overcome obstacles, and redefine your identity. Seek acceptance and improvement, and take control while embracing neurodiversity.
Achievements Unlimited (AU) is an integrated team of therapists, specializing in SLP, OT, and psychology. The team has provided specialized services for over 10 years, with each member having 10-30 years experience with children with developmental disabilities. Their approach combines engagement-based play and developmental skill-building through a trauma informed lens. AU provides Specialized Services through FSCD to support families to learn strategies to support their child in developing personally meaningful goals and improve the overall quality of their life.
For over 20 years, I have worked with children with complex learning needs. My approach is neuro affirming and trauma-informed, ensuring a playful, sensitive and understanding environment for children and their families. Areas of experience include: reducing signs of distress (often mask as challenging behaviour) and improving skills in all areas of development including; social engagement, communication, play, self-advocacy, safety & participation in daily routines. I have specialized interest and education in behaviour and focus on supporting parents/caregivers to learn strategies to best support their child.
This co-facilitated group offers a supportive space for women seeking relief from anxiety. Explore how anxiety affects your life and gain practical tools to manage and reduce it. Through art exploration, somatic practices, and mindfulness, you’ll deepen self-awareness and build emotional resilience in a safe, empowering environment. Register for our waitlist at: https://forms.gle/mz2r7qNigbE9Hj5DA
Many of the clients I work with are seeking personal growth, self-discovery, and healing. They often come to therapy to navigate grief, stress, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges such as boundary issues, separation, and betrayal. My clients are typically looking to experience greater ease, connection, and a sense of wholeness in their lives. Their goals often include becoming more present within themselves and their relationships, while moving toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Group counselling for men who have been accused of or themselves feel that they may be abusive to their partners. Group therapy accepted by the Alberta courts. Anger managemnt is part of this group or also a stand alone group
Stress both workplace and life, sexual addicitons, relationships including couple, marital, family, co-worker, Christian. The goal of MARTHA7 counselling is to help people be the best version of themselves.
Join us in RHYTHM, a therapeutic drumming group where the power of rhythm becomes a pathway to healing and connection. This program is designed for those seeking relief from stress, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, or emotional challenges. Through guided drumming sessions, you’ll release emotions, reconnect with your body, and find grounding alongside others on a similar journey. No musical experience is required—just bring your presence, an open heart, and a willingness to explore. Together, we create a safe, inclusive space to discover healing, self-expression, and community. Step into the beat, and let the rhythm transform you. Contact to join the waitlist.
Hosted by Michael Elliott Frisby
Registered Social Worker, BEd, MSW, RSW
Group meets in Calgary, AB T2T
Sometimes we find ourselves standing at a crossroads, feeling the weight of life’s changes. We might experience anxiety, depression, or an uncomfortable restlessness. We've been holding it together on the surface but now feel a pull for something different, something more. Perhaps there's a desire to seek clarity, a break from the overwhelm, and a safe space to explore memories, thoughts, emotions. Perhaps there's a yearning for peace in the chaos, an authentic connection to Self, and a life of deeper purpose. You long to feel seen, understood, and gently guided toward growth, healing, and a life that truly feels like your own.
Providing group and/or individual supervision to CAP provisional psychologists and EMDR trainees via telepsychology (online) or in-person. Applying EPPP and LEAP to your provisional practice.
Margaret believes that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) efficiently takes the pain out of the memories and that "Laughter is the best medicine" particularly when paired with music and self-help strategies! I will assist you similarly to TRAIN YOUR BRAIN in the same process you learned your multiplication tables, safely and securely via Jane software video on your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone or via telephone or texting. *Alberta residents only, please and thank you, as per my registered psychologist license. 1-403-680-9707 Cel.
In a small group setting, we discuss anxiety and strategies to cope with it. We work together as a group to help one another. If you are interested in joining my group please send me an email or call.
Anxiety, depression, self-harm and relationship problems can cause distress - just getting by day to day can be tough. We often struggle alone believing things will never get better. Family and friends urge us to get over it, stop talking about it! But, you need to talk. I care and I am here to help. Together we can find a solution and make the changes that will make a difference in your life. Together we will work towards making life less stressful, overwhelming and more enjoyable! If you can't come to me, I will come to you!
Participants will engage with their grief and anxiety related to the ongoing degradation and destruction of ecological systems, biodiversity, and the realities of human-caused damage to the Earth. Using tools of body-awareness, mindfulness, breath, reflective questions, group sharing and processing, participants will have opportunities to express their fears, despair, as well their hopes, dreams, and actions for the future of our Planet and our species.
Hosted by Agnieszka Wolska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, CHT, RMFT, MSW, BSW
Group meets in Calgary, AB T2H
We all carry multiple stories about our selves, our lives, and our experiences. There are parts in our stories that are sometimes hidden from our awareness. It is in the calm noticing, re-discovery, and re-telling of our stories that we can find and connect with parts of ourselves that may need healing, and also parts of ourselves that are insightful, strong, and brilliant even in the midst of hardship and darkness. Through facilitating, witnessing, and holding space together, we can engage in our personal work of healing. I look forward to connecting with you.
I am beginning groups for eating issues in July 2020. I apply CBT, DBT and Internal Family Systems to work on underlying causes of eating issues including binge eating, bulimia and anorexia. Please contact me if you are interested in participating in these groups.
Life at times may feel like a relentless struggle, filled with sadness, discouragement, and overwhelming despair. As a psychologist, with more than 20 years experience, I can support you to overcome challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, people pleasing, trauma, addiction, eating issues including binge eating, bulimia and anorexia and couples therapy. I utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS), an innovative and transformative therapeutic model for emotional healing of eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
Living in Recovery is a voluntary 26 - or 52 - week in-person recovery skills group, in compliance with current AHS Covid- 19 protocols . Each group is 2 hours and 15 minutes , client -driven, and process oriented. Our focus is to foster healthy connections with others in the early stages of recovery . We aim to re-enforce foundational skills and knowledge learned in treatment through exploring recovery -based topics such as: daily challenges in early recovery, boundary setting, transitioning from 24/7 support and routines to home life, family, friends, work, and more . Additionally, we offer random urine drug testing using the 12 -panel test cups.
Do you feel overwhelmed and weighed down in your relationship? Are you feeling stuck in the same arguments and issues? Are you considering a break up or separation? Are you stuck in blaming and criticizing each other? Are you feeling like your partner doesn’t hear or understand you? If so, you might feel like you’re the only ones struggling but you are not alone. Together we can work to find solutions, to break unhealthy patterns of communication. I work from a solution focused approach, my goal is to listen to you and help discover solutions to bring a sense of understanding, acceptance, joy and connection into your relationships.
Struggling with a 19-29 year old adult child living in your home. Tried everything and exasperated? Want to meet others struggling with the same problem and together learn new, effective ways to approach the problem? This may be the group for you. Call today and secure your spot in this 4 session parenting consultation group!
It can be hard to step into life the way you want when struggling with painful thoughts, emotions, or experiences. Asking for help takes courage. I offer a welcoming and supportive space for you to engage in the work of healing and change. I am passionate about working with people who feel hijacked by their thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and with couples who are finding it difficult to feel securely connected. In therapy we work collaboratively so that you can gain new insight, experience healing, and find creative, workable ways to tackle difficult behavioural, emotional, or interpersonal problems.
Full day sessions are being offered during the month of August - Tuesday, Aug. 15th for high school students (including those who have just graduated) and Tuesday, Aug. 22nd for junior high students. Support and strategies are offered related to learning, attention, friendships, emotional regulation, and more. Confidence and emotional well-being can grow tremendously as teens come to better understand and manage their own experiences with ADHD. Group counselling is a great way to help your child feel more supported. Materials will be sent home at the end of the session to allow parents a window into what their child learned.
I have been passionate about psychology ever since going through my own struggle with depression as an adolescent. I care deeply about my clients and show this by creating a safe and empathetic counselling space. I am devoted to helping you increase hope, experience more happiness, and improve your relationships. If you would like to feel more love and acceptance for yourself or if you would like to feel more loved and accepted by your partner, we can work together to help you move towards your goals.
The Twenty-Somethings, those are some challenging years. Please join McKenzie Henderson and myself as we begin our second offering of this targeted group. In this group we explore what it means to be in these transitional years; exploring all the best and most challenging parts. We discuss themes that come alongside your 20s. This includes career, finances, friendships, dating, breakups, self-esteem, and exploring where you are and where you want to be. This group runs for five weeks, with a one week break around family day.
Hosted by Ellen Lester
Registered Provisional Psychologist, BCR, MACP
Group meets in Calgary, AB T2S
I offer a warm, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with yourself, and work toward meaningful change. My practice focuses on working with women and girls—especially those navigating life transitions, anxiety, and building a stronger sense of self. This often includes themes like self-esteem, validation, perfectionism, career shifts, and relationship or family dynamics.
I also have experience supporting clients through challenges such as depression, trauma, ADHD, grief, emotional regulation, self-harm, and stress.
Everyone needs a variety of tools in their toolbox to navigate all the different situations that life can throw our way whether that be relationship difficulties, work challenges, or feeling like you’re stuck. Sometimes we need to accept the present moment; other times we need to figure out how to problem solve it; and sometimes it’s most effective to do both. This 12-week online skills training class will cover skills from all four modules of Marsha Linehan’s Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Training Manual (2014): Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
Sometimes life can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions that are overwhelming and lead us to cope in ways that create difficulties. I have always been passionate about helping people navigate these difficulties to help them live a life that's worth living. I have over nine years of experience providing individual and group therapy to individuals with mild to severe mental health issues. I specialize in treating individuals who experience difficulties related to borderline personality disorder, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, and addictions.
At Calgary Reconnect Counselling Group we are passionate about couples therapy work. We recognize having a satisfying and fulfilling bond with your partner contributes to emotional well being, a sense of belonging, and allows you to achieve closeness and connection in your relationship. We specialize in helping couples establish healthier connections, managing conflicts or crisis in relationships, preparing clients for new relationships, ending relationships in times of separation or divorce, working through grief and loss, and in providing culturally sensitive and responsive counselling.
At Unicorn Psychology, we help children feel seen, understood, and safe to grow.
As parents, we want to understand our children, to ease their struggles, and to help them thrive—but sometimes, the path forward isn’t clear. That’s where I come in.
I’m Natalie, a Registered Psychologist and Certified Play Therapist with a deep passion for working with children and families. With many years of experience, I’ve learned that healing happens through connection—and for children, the most natural path to connection is through play.
A psychotherapy group for girls 14-17 years old. Over the course of 6 weeks participants learn: How to manage relationships (family and dating). How to navigate social media, and cyber bullying. Make positive future orientated goals. Understand their own body image. Build self esteem. Please contact Phoenix for more details.
The decision to start therapy is a courageous first step towards understanding, healing, and change. I offer therapy to adolescents, adults, and couples in Calgary, AB and Bragg Creek AB. I believe that most people can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. Whether you struggle with persistent troubling thoughts or feelings, are overwhelmed by events that are out of your control, or just want to get in touch with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your life, therapy can help.
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Calgary?
To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, postal code, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.
Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.
Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.
It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioural exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.
Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioural exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.
Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.
Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between $90 and $100 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organisations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or non-profit organisations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your group therapy sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for group therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.
The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.
The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalised and specialised care.
The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.
The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.