In this 6-week Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion course, you will learn some of the principles and practices of mindful self-compassion, so you can better relate to and care for yourself, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that these techniques can help improve our emotional well-being, improve our ability to cope with life’s challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, promote healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and lead to more satisfying personal relationships. The course is a heartfelt, nurturing program to explore mindfulness and self-compassion. Information and registration at www.compassioninspiredhealth.com
In this 6-week Live Online Mindful Self-Compassion course, you will learn some of the principles and practices of mindful self-compassion, so you can better relate to and care for yourself, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that these techniques can help improve our emotional well-being, improve our ability to cope with life’s challenges, lower levels of anxiety and depression, promote healthy habits such as diet and exercise, and lead to more satisfying personal relationships. The course is a heartfelt, nurturing program to explore mindfulness and self-compassion. Information and registration at www.compassioninspiredhealth.com
Are you tired of the heavy burden of constant overthinking? Join our in-person therapy group in North Nanaimo, designed to help you break free from anxiety and stress. Using Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now as a guide, we move beyond intellectual understanding into the actual practice of presence. Over six weeks, you will learn to disidentify from the "voice in the head," regulate emotions, and find a deep sense of inner peace. This small, supportive group (max 6 participants) offers a safe sanctuary to practice stillness and connection. Facilitated by John Woychuk, CCC.
Hosted by J. Woychuk Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Group meets in Nanaimo, BC V9V
I offer individual, couples' and group therapy for clients, with a focus on ADHD, anxiety and trauma.
Are you tired of the heavy burden of constant overthinking? Join our in-person therapy group in North Nanaimo, designed to help you break free from anxiety and stress. Using Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now as a guide, we move beyond intellectual understanding into the actual practice of presence. Over six weeks, you will learn to disidentify from the "voice in the head," regulate emotions, and find a deep sense of inner peace. This small, supportive group (max 6 participants) offers a safe sanctuary to practice stillness and connection. Facilitated by John Woychuk, CCC.
This is an ongoing group intended for parents, the unemployed, and those managing their disability and/or addiction. It is intended to provide the information needed to deal with debilitating anxiety, elevated distress, and crippling depression on a day-to-day basis.
After the client begins to experience a noticeable shift in her/his anxiety and coping skills and effectiveness we begin to explore PTSD/c-PTSD triggered responses, and emotional effects experienced in the present from past trauma.
This is an ongoing group intended for parents, the unemployed, and those managing their disability and/or addiction. It is intended to provide the information needed to deal with debilitating anxiety, elevated distress, and crippling depression on a day-to-day basis.
More Groups Nearby
We're strong, soulful, savvy and smart, vibrant and sassy too! Hyper-skilled, 50+ and young at heart, highly sensitives, we’re engaged with learning, living full-out and having fun, devoted to personal growth and bettering ourselves! Keenly awake with HEAPS of bold passion, creativity and experience, aspirations, and dreams to fulfill! We're not afraid of vulnerability and our personal power, asserting boundaries and speaking our truths now. This ripe time is about being true to ourselves after putting others needs before our own, nurturing deep connections (online), sharing and telling stories, strengthening inner wisdom and feeling support!
Many of the clients I support first need help to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, overwhelm and burnout
We're strong, soulful, savvy and smart, vibrant and sassy too! Hyper-skilled, 50+ and young at heart, highly sensitives, we’re engaged with learning, living full-out and having fun, devoted to personal growth and bettering ourselves! Keenly awake with HEAPS of bold passion, creativity and experience, aspirations, and dreams to fulfill! We're not afraid of vulnerability and our personal power, asserting boundaries and speaking our truths now. This ripe time is about being true to ourselves after putting others needs before our own, nurturing deep connections (online), sharing and telling stories, strengthening inner wisdom and feeling support!
Waves of Change is aimed toward female identifying people aged 19+ who identify anxiety as a barrier in their lives and are looking to develop resources and coping strategies to help them manage anxiety and stress. Meeting twice monthly, one evening and one daytime program, this program fosters positive mental health through a nature based group counselling program. It takes a holistic health perspective and builds resiliency and skills with the aim of integration of these skills into participants lives moving forward. Please see humannaturecounselling.ca for more information about the program starting in February, and how to register.
Waves of Change is aimed toward female identifying people aged 19+ who identify anxiety as a barrier in their lives and are looking to develop resources and coping strategies to help them manage anxiety and stress. Meeting twice monthly, one evening and one daytime program, this program fosters positive mental health through a nature based group counselling program. It takes a holistic health perspective and builds resiliency and skills with the aim of integration of these skills into participants lives moving forward. Please see humannaturecounselling.ca for more information about the program starting in February, and how to register.
Online Groups
I will provide clinical hypnosis in a group setting to induce a natural, relaxed, trance-like state to help with issues such as self-esteem and work stress. The topic that we will work on will vary from week to week. Clients have described the experience of relaxed consciousness as a pleasant and calming one. This 6-8 member group will be suitable to clients who have already enjoyed Japanese spa or would like to experience the potential additional benefits offered by the comfortably-heated environment. Drop-ins are welcome and advanced bookings are required. Please inquire for more information.
I will provide clinical hypnosis in a group setting to induce a natural, relaxed, trance-like state to help with issues such as self-esteem and work stress. The topic that we will work on will vary from week to week. Clients have described the experience of relaxed consciousness as a pleasant and calming one. This 6-8 member group will be suitable to clients who have already enjoyed Japanese spa or would like to experience the potential additional benefits offered by the comfortably-heated environment. Drop-ins are welcome and advanced bookings are required. Please inquire for more information.
This therapy group offers a confidential, supportive space where men explore personal growth, emotional resilience, and healthy relationships. Participants engage in structured sessions combining goal-setting, reflective exercises, and peer feedback. The group emphasizes accountability, practical strategies for stress management, communication skills, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Members share challenges and successes, building trust and a sense of belonging. Sessions are action-oriented yet empathetic, helping men translate insights into sustainable behavior change. Ideal for those seeking deeper self-awareness, improved confidence, and clearer life direction within a respectful, nonjudgmental community committed to ongoing mutual support.
This therapy group offers a confidential, supportive space where men explore personal growth, emotional resilience, and healthy relationships. Participants engage in structured sessions combining goal-setting, reflective exercises, and peer feedback. The group emphasizes accountability, practical strategies for stress management, communication skills, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Members share challenges and successes, building trust and a sense of belonging. Sessions are action-oriented yet empathetic, helping men translate insights into sustainable behavior change. Ideal for those seeking deeper self-awareness, improved confidence, and clearer life direction within a respectful, nonjudgmental community committed to ongoing mutual support.
Learning how to practice mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve your relationships, develop resilience, and cultivate compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was founded 30 years ago, and is the gold standard for learning mindfulness meditation. The dates for the course are March 1- April 17, 2025. This course includes weekly 2.5 hour sessions on Sunday mornings including group meditations, mindful movement, discussions and teachings. There is a commitment to weekly attendance and home practice, with a full day retreat on April 6th. Please check out my website for more information!
Learning how to practice mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve your relationships, develop resilience, and cultivate compassion for yourself and others. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was founded 30 years ago, and is the gold standard for learning mindfulness meditation. The dates for the course are March 1- April 17, 2025. This course includes weekly 2.5 hour sessions on Sunday mornings including group meditations, mindful movement, discussions and teachings. There is a commitment to weekly attendance and home practice, with a full day retreat on April 6th. Please check out my website for more information!
Learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT) with modules focusing on: 1) Mindfulness 2) Distress Tolerance 3) Emotion Regulation 4) Interpersonal Effectiveness 5) Problem-Solving Skills. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm in a small group setting. Workshop consists of 9 meet-ups over 9 weeks. Starts April 2, 2025. Email: info@southislandcounselling.org to learn more.
We specialize in assisting clients navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression or trauma.
Learn Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT) with modules focusing on: 1) Mindfulness 2) Distress Tolerance 3) Emotion Regulation 4) Interpersonal Effectiveness 5) Problem-Solving Skills. Every Wednesday 6pm to 8pm in a small group setting. Workshop consists of 9 meet-ups over 9 weeks. Starts April 2, 2025. Email: info@southislandcounselling.org to learn more.
- Receive and offer to others support who experience ADHD - Share tips, tricks, and strategies around common executive functioning, emotional, and interpersonal struggles (including time management, emotional self-regulation, organization, relationships, communication, etc) - Connect into a space with others who have a shared experience -Get support with symptoms of ADHD and the feelings around those symptoms. - Engage in a fun and connected environment designed to help you grow and thrive.
- Receive and offer to others support who experience ADHD - Share tips, tricks, and strategies around common executive functioning, emotional, and interpersonal struggles (including time management, emotional self-regulation, organization, relationships, communication, etc) - Connect into a space with others who have a shared experience -Get support with symptoms of ADHD and the feelings around those symptoms. - Engage in a fun and connected environment designed to help you grow and thrive.
In this group we work on unraveling our 'inner critic'. Working towards self-compassion, rather than self criticism. This is beneficial as it helps us resist shame and self blame. I use the works of Kristen Neff, Pema Chodron and Tara Brach in this group. ** OFFERING, APRIL 2026** FNHA and CVAP funding approved.
In this group we work on unraveling our 'inner critic'. Working towards self-compassion, rather than self criticism. This is beneficial as it helps us resist shame and self blame. I use the works of Kristen Neff, Pema Chodron and Tara Brach in this group. ** OFFERING, APRIL 2026** FNHA and CVAP funding approved.
VPC is pleased to offer an evidence-based, fun group experience to help ease anxiety in kids. In a friendly environment, this will help members to 'get' what anxiety is all about + will teach skills to overcome anxiety. Educating kids to be in charge of their thoughts with a focus on understanding the cycle of anxiety thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mastering simple + fun Mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioural skills to squash anxiety. Next group: Fall 2020. $395 /child for 10-hours of programming www. vancouverpsychologycentre.com /resilient-minds-kids- anxiety-group/
Hosted by Vancouver Psychology Centre
Psychologist, PsyDs, PhDs, RCCs, BCATR, CCC
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5Y
VPC is pleased to offer an evidence-based, fun group experience to help ease anxiety in kids. In a friendly environment, this will help members to 'get' what anxiety is all about + will teach skills to overcome anxiety. Educating kids to be in charge of their thoughts with a focus on understanding the cycle of anxiety thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mastering simple + fun Mindfulness and Cognitive-Behavioural skills to squash anxiety. Next group: Fall 2020. $395 /child for 10-hours of programming www. vancouverpsychologycentre.com /resilient-minds-kids- anxiety-group/
Struggling with anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready to have your life under control again? Led by a busy mom and business owner therapist, this program is designed to equip you with effective tools to understand and reshape negative thought patterns, reduce excessive thoughts and regain control over your life. In a safe, welcoming group setting, you’ll see clarity by connecting with others facing similar challenges and build lasting skills for personal growth. Join us to feel empowered, calmer, and ready to face life with confidence. Start your journey towards mental well-being and balanced living today!
I work with client who maybe struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress and depression that is affecting their relationships at work or with family.
Struggling with anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed? Are you ready to have your life under control again? Led by a busy mom and business owner therapist, this program is designed to equip you with effective tools to understand and reshape negative thought patterns, reduce excessive thoughts and regain control over your life. In a safe, welcoming group setting, you’ll see clarity by connecting with others facing similar challenges and build lasting skills for personal growth. Join us to feel empowered, calmer, and ready to face life with confidence. Start your journey towards mental well-being and balanced living today!
Lately we’ve been feeling how hard it is to be human in a world that never stops. Notifications, deadlines, the pressure to always be available and productive. We’re constantly connected, yet more disconnected than ever. ?Off-Screen Hours is a space to step away from the noise. To rest, make art, and heal in community. Intentional breaks from screens and the grind of constant doing, slowing down long enough to feel present again. Every Friday, 3-5pm starting on Nov 14th, 2025. Come to any conversation that speaks to you! @ Room 317– 402 West Pender St. Save your spot: https://luma.com/decipherstudio
Hosted by Decipher Counselling Art Therapy Studio
Counsellor, MCP-AT, RCC, RCAT
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
Lately we’ve been feeling how hard it is to be human in a world that never stops. Notifications, deadlines, the pressure to always be available and productive. We’re constantly connected, yet more disconnected than ever. ?Off-Screen Hours is a space to step away from the noise. To rest, make art, and heal in community. Intentional breaks from screens and the grind of constant doing, slowing down long enough to feel present again. Every Friday, 3-5pm starting on Nov 14th, 2025. Come to any conversation that speaks to you! @ Room 317– 402 West Pender St. Save your spot: https://luma.com/decipherstudio
Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers in person and virtual group therapy in Vancouver, BC. Our small groups provide a supportive and confidential space to work on anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship challenges while connecting with others facing similar struggles. Using evidence based approaches, members learn practical coping skills, gain insight into emotional patterns, and receive supportive feedback from both the therapist and group members. Many people find group therapy especially helpful for feeling less alone, building confidence in social situations, and developing healthier ways of relating to others.
Mickey Stein works with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, and developmental concerns including autism and ADHD.
Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers in person and virtual group therapy in Vancouver, BC. Our small groups provide a supportive and confidential space to work on anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship challenges while connecting with others facing similar struggles. Using evidence based approaches, members learn practical coping skills, gain insight into emotional patterns, and receive supportive feedback from both the therapist and group members. Many people find group therapy especially helpful for feeling less alone, building confidence in social situations, and developing healthier ways of relating to others.
A psycho educational group for those who seek to understand their nervous system. Together we dive into understanding our nervous system and how we may best support ourselves with mental, emotional, physical, spiritual overwhelm. Feelings associated with anxiety and depression are natural experiences, which have permitted our ancestors to survive. These ways of being deserve respect and by shifting our perspective to "befriending", we begin to understand its edges, its textures, how it shows up, and how to be gentle with ourselves. We can then explore how past experiences may have impacted our internal world.
Hosted by Priya Gill - Sex, Relational, and Trauma Therapy
Counsellor, BA, MCP, RCC
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V5V
A psycho educational group for those who seek to understand their nervous system. Together we dive into understanding our nervous system and how we may best support ourselves with mental, emotional, physical, spiritual overwhelm. Feelings associated with anxiety and depression are natural experiences, which have permitted our ancestors to survive. These ways of being deserve respect and by shifting our perspective to "befriending", we begin to understand its edges, its textures, how it shows up, and how to be gentle with ourselves. We can then explore how past experiences may have impacted our internal world.
I will offer group mindfulness sessions conducted in a comfortable Japanese spa-like setting with tiles treated with anti-oxidant, nutrient-rich solutions that may help to reduce oxidative stress. Mindfulness can help to decrease severity of psychopathological symptoms as well as improve overall life functioning. The fully-clothed experience aims to provide traditional group-therapy benefits that include guided support to form healthy social connections and normalization of shared experiences via the interactions amongst fellow members. Potential additional benefits may include increased physical relaxation and improved physiological functioning by the Japanese hot-tile spa experience. Drop-ins accepted!
I will offer group mindfulness sessions conducted in a comfortable Japanese spa-like setting with tiles treated with anti-oxidant, nutrient-rich solutions that may help to reduce oxidative stress. Mindfulness can help to decrease severity of psychopathological symptoms as well as improve overall life functioning. The fully-clothed experience aims to provide traditional group-therapy benefits that include guided support to form healthy social connections and normalization of shared experiences via the interactions amongst fellow members. Potential additional benefits may include increased physical relaxation and improved physiological functioning by the Japanese hot-tile spa experience. Drop-ins accepted!
Help your youth build social skills, frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and creative problem solving skills in a safe, inclusive, and engaging group. Emerging research has demonstrated the potent, potential benefits of tabletop role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons) when utilized in a therapeutic setting. Therapeutically applied tabletop role-playing games are a great option for individuals who want to work on developing social skills, reducing social anxiety, or developing collaborative problem-solving skills in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Help your youth build social skills, frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and creative problem solving skills in a safe, inclusive, and engaging group. Emerging research has demonstrated the potent, potential benefits of tabletop role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons) when utilized in a therapeutic setting. Therapeutically applied tabletop role-playing games are a great option for individuals who want to work on developing social skills, reducing social anxiety, or developing collaborative problem-solving skills in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
A group for individuals who identify as female aged 15-18 experiencing anxiety and low self-esteem. A combination of group counselling and community building, these individuals are taken through a series of activities intended to build self-awareness and empowerment via connection, community and life-skills.
A group for individuals who identify as female aged 15-18 experiencing anxiety and low self-esteem. A combination of group counselling and community building, these individuals are taken through a series of activities intended to build self-awareness and empowerment via connection, community and life-skills.
Come join our in-person DBT group in Tri-cities, BC (option to join virtually) if you are not able to make it in-person. Great way to learn skills that will help you thrive in your personal and professional life.
Come join our in-person DBT group in Tri-cities, BC (option to join virtually) if you are not able to make it in-person. Great way to learn skills that will help you thrive in your personal and professional life.
See more therapy options for Nanaimo
Anxiety Support Groups
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
What are the most common types of treatment for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.