Support Groups in Nova Scotia

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In this six-week virtual program you will meet others who are going through similar pain. Residents of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland are eligible for the program. Fee is $200 (no tax) for six sessions. There is a limit of ten participants. Tender Tails is eligible for reimbursement with most extended health care plan providers.
Hosted by Kathleen Dunbar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, RVT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3M
Are you grieving the loss of your pet? Are you finding it hard to cope with heavy feelings and thoughts yet feeling like "I should be able to just 'get over' it? I understand. I offer clients space and support to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions. I believe that every client can find meaning and richness in life with the right support. I strive to offer clients empathy, caring, and compassion. I aim to create a space where clients can express their most difficult feelings, thoughts, or situations when they are grieving.
(782) 201-3985 View (782) 201-3985
Beginning with contemplative and mindfulness practices we prepare the ground for healing circle practice. Speaking from our truth, both from our brokenness and our wholeness, we discover our healing intentions. Listening to others around the circle with patience and compassion, healing begins. Then we enter into the open space of the circle to play. Willing to play we extend our imagination into what is possible for us. In play we also develop awareness-insight into what we hold onto as obstacles, emotional patterns, and distorted cognitive projections that prevent us from moving forward. Releasing these we arrive whole here now.
Hosted by Timothy R Walker
Counsellor, PhD, CCC, NSRCT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3H
I work from the perspective that everyone has basic healthiness, a natural yearning for brilliant sanity and the wisdom of wholeness as part of their being. Conditioning and confusion can obscure these endowments but they are never absent. My job is to help draw out this wisdom for healing that is already there, by encouraging awareness. I begin with client-centered listening that honours where you are now, and the change you want. I then move into more experiential work to facilitate transformation. The contract for change and the pace of change is always in the client's hands
(902) 510-0189 View (902) 510-0189
12 week x 90 minute online DBT skills group for high emotional dysregulation that negatively affects your life: Learn to read your body like it's a stress barometer, identify 'in the moment' urges and ways to overcome them, and ultimately identify and deconstruct triggers so you can know yourself better. New groups start regularly and include all materials. An audio record will be provided if you miss a session. Fees are billed weekly at $75 each week for 12 weeks.One individual session (not included in price of group) is required for assessment pre-group.
Hosted by DBT Karin Klassen R Psych
Psychologist, MSc, MPhil
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4A
The focus of my practice is to treat people who have emotional dysregulation - stress! This can be due to a mood or personality disorder, chronic pain, trauma or complex trauma, military service, or a major life transition. I use practical, evidence based therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Clinical Hypnosis, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help you fulfill your goals, getting back to living a meaningful, peaceful, productive life. One focus of my practice is treating current military members and veterans.
(902) 809-7792 View (902) 809-7792
Contact me about my affordable online hybrid group coaching program to help with depression and anxiety.
Hosted by Christine Sauer
MD, ND
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lucasville, NS B4B
If you feel sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, no purpose, I can help. I work with clients to achieve inner peace, optimal health, true joy, & lasting success in their personal and professional lives. Most of them feel stressed out, anxious, sad, or can't get stuff done, are close to burnout, and are secretly (or openly) struggling with their own mental and physical health. Some also want to get off some medications and don't know how to do it without having awful withdrawal symptoms. Maybe they are also struggling with memory issues, weight issues, CPTSD, hormonal issues, and other issues affecting their brain and mental health.
(782) 824-3742 View (782) 824-3742
Location: Virtual via Zoom Dates: Wednesday evenings beginning May 11, 2022 *8 weeks* Cost: $300 Who should attend: Parents and caregivers of children between birth and six years of age. **At times, all parents feel lost about what our children might need from us. Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.**
Hosted by Jenna Arsenault
Counsellor, MEd, RCT-C, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4A
Hi, my name is Jenna, owner and Counselling Therapist at Mountain View Counselling. I specialize in infant and early childhood mental health. When working with children and teens, I work closely with you, the child’s caregiver. You are the most important person in your child’s life, and therapy will be most effective if we work together as a team. Sessions may include parent coaching sessions, child-focused sessions or family sessions. Often, a combination of these sessions is involved. In addition to these services, I also provide counselling services to mothers; providing support and care during the transition to motherhood.
(902) 901-5906 View (902) 901-5906
This group is for adult women diagnosed with ADHD, who need support with daily adulting that feels at times unmanageable. This group is intended to build self-compassion, self-esteem, to learn new skills to better manage your neurodivergent brain, to share and be vulnerable about your experiences in a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental environment, and to understand your brain as powerful and unique rather than disordered. A pre-group intake session is required to sign-up; you may reach out to the group therapist, Kendra Blackburn via email at info@kbcounsellingtherapy.com to book a pre-group intake session.
Hosted by Kendra Blackburn
Counsellor, MA, RCT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4B
NOTE: accepting new clients for individual therapy & Women's ADHD Group - Life can feel impossible without support and the tools to be successful. You may feel stuck or hopeless, but I am here to help you resolve the past, find joy in the present, and hopeful about your future. I welcome clients of all genders, orientations, cultures, and unique walks of life. My approach with clients is to be open-minded, inclusive, and collaborative in order to help you heal and thrive. I work with individuals age 18+ experiencing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, issues with self-worth, and more.
(782) 821-3536 View (782) 821-3536
Facilitated by certified professionals in small PRIVATE HIRE cohorts or large groups. Online or In person, on site or off site. Quote provided based on number of participants, travel, expenses and custom designed delivery options. Programs can be adapted for specific audiences and needs. Workshops offered are 1) Dare to Lead™ 2) Gifts of Imperfection™ 3) BOLD™ 20-25 year olds only 4) Daring Greatly™ 5) Rising Strong™
Hosted by Nova Salutem Inc.
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW, BA, CDWF™
Verified Verified
Group meets in East Lawrencetown, NS B2Z
Partnering with people to enhance communication for personal and professional relationships. Retaining Nova Salutem Inc. Clinical, Coaching or Consulting services require a commitment to enhancing critical thinking skills, data driven decision making, and learning how limiting beliefs build barriers to deepening connections.
(647) 699-3322 View (647) 699-3322
This online expressive art therapy group will help participants to learn and practice tools to express thoughts and feelings visually, such as using shape, line, colour and symbol. They will have the benefits of interacting with others in a meaningful way and sharing their art work if desired. Other topics and art experientials include: integration, personifying, dialoguing, narrative responses, working with myth/archetype, integrating art making with Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), among others. This groups spans five weeks, with each session of a 2 hours duration. Lead by a Master's-level trained Art Therapist and Registered Counselling Therapist.
Hosted by Amy Mackenzie
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3K
I have worked extensively with a range of mental health issues (eg: anxiety, depression), substance abuse, recovery from trauma and grief/loss. I have worked extensively with children and teens as well. I have worked with many couples in relationship counselling, improving communication and healthy dynamics. I have a keen interest in and experience working with people in ethically non-monogamous relationships (polyamory). I am an Art Therapist as well and love to help people find a creative and visual language to express thoughts, feelings, gain self-insight and heal. I bring an interest and knowledge of the brain into sessions.
(902) 909-0333 View (902) 909-0333
MBCT is an evidence-based treatment approach for coping with anxiety, depression and emotional distress. This 9 week program combines the practice of mindfulness with the ideas of cognitive therapy. Mindfulness is about paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment without judgement. The core principles and skills of mindfulness facilitate greater awareness and acceptance of thoughts, emotions and sensations which help us break free from automatic, habitual responses that are often unhelpful to our well-being. Mindfulness also cultivates compassion towards ourselves and others. Cognitive therapy interrupts negative, unhealthy thought patterns that lead to depressive and anxious spirals.
Hosted by Dartmouth Psychological Services Inc.
Psychologist, MSc
Verified Verified
Group meets in Dartmouth, NS B2Y
Dartmouth Psychological Services Inc. is a team of collaborative and caring practitioners who have been providing evidence-based mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in the HRM for over 20 years. Formerly Jacqueline Milner-Clerk & Associates, DPS now works collaboratively with Jacqueline's Breathe Mindfulness Centre, which specializes in offering mindfulness and compassion-based classes, workshops and group programs.
(866) 909-4868 View (866) 909-4868
A ten-week group for women 25 yrs & older. Provides education, and recovery & resiliency skills for adult survivors of trauma. The group will help you understand the many different thoughts, feelings and symptoms you may have as an adult after experiencing traumatic events. The group will provide members with exercises and skills to foster safety and stability. We do not discuss our history. Potential participants will speak with Erin before registering for group to ensure that it is appropriate for them. Next group beginning Tuesday, January 21 2020. Fee is $500 for the 10 week program. Email now to register.
Hosted by Erin Montgomery
Counsellor, MEd, MTA, FAMI, CCC, RCT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3K
My work includes a deep commitment to the well-being of my clients. I work with those who are 19 and older and offer individual as well as group sessions. I understand that stress affects our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual selves. In my specialized practice, I support people whose difficult life experiences have resulted in post traumatic and dissociative responses, as well as anxiety and depression. I assist my clients to make the shift from surviving to thriving. I often work experientially in sessions using parts work and music, with a focus on relationship and emotion. We'll collaborate on a plan that works for you.
(902) 448-2138 View (902) 448-2138
Divorce Recovery Seminar is an evidence-based rebuilding after relationship ends seminar based on Dr. Bruce Fisher's research on divorce/separation recovery. Seminars run 2.5hrs a week x 8 weeks in length with optional social outings during the week coordinated by volunteers. You receive education, a workbook, and support. Seminars are led by a marriage and family therapist with a specialization in divorce recovery and grief support. 3 x payments of $166.67 +HST (over 12 weeks)
Hosted by Yellowfinch Counselling -Marriage&Family Therapist
Counsellor, BA(Psy), MFCS, CCTP, CGS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4A
Marriage problems? Communication issues? Perhaps you feel your drifting apart? Or the simplest discussions escalate to arguing or walking away not feeling heard or understood. Maybe you just need maintenance for your relationship so it stays at the current level; help with increasing emotional and physical intimacy. Couples and individual relational counselling is 80% of my practice. Other areas of focus: divorce, co-parenting, infidelity, ADHD, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, balancing life priorities, boundaries, grief and loss, workplace stress. My clients often report they are so glad they found me!
(587) 817-2379 View (587) 817-2379
Wavelength Psychotherapy offers two-day intensive Emotion Focused Family Therapy workshops. These workshops offer an opportunity for parents and caregivers of individuals struggling with mental health issues, regardless of their age. Through education, demonstration and skills practice, parents and caregivers will become equipped with practical strategies to 1) manage symptoms, 2) become an emotion coach and 3) repair relationships. Parents and caregivers will also be supported to identify, work through and overcome many obstacles that surface in this challenging journey.
Hosted by Cheryl Aubie
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3K
I work with adults and couples to help improve their mental health and wellness, particularly those with emotional difficulties including feeling anxious or depressed, stressed about life events and transitions, and relationship difficulties. My work with couples and parents uses an attachment and emotion focused approach but I have been trained in several psychotherapeutic modalities including, EFT, EFFT, CBT, group therapy and motivational interviewing.
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Starting October 21st for 8 weeks excluding Remembrance holiday. Learn multiple practical coping skills to help with trauma stabilization, impulsiveness, problem behaviors such as alcohol/substance use, ADHD and mood regulation. This module will focus on crisis survival skills, acceptance strategies, and mindfulness. Co-facilitating with Following Seas Psychotherapy - Sam Sarty, MSW, RSW.
Hosted by Jessica Heidebrecht
Registered Social Worker, MSW, MDiv, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Dartmouth, NS B2Y
Hi! I’m Jessica. To me, therapy is a space to experience a strong caring relationship, explore someone’s history with the intent of linking current day struggles, teach practical coping strategies, and ultimately help someone thrive in a world that is often wrought with difficulty. I use evidence-based methods from a structured and holistic approach sometimes assigning homework. My experience in this field has typically seen an overemphasis or underemphasis on either spirituality or psychology when it comes to mental health matters. It is my passion and hope to honor both influences in the counselling setting.
(782) 800-0895 View (782) 800-0895
A group therapy providing coping strategies to manage the more annoying aspects of the menopause experience. With an emphasis on non medication methods of reducing the impact of menopause on daily life. Group provides peer support as well as information. Both the emotional and psychological impact of the menopause transition is explored.
Hosted by Ruth Downie
Counsellor, BScN, MEdCoun, CHyp(tm), RCT, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3K
My clients are generally people who are managing a chronic medical condition, are struggling with a life altering diagnosis, who may be finding a life transition challenging(menopause, retirement) and have feelings of anxiety or sadness as a result. I provide counselling to help make difficult decisions.
(902) 909-5655 View (902) 909-5655
The executive functioning intervention is available to late high school and post-secondary students. Executive functioning is subdivided into multiple, diverse skills, namely, working memory (updating), shifting (cognitive flexibility), and inhibition (ability to “put on the breaks”). Executive functioning skills play an important role in student success, as students are required to set, plan for, and work towards achieving long-term goals. The intervention combines Goal Management Training (Levine et al., 2000, 2011) with the Dynamic Coaching approach (Kennedy, 2017) to provide a program that involves didactic and personalized cognitive remediation, as well as enhancing student motivation.
Hosted by Robyn McClure
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3J
Originally from Annapolis Valley, Dr. McClure graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She then achieved distinction as a Killam Laureate during her graduate studies at The University of British Columbia, where she completed two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. After a decade of training out west, Dr. McClure returned home to her family in Nova Scotia.
(902) 903-3316 View (902) 903-3316
Based on the work of Dr. Patrick Carne's model of treating sex addiction, join Certified Sex Addiction Therapists Rocco Montessano and Lori Slaunwhite for a 12 week online therapy group. Mindfulness based and task driven, participants will better understand their behaviour, develop a recovery plan and start their own journeys of healing.
Hosted by Lori Slaunwhite Mindful Path
Registered Psychotherapist, RCT, RP, CSAT, NADA-RT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bridgewater, NS B4V
You may be considering counselling therapy for a specific reason such as a grief or sadness, difficulty in controlling your use of drugs or alcohol, or life changes such as separation and divorce. Perhaps life simply seems difficult. Many of us will have had difficult experiences at some stage of our lives that may have affected our sense of self or leave us searching for more. Although it may be difficult to reach out for help, please know that I will hear your story with compassion, openness, and a willingness to support you in your healing process.
(855) 773-8317 View (855) 773-8317
EFFT workshop is geared for adoptive & Foster parents of children who have been exposed to trauma &/or attachment disruption. EFFT is rooted in a deep belief in the healing power of families. It is an evidence based model that provides parents with tools that can help restore connections in their relationship with their child, & can lead parents to feel more empowered when met with tough parenting situations at home. Two day intensive workshop - Friday and Saturday 9:00-4:00 Date TBA. Please contact the office to be added to the workshop waitlist &/or book a parenting appointment.
Hosted by Lois Ells
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4A
It’s difficult to watch your usually thoughtful child/teen struggling with their big emotions. Your child who is usually wise beyond their years becomes quickly unglued. You’re pretty sure that anxiety, worries or low self-esteem are hiding under the big tears, emotional meltdowns, ‘sassy’ attitude and anger. While you desperately want to be there to support your child and help them through this turbulent time, the accumulation of stressors from the demands of life and parenting through a pandemic make it hard for you to be the parent you want to be in those moments.
(902) 700-5579 View (902) 700-5579
The Intentional Love Course is designed for individuals seeking to cultivate meaningful, intentional relationships. This comprehensive program explores the foundations of intentional love, emphasizing self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. Through guided exercises, expert insights, and practical strategies, participants learn to foster deeper connections and navigate relationship challenges. Whether you're single or in a partnership, this course provides the tools to build and sustain loving, intentional relationships. Join us to transform your approach to love and create lasting, fulfilling connections.
Hosted by Intentional Outcomes Counselling Ltd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3S
Accessing timely mental health services due to prolonged wait times and a limited number of qualified therapists is a common issue. We offer immediate access to therapy, as well as tailored, compassionate, and effective therapeutic approaches. Flexible scheduling and holistic, evidence-based interventions. Our goal is to enhance overall mental health, help you develop coping strategies, strengthen relationships and support you in navigating life transitions with confidence. You desire therapy that is relevant and impactful, characterized by a therapeutic relationship where you feel understood and valued for long-term improvements.
(782) 222-1852 View (782) 222-1852
We offer anxiety resiliency groups for children 4 to 16 years. Our program addresses the cognitive, physiological and behavioral processes that are known to interact in development, maintenance and experience of anxiety. The program is proven to help children reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Groups are offered: October to December and January to March. We also offer 8-week social skills groups for children in grades 2-3 and grades 4-6. The groups fosters emotional resiliency, academic success, and promote the healthy expression of emotions. Individual sessions are also available to children and adolescents any time of year.
Hosted by Dr. S. Gerald Hann Psychological Services
Psychologist, MA, DEd, PSYCH
Verified Verified
Group meets in Halifax, NS B3H
Our practice is a private clinic that offers psychological services by regulated psychologists. The mission of Dr. S. Gerald Hann Psychological Services is to promote improved mental health for individuals, families and the community using empirically based and scientifically proven assessment and treatment techniques. All psychologists at Dr. S. Gerald Hann Psychological Services are dedicated to the highest ethical standards and approach each and every client with compassion and respect.
(902) 903-2249 View (902) 903-2249
Hosted by Jarah Gregory
Counsellor, MACP, RCT-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bedford, NS B4B
(782) 492-0243 View (782) 492-0243
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Nova Scotia?

Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, postal code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postal code into the search bar.

How does group therapy work?

Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.

Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group counselling is typically less expensive than individual counselling, with each session costing on average about $90 to $100. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.

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 a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.