Finding Solid Ground: Group Therapy for Trauma Healing (Level 1)

Finding Solid Ground is more than just a group therapy program—it's a dedicated safe group space where you can begin to heal, recover, and thrive. Our program incorporates the Finding Solid Ground program, EMDR, and other evidence-based clinical interventions which will lead you through this crucial work step-by-step, at a pace that is safe for you to build a strong foundation towards trauma recovery.

Who This Group Is For

Finding Solid Ground: Group Therapy for Trauma Healing-Level 1 is specifically designed for adults who are navigating the challenges of trauma recovery. This program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Have a History of Trauma: If you’ve experienced trauma in your life and are finding it difficult to move past the pain, this group provides a structured, supportive environment to help you build a very strong foundation to help you work through these experiences.

  • Struggle with Dysregulated Nervous Systems: If you frequently feel overwhelmed by your emotions, experience high levels of anxiety, or have difficulty calming yourself, this program offers practical tools and exercises to help you regulate your nervous system and find a sense of balance.

  • Experience Dissociation: If you find yourself feeling disconnected from reality, numb, or detached from your surroundings, this group addresses and is safe for most levels of dissociation and helps you reestablish a grounded sense of self.

  • Seek Practical, Manageable Steps: If you’re looking for actionable strategies and exercises that can be immediately implemented in your daily life, this program breaks recovery into practical, manageable steps that are easy to integrate into your routine.

  • Desire a Supportive Community: If you’re seeking connection with others who understand your experiences and can offer support and encouragement, this group fosters a sense of community and shared healing.

Please Note: This group is not suitable for individuals who are in need of acute crisis intervention. If you are currently receiving emergency care or have pressing psychological needs, please consult with a mental health professional for appropriate services.

If you identify with these characteristics and are ready to embark on a journey towards healing and self-discovery, Finding Solid Ground offers the support and structure you need to find your footing and reclaim your sense of self.

How People Benefit from Group Therapy**

  • Shared Experience: Participants connect with others who have similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and validating their emotions.

  • Support Network: Groups provide a built-in support system where members can offer encouragement, empathy, and understanding.

  • Diverse Perspectives: Exposure to different viewpoints and coping strategies can broaden one’s understanding and provide new approaches to challenges.

  • Skill Building: Group settings offer opportunities to practice and develop social skills, communication techniques, and coping strategies in a safe environment.

  • Feedback and Reflection: Participants receive constructive feedback from peers and facilitators, helping them gain insights and reflect on their own experiences.

  • Reduced Stigma: Being part of a group can reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, fostering an environment of acceptance and openness.

  • Cost-Effective: Group therapy is often more affordable than individual therapy, making it accessible to more people.

  • Accountability: Regular group meetings create a sense of accountability and motivation, encouraging members to stay engaged and committed to their personal growth.

  • Learning from Others: Members can learn from others’ experiences and successes, which can be inspiring and offer practical solutions.

  • Enhanced Emotional Expression: Sharing in a group can help individuals express and process their emotions more effectively, as they often feel understood and supported.

  • Structured Support: The group setting provides structured and guided support, with a clear framework and therapeutic interventions led by trained facilitators.

Finding Solid Ground Group Details

  • Program Details

    Dates: Thursday evenings, September 26 - November 28, 2024

    Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM MST

    Location: Bloom Narratives Therapy & Wellness (14-620 1 Ave NW, Airdrie, AB)

    Cost: $150 per session, billed after each session + Individual Intake Appointment ($220).

    The total investment of the program and intake appointment is $1720.

  • Commitment Requirements:

    Screening Call: Free of charge; designed to share more about what your expectations are, our expectations, and talk more in depth about if this group is right for you.

    Individual Intake Appointment: $220, required before group registration is confirmed. This is needed to ensure the therapist knows a little more about you before the group starts to ensure safety throughout this process. Sharla will chat more about this appointment in your screening call.

    Commitment to 10 Week Program: Group Therapy needs to be a safe space for all participants. Committing to the 10 week program ensures that you and other participants can develop a safe alliance and connection that drop-in sessions can’t. Once the group starts, no further registrations will be accepted.

  • Insurance Information:

    Extended Health Benefits: Eligible for coverage; however, individual policy restrictions may apply. If you have questions, please reach out to your provider to find out if group therapy from a Master’s Level Registered Social Worker is eligible under your plan.

    Alberta Blue Cross: Direct billing is available for group therapy.

    Other Benefit Providers: For group therapy sessions, clients must pay in advance and submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    Individual intake appointment can be direct billed to most insurance companies (individual policy limits/restrictions apply).

Ready to Get Started?

Book a Free Screening Call to discuss your needs and determine if the program is a good fit for you.

FAQs

Q: What can I expect from the program?

A: You can expect a safe, supportive environment where you will be guided through practical exercises and strategies to manage symptoms related to trauma, regulate your nervous system, and explore effective skills to develop a strong foundation of healing. Our group sessions are designed to help you develop a sense of stability, safety, and decrease symptoms of dysregulated nervous systems and dissociation.

Q: Is the program covered by insurance?

A: Yes, extended health benefits may cover the program, though individual policy restrictions apply. Alberta Blue Cross offers direct billing for group therapy. For other insurance plans, you will need to pay in advance and seek reimbursement. Individual intake sessions are covered by most benefit providers, and we can direct bill many of them for individual services.

Q: How is the program structured?

A: The program runs for ten weeks, with sessions held every Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00pm in person at Bloom Narratives Therapy & Wellness. Each session builds on the previous one, using the Finding Solid Ground program, EMDR, DBT, and other evidence-based interventions to guide you through healing exercises and discussions.

Q: What if I can’t attend every session?

A: While regular attendance is encouraged for the best outcomes, we understand that life can be unpredictable. Please let us know if you have any concerns about attendance. If you are missing more than one session, it can negatively affect the group dynamic as we need it to be a very safe and secure space for individuals to share and work towards healing.

Q: Who facilitates the group?

A: Our group is facilitated by experienced trauma therapist Sharla Crowie who is trained in the Finding Solid Ground methodology, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, EMDR, and other effective evidence based interventions. She provides guidance and support tailored to the needs of the group.

Q: What if I have a history of experiencing dissociation?

A: Depending on the severity of the dissociation you experience, which we will chat about in your intake interview, this program can be safe and effective for individuals who experience dissociation. Studies done on the Finding Solid Ground methodology find participants who experience dissociation do very well with this program.

Q: Why should I do group therapy?

A: Group therapy provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences, offering emotional support and diverse perspectives that can enhance your healing journey. It’s a cost-effective, structured approach that helps build social skills, offers constructive feedback, and fosters a sense of community, all while reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Q: Is group therapy cost-effective?

A: It can be, yes. Individual sessions that would take the same amount of time to cover the material at a safe pace (10-20 sessions) can range between $2200 and $4400, depending where an individual starts their therapeutic journey, level of dissociation, and history of trauma.

Q: Will group therapy work for me?

A: Group therapy can be highly effective for many people, offering shared experiences, emotional support, and practical strategies for personal growth. However, its effectiveness depends on individual needs and goals. Please book a screening call to chat more about this with the group facilitator.

Disclaimer: Group therapy may not be suitable for everyone; it's important to consult with a mental health professional to determine if it's the right fit for your specific situation.

Q: Can I do group therapy if I am already in individual therapy?

A: Yes, you can participate in group therapy while receiving individual therapy. Many people find that combining both modalities offers complementary benefits, enhancing overall healing and growth.

Disclaimer: It's important to discuss your participation in group therapy with your individual therapist to ensure that it aligns with your current treatment plan.

Take the first step towards healing and growth. Join us in Finding Solid Ground: Group Therapy for Trauma Healing (Level 1) and connect with others on the path to recovery.

Finding Solid Ground: Group Therapy for Trauma Healing (Level 1) is your opportunity to heal, connect, and thrive.

We look forward to supporting you on your journey.