Group Therapy
Cognitive therapy can be done 1:1, or in a group format. Due to long waits for 1:1 therapy, I am offering CBT only in a group format. Some groups are being done virtually, via Zoom, and some are being done in person..
To participate in a group, please have your physician fax this referral form to my office at 416-515-0241:
Groups offered
Click on any of the groups below to see more info:
-Please note that CBTi and MBCT groups are currently being run virtually, through video connection on Zoom. To be covered by OHIP, patients have to be in Ontario during virtual sessions. The CBT depression and anxiety groups have switched to in-person as of mid-Sept. 2023. The location is the NYGH mental health clinic at 2 Champagne drive, near Dufferin and Finch.
MBCT Group (mindfulness group, for preventing relapse of depression, or coping with depression/anxiety)
NEW: CBTi Group (CBT for Insomnia)
Tips for participating in Zoom groups
Before meetings, familiarize yourself with Zoom controls and settings
-you can create a free account, and Zoom with a friend to try it out
-know how to have your audio and video working
-know how to use mute, chat, reactions, and ‘raise hand’ symbol
Arrive on time: click on link and get set up at least 5 minutes before group start time, so that you have time in case of technical difficulties (you will then be in a ‘waiting room’ and you won’t see my video until I start the meeting)
For groups with weekly meetings, you just click on the link each week, that was emailed to you for the first meeting (same link works every week)
Leave yourself muted (meaning your microphone will be off, and no one will hear you, until speaking, and then mute yourself after speaking (otherwise everyone hears all the background sounds in your room)
-tip: if using a computer, you can stay on mute, but hold down the space bar whenever you want to speak (and when you let go of the space bar, you’ll be muted again)
Have your video enabled; we want to be able to see each other (but turn video off temporarily if you are using the washroom or walking from one room to another) - please note there are several reasons why I require people participating to have their video on:
-allows me to see that the registered person is in fact the person who is logged in
-allows me to monitor participation, whether people are paying attention, their reactions, etc
-contributes to confidentiality by allowing everyone to see you are alone in your room
-when others can see you, gives the feeling of connection and sense of safety around sharing
During the meeting, act like you would in a live meeting: pay attention, don’t go on your phone, don’t leave the room (unless necessary), don’t play with pets, don’t check emails or texts
Attend the meeting in a room that is quiet, and where you have privacy, so no distractions, and no one listening in
If possible, use a computer (if it has a webcam) or a tablet, otherwise use a cellphone (it is easier to access all the features of Zoom on a computer screen, compared to a smaller phone screen)
Turn off cellphone notifications during the meeting
While you can enter Zoom meetings via a web browser, you won’t be able to use all of the functions, so please download the app
In groups, don’t speak unless other person clearly has finished speaking
In breakout rooms used in group sessions, stick to the assigned topic
In groups, participate in the meeting, both verbally speaking, and via chat (not ok to just sit in and observe)
Have your workbook and notes with you during meetings, and take notes (paper or computer)
Check what your username is showing in Zoom, and if necessary, change it to your first name, or the name you prefer to go by (for privacy, don’t use last names)
In my CBT groups, notes that I put on the screen will be emailed to everyone via Medeo, after the session
Don’t record the sessions
Security information regarding video communication:
Just like online shopping or email, Virtual Care (video chat) has some inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. No internet based video system can ever be completely secure. That being said, I am using video communication systems that are modern, have been tested, are used in many healthcare settings around the world, and are very secure, so the odds of any breach of confidentiality would be extremely low. Thus, I am very confidant in using this means of communicating. I want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in any virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information.