Group Therapy
I "Comprehensive Group Therapy" led by Dr. Doreen Gough,C.Psych. 613-230-4709 ext.23
II "Cognitive-Behavioura Group Therapy for Social Anxiety" led by Dr. Paul Basevitz, C.Psych. 613-230-4709 ext.33
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"It takes people to make people sick, and it takes people to make people well again."
Harry Stack Sullivan Comprehensive Group Therapy
Led by Dr.Doreen Gough, C. Psych.Group therapy is an effective and economical way to obtain psychotherapy, either as an alternative or in conjunction with individual therapy. The interaction among members provides a wealth of information and support. From this the therapist and the members may see patterns, draw conclusions and make corrections more precisely and quickly than in individual therapy. Thus, many people find group therapy to be very helpful and useful.There are many problems that may be dealt with in group therapy including depression, anxiety, stress, phobia, self-esteem, panic attacks, job burnout, eating disorders, to name a few. For people who experience problems in their relationships or in their communications patterns or who find it hard to make and keep friends, group therapy provides an excellent opportunity to develop relationships and skills with others. Then, if complications arise, as they do in almost all relationships, the group provides a forum in which to work out and repair those difficulties and misunderstandings. Compared with individual therapy, group therapy is more like the reality of the workplace, school, or family setting. It is also an opportunity to develop several relationships at the same time. In a group, you join with others to establish a safe, confidential environment in which there are opportunities to:
TOPICSVarious subjects are talked about in group, including thoughts and feelings about events or relationships that occur both inside and outside the group. Group members are encouraged to be verbally active, open, and introspective. It is up to members to talk about what concerns them and to interact with each other during the session. It takes courage to talk honestly to another person about feelings towards him or her. However, most people wish to have opportunities to be honest about their thoughts and feelings and to receive honest feedback in return. Such discussions lead to enormous benefits.FORMATGroups meet weekly for 1˝ hours, and usually around 7 members. The open-ended groups continue indefinitely and have no pre-set topic for each session. Members are asked to commit for at least four months with most staying for longer periods. When members do terminate, they will be replaced by new members.ATTENDANCEContinuity is important to group functioning. Members are expected to arrange other commitments so they do not clash with the group meeting time and to attend whether or not they are feeling as well as usual Regular and consistent attendance is necessary in order to reap the most benefits from therapy. Infrequent attendance or premature drop out has a negative effect on both the individual and the group. Members are encouraged to stay with the group and discuss feelings rather than drop out. Members who are honest about negative feelings are often pleasantly surprised by the response they receive from other group members.CONFIDENTIALITYConfidentiality is of the utmost importance in all forms of therapy. Individuals will not reveal intimate aspects of themselves if they cannot trust that their identity will remain protected from people outside the therapy setting. Therefore, it is essential that members refrain from disclosing to others outside the group those thoughts and feelings that have been entrusted to them by other members within the group. The names and identities of other group members must also be strictly protected.SOCIALIZING WITH MEMBERS OUTSIDE THERAPYSocializing with members outside group is counterproductive and strongly discouraged while the individuals are in group therapy. Members who meet outside of therapy lose objectivity with respect to each other and the therapeutic progress is hampered. Members who do meet outside group, whether accidentally or on purpose, are asked to discuss at the next group session the important aspects or meaning of their meeting.Dr. Doreen Gough,can be reached at 613-230-4709 ext.23 Cognitive-Behavioural Group Therapy for Social AnxietyLed by Dr. Paul Basevitz, C.Psych.This 14-week group program is designed to help individuals who experience anxiety in social situations to address their fears in a supportive group environment. The group is facilitated by clinical psychologist, Dr. Paul Basevitz.The program involves several components: Participants learn about social anxiety through presentations by Dr. Basevitz. Additionally, through shared experiences by other group members, participants are often helped by the realization that they are not alone. Anxiety management strategies are introduced with a focus on application in social situations. The group setting is an excellent forum to address social anxiety. One reason for this is that we are able to directly confront sources of social anxiety within the group setting. After selecting individualized goals, group participants will take turns confronting their fears within the group setting. For example, this may include confronting situations such as public speaking, conversing, or performing a task in front of others. Although this may be quite anxiety-provoking at first, addressing the fear "head-on" is an excellent way to show yourself that you can get through it! Prior to the group, each participant sets their own objectives for the types of situations that they wish to address in the group setting. People are never forced to confront fears that they do not wish to address. Please note that it is normal to feel anxious about joining such a group. However, people often find it reassuring to know that anxiety about attending group sessions tends to reduce over time as you become accustomed to the group setting. Each week, group participants are asked to set specific goals for themselves to address social anxiety in their everyday environment. In doing this, the skills learned in the group setting may generalize to everyday life.
Pre-Group Assessment:Prior to starting in the group, Dr. Basevitz will meet with each group candidate for two individual assessment sessions. The purpose of these sessions are to verify whether or not this group treatment would fit with your needs and to plan your individualized set of objectives.
Cost of the Group:The cost of the group is $75 per session ($1050 for the 14 weeks). The cost for each of the two assessment sessions is Dr. Basevitz’ hourly rate of $150 per session. If you have extended health insurance, you can verify your coverage for psychological services. Dr. Basevitz is a registered psychologist and services are therefore eligible for reimbursement by extended health plans.
When Are The Group Sessions Held?:This 14-week program will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:00-7:30 P.M. Following the 14 sessions, group participants will be given the option of continuing in a monthly "treatment maintenance" group (1 hour sessions).
How May I Be Referred to this Group?:You can either contact Dr. Basevitz directly or your may be referred by a health care provider who you are currently seeing. Please note that some insurance companies require a referral from a physician to be reimbursed for psychological services.Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Basevitz directly at (613) 230-4709 ext. 33 if you would like further information or if you would like to inquire about the next group start date. Dr. Paul Basevitz can be reached at 613-230-4709 ext 33 |
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