• Individuals living with chronic pain or chronic illness who want a structured, therapist-led space to explore the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of their condition.

• People seeking to reduce isolation, increase self-awareness, and learn practical tools for nervous system regulation and resilience.

• Clients who are currently in or transitioning from individual therapy, or those looking to complement 1:1 therapeutic support.

• Individuals experiencing acute mental health crises or needing immediate one-on-one medical or psychiatric care.

• People who are unable to participate safely in a group setting (e.g., may be disruptive or unwilling to maintain confidentiality).

• Those seeking only a space to share stories or receive peer support, as this group is therapeutic and intervention-focused rather than a general support group

To get the most from the 6-session Chronic Pain & Chronic Illness Group Therapy, we recommend preparing in the following ways:

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Consider what you hope to achieve through the group, whether it’s reducing isolation, learning coping strategies, or increasing body awareness.

2. Assess Readiness: Ensure you feel emotionally ready to participate in a therapist-led, structured group. If you’re in crisis or need urgent support, please seek individual care first.

3. Check Commitments: Plan your schedule so you can attend all six sessions consistently, as continuity supports therapeutic progress.

Please complete a Group Therapy Screening Form prior to joining as this is a closed group intervention. This helps us understand your needs and ensures the group is a safe and supportive space for everyone. The form also lets us know if individual counselling might be a better fit before joining a group.

Although they may look similar from the outside, group therapy and a support group serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you decide what kind of space feels right for you.

Group therapy is a structured, therapist-led clinical intervention that follows a therapeutic framework. Sessions are intentional, progressive, and designed to create measurable emotional and behavioural shifts.

In group therapy:

• A licensed or trained therapist guides the process

• There is psychoeducation (e.g. nervous system, trauma, emotions)

• Specific therapeutic interventions are used (somatic work, emotion processing, cognitive work)

• Group dynamics are actively facilitated

• Ruptures, conflict, and relational patterns are explored safely

• There are clear goals and outcomes

Group therapy is not just about sharing stories or the journey but it is about working with them in real time. For chronic pain and illness, this might include understanding how the nervous system influences symptoms, processing grief or anger safely, and learning regulation tools that reduce flare intensity.

In comparison, a support group is typically peer-led or loosely facilitated. The primary focus is shared experience and emotional validation.

In a support group:

• Members share their stories and challenges

• The structure is often informal

• Advice and coping strategies are shared among peers

• There is less clinical intervention or goal setting

While support groups are helpful for normalising experience and building solidarity, they do not typically provide structured therapeutic interventions with specific clinical outcomes.

To ensure a consistent and supportive group environment, participants are asked to enroll and pay for all six sessions upfront.

This allows everyone to fully engage, build trust within the group, and gain the maximum benefit from the progressive therapeutic experience.