The group is designed to be both a learning experience and also an active process where you will experience the teaching and then be able to try it out in your life. You will also have a safe group space where you can share, if you wish, and be encouraged by the experiences of others.

Typically each group we will learn about how emotions work and how to process feelings in ourself and others (see curriculum in the questions below). We may also try a low pressure experiential exercise and there is a time for for refection or sharing.

Overall together we will explore how to:

• Form a positive relationship to strong emotions.

• Understand your brain in order to regulate the roots of anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.

• Support others in your life, including partners, friends and children, to process their emotions.

• Use a simple and effective tool - The Change Triangle - to navigate emotions and emerge with greater connection to oneself and others.

• A greater connection to yourself

• The ability to show up for others with more openness and empathy

• More control over emotional hijacks, and/or feeling like retreating when emotions arise.

• Feeling a sense of rightness with yourself and others, even when the situation is difficult.

• Help in intimate relationships to find a path for the hard times to bring you closer

The Change Triangle is a tool that takes you through a step by step process to move from anxiety, defences or reactivity to your truer calmer self. It does this by getting us accustomed to connecting to our core emotions. The Change Triangle a tool from the award winning book "It's Not Always Depression: Working the Change Triangle to Listen to the Body, Discover Core Emotions and Listen to Your Authentic Self " by Hillary Jacobs Hendel.

Great question. The curriculum is based on the book It’s Not Always Depression by Hilary Jacobs Hendel. Here is the topics for each session.

Module 1: Introduction to the Class and the Change Triangle®

Module 2: Cost and Benefits of Defenses - What are defenses?

Module 3: Anxiety - Using anxiety as a signal to validate core emotions, conflicts, and needs

Module 4: Shame and Guilt - Differentiating between shame and guilt; soothing shame

Module 5: Core Emotions & Being with Sadness

Module 6: Core Anger - Anger has a purpose

Module 7: Expansive Emotions - Joy, pride, gratitude, excitement

Module 8: Openhearted State/Working the Triangle - Final Q&A

When we work on understanding and processing our own emotions, we can then take that to our relationships. If you are in a crisis within your relationship it may be helpful to seek individual or couples counselling. However, if you are looking for a group process to explore and understand emotions in order to bring that to your relationship then the group could be a fit for you. Feel free to schedule a 20 minute consultation to learn more.

The group is a learning experience with therapeutic benefits, however it is not therapy. If you are struggling, in a crisis or are requiring more intensive support then individual counselling may be a better fit. Also you may have a preference for individualized support or the wish to do deeper processing work in a 1:1 context. If you are unsure whether a group work or individual counselling would fit better for you, you are welcome to schedule a 20 minute consultation here.

I hear you. Groups can bring up resistance and take courage to begin. In this group, right from the get-go we create group guidelines that allow for safety and confidentiality.

I have found that groups have a life of their own in the sense that the energy of the group creates a supportive space. Also there is low-pressure to participate, and all are welcome. You will be able to learn from others and take that learning with you. You are welcome to schedule a free consultation to explore if it is a fit for you.