Led by a registered social worker and volunteer, each week delves into essential topics designed to promote understanding, healing, and growth. From exploring the effects of trauma to learning practical coping skills, participants will gain invaluable insights and tools to navigate their healing journey. This interactive program uses a combination of mental health education, group discussions, and hands-on exercises.
This program is offered to graduates of Seaway Valley’s Emotions and Me program; graduates whom are committed to responding differently to effects of trauma.
Note: This program is not an emotional support group, nor does it replace psychotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is trauma?
People and cultures have different words to explain trauma. Some languages do not have a term for trauma (e.g. “wound”, ” spiritual or emotional injury”, “shock”, “cultural dislocation” etc). It is very common for people to have a hard time describing what they feel. That’s ok. The experience is different for everyone.
Trauma happens where there is a disconnection between your mind and body; from yourself and the people around you. Trauma also changes how you view and understand the world. It can happen at any age. It can be a big event or many smaller events over a longer period of time. It can also be an individual or a group experience. In this program, we do not compare experiences to one another.
Do I have to share my experiences with a group of people?
No. Sharing past traumatic experiences, no matter big or small, is not encouraged among group participants. This program is meant to give you the tools you need to respond differently and effectively through connecting with one another. This does not include disclosing sensitive personal experiences.
How do I know if I am affected by trauma?
Only you can decide whether or not a past experience has had a profound negative impact.
Here are some common examples (This is not a full list):
- People pleasing
- Isolation
- Feeling out of control
- Frequent self-doubt
- Avoiding people, events, activities
- The constant urge of needing to protect yourself, even if that includes getting into arguments
- Being on alert most of the time
- Irritability
- Chronic Pain
- Shame
- Self-blame
- Panic attacks
- The urge to feel “numb” by spacing out, binge watching television, substances or alcohol, food, etc.
Remember, each person’s experience will look and feel different.
Will this program help me to support loved ones? Can I still take the program to help them?
Yes! Understanding your loved one and learning to connect with them can be beneficial for everyone involved.
Do I need a referral from a primary care provider to sign up for the program?
No. All you need is proof you have already completed the Emotions and Me Program, a commitment to attend all 6 sessions to register, and ability to participate in a group setting.
What are the expectations of the program?
Group participants must:
- Fully participate, to the best of the participant’s ability
- Attend all 6 sessions in-person
- Use DBT skills if the participant is experiencing emotional distress and/or interpersonal conflict
- Follow group guidelines, including respecting all who attend the program
Can I repeat the program?
This is a common question. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10-12 people per group, and the program is being offered twice a year. If there is space available, a volunteer or a staff member can give people who have already taken the program a call.
Who created the program? What modalities are you using?
This program was created in 2021. Our registered social worker, Chantal Lajeunesse, initially developed the program with Keith Jim, registered social worker. Since then, the program has undergone a multitude of changes. The most current version was development in collaboration with many individuals who have experienced trauma, and whom are continuously evolving on the path of self-growth. These people include previous group participants, volunteers, students and staff.
Chantal’s program is built on a foundation of basic principles of the brain and the nervous system with evidence-based tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The program is delivered in a manner people from various backgrounds can adapt and use in their daily life.
If you have already completed our Emotions and Me Program and wish to register for Finding My Authenticity, please call 613-936-0306 ext. 229.
If you have not completed the Emotions and Me group, please register for our Introduction to Emotions and Me here.
Please note that participants must be located within our catchment area. Thank you!
