Groups

Group psychotherapy or group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which one or more therapists treat a small group of individuals together as a group.

The Social Work Consulting Group offers the following groups: 

SocialAbility Group for Adults 19-29 years of age  

Changes in social behaviour and social relationships are common following an acquired brain injury. These changes can often lead to loneliness, social isolation, poor self-esteem, reduced self-confidence and overall unhappiness, which over time if not addressed, tend to worsen. The ability to participate in normal social activities is one of the greatest challenges to a person with brain injury due to issues of cognitive function, social anxiety, physical impairments, social judgment, social skills, altered behaviour and mood control. As friendships and social connectedness enrich our lives as a source of comfort, confidence and fun, every effort should be made to help and encourage those with brain injury to pursue their desire for social relationships and meaningful social functioning throughout life.

Specializing in the cognitive and social rehabilitation of ABI survivors, The Social Work Consulting Group and FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services have teamed up over the past 10 years to deliver a uniquely designed group therapy experience to address improvement of social skills and social connectedness post brain injury. Therapy is delivered in real time social settings with immediate feedback which provides a rich and meaningful context. The activities and venues are decided collectively by the participants at the first session. These settings change from session to session and may include a restaurant, bar, pool hall or whatever ideas the participants agree on. Our therapists believe each client is entitled to live life to its fullest and we would like to be part of establishing the “new normal” in a client’s life.

Facilitated by a Social Worker and an Occupational Therapist, the group is limited to 10 participants with mild brain injury between the ages of 19 to 29 and span over 8 sessions held on a bi-weekly basis. The therapists work on interpersonal skills such as entering a conversation, initiating conversational topics, maintaining conversation, choosing appropriate and relevant comments suited to the situation and conversational partners. Additional goals may include energy conservation, problem solving development, sequencing skills, improving coordination, initiation and planning skills. Every client will be screened and goal setting will be completed by each member to ensure the most significant experience for all participants.

To initiate a referral please enquire with a member of your rehabilitation team for more information or email info@swcg.ca 

SocialAbility Group for Teens

Adolescence is a time of significant growth and development in one’s life. Socially, it is a time when some of one’s life-long friends are established, when one is confronted with increased independence, more complex decision-making, and heightened responsibilities. Following an acquired brain injury (ABI), there are many changes adolescents must face including, but not limited to, learning in a new way, increased effort in making and maintaining friendships, discovering new characteristics and skills about oneself, and finding ways to balance the needs of school and therapy.

SocialAbility for Teens is a group for adolescents between the ages of 14-18 who have sustained an ABI. FunctionAbility Rehabilitation Services and The Social Work Consulting Group have collaborated to provide adolescents with ABI the opportunity to meet and connect with peers who are going through similar experiences as they progress through their rehabilitation.  In this group, one can expect to learn about social communication and social issues that are relevant to the daily lives of adolescents.

The SocialAbility for Teens group is uniquely structured to include weekly alternating educational sessions and community outings.  Educational sessions provide instruction and practice of strategies and encourage participation and sharing within the group.  Community outings provide group members the opportunity to practice and carry over learned strategies in settings typical for adolescents.

Topics covered throughout the group include the following:

Social Communication * Friendship * Peer Pressure, Drugs & Alcohol * Bullying * Boundaries * Emotions & Conflict Resolution * Self Exploration * Self Advocacy

A referral is required. Please enquire with a member of your rehabilitation team for more information.

Circle of Mom’s Support Group

The Circle of Mom’s Support Group was a grassroots initiative that began in 2013 whereby mothers of children, teens and young adults living with the effects of acquired brain injury (ABI) joined together to share their support, wisdom and strength with one another.  The group initially met once per month. Today, a quarterly meeting (once every 3 months) is being offered to better meet the needs of mothers who are juggling the demands of their families and their caregiving roles.  The group is facilitated by a pediatric social worker.  This is a free program and is offered at our office location.  Please enquire with a member of your rehabilitation team for more information.