Emotion regulation skills group for PTSD

A unique skills training program delivered by the Trauma Care Centre

What is the Emotion Regulation Skills Group for PTSD? 

Next group starting Wednesday, January 15, 2024. Registration is open until January 8, 2024.

This is a structured skills training program informed by a therapeutic approach called Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). It is designed to help you learn skills to cope with overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsivity, enhance interpersonal relationships, and ultimately achieve your own personal goals.

It is important to note that you will not receive full, comprehensive DBT treatment by attending this course. Full DBT treatment consists of weekly individual DBT therapy sessions, weekly DBT skills training group sessions for 24 weeks, 24/7 access to an individual therapist by phone for skills coaching, and therapists who participate in weekly case consultation. This course will provide a modified version of the skills training component only. 

What is the group format? 

The Emotion Regulation Skills Group is a closed group consisting of 6-8 participants who are 18 years of age or older. This group will be a hybrid format, so each participant will have the option of attending either online or in-person. The group runs for 12 weeks, and each session 2 hours in length.

What will I learn? 

The Impact of Trauma On The Brain and skills to Cope: 

A great deal of research has been conducted over recent years related to the impact of trauma on the human brain.  Through this research we have learned that trauma can cause structural and functional changes in the brain which impact how individuals perceive and interact with themselves and their environments. Participants will learn about the ways these changes commonly play out emotionally and behaviourally and learn skills in the following areas to better cope with symptoms.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is being aware of what is happening in the present moment, without judgment or overthinking. When we are mindful, we are better able to focus our attention, feel more in control, and notice and appreciate positive experiences.

Distress tolerance

Two types of skills will be taught in this module. Crisis survival skills can help you to tolerate painful or uncomfortable emotions without making situations worse. Reality acceptance skills can help you work on accepting things that we cannot change in order to reduce suffering.

Emotion regulation 

Some people experience emotions as overly intense and out of control, and struggle to bring them down to a tolerable and manageable level while others may have difficulties experiencing emotions at all. This module includes skills that can help you to recognize your emotions, reduce vulnerability to intense emotions, and change how you respond to emotions so they don’t become overwhelming and/or cause you to engage in behaviours that make things worse. 

Interpersonal effectiveness 

Skills from this module are designed to help you assert yourself with others in ways that enable you to get your needs met, while at the same time maintaining your relationships, personal integrity, and self-respect. 

What does the group cost?

The total cost for the Emotion Regulation Skills Group for PTSD is $1695, which includes the 12 two-hour sessions and all other group materials including a workbook that will be yours to keep.

The fee for this group may be covered in whole or part by your private health insurance/employee benefits plan. Please note that obtaining reimbursement from an insurance company is the responsibility of each client. You are encouraged to contact your insurance provider directly for details of your coverage, to verify that group therapy services will be covered by your policy, and any conditions of this coverage.  

This is a closed group that will not accept new registrants after the start date. We require an $135 dollar deposit to hold your spot in the group and this is refundable, minus $50 for administrative fees, up to 1 week before the start of the group. The remaining fees may be paid in full at the start of the group or in weekly instalments of $130 per 2 hour session. 

What if I need to miss a group?  

Because so much information is covered in each group session, regular and consistent attendance is strongly recommended. You may still participate in the Emotion Regulation Skills Group even if you know you will be absent for one or more sessions. Please note that the full fee for the group will still apply in such cases. 

How do I sign up?

Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2024 is group will run for 12 weeks from 5:30-7:30pm.

Registration is open until January 8, 2024.

Call or text us at 780-860-7338 or contact us for more information.

In Case of Emergency

Group facilitators will not be available to provide crisis support in between group sessions. In the event of an emergency or crisis, please call 911, go to your nearest hospital emergency room, or contact one of the following 24/7 crisis support services: