Group Counselling
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder and Substance Use Therapy Group
​PWO’s next virtual Therapy group; supporting those experiencing symptoms of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorder and trying to manage substance use, begins January 15th, 2025. This 6-week group will run virtually on Wednesdays at 10am for 90 minutes. Group is co-facilitated by Erin Gilmour, a Registered Psychotherapist and Christine Cunningham, a Registered Social Service Worker who specializes in perinatal mental health in private practice and the founder of PWO. Both Erin and Christine are trained Addictions Counsellors and have worked in various community addictions settings. There is no cost to participants thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Flora’s Walk Team Vaughan.
Living with symptoms of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorder and struggling with substance use can be very isolating, stigmatizing and difficult to manage. This 6-week, closed therapy group will connect you with other birthing and non-birthing parents with similar lived experiences. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders and how they can impact and be impacted by substance use. We will discuss how trauma in the perinatal period and past trauma can intersect with substance use and you’ll develop strategies and tools for coping.​
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The objectives of this group are to:
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Recognize the signs & symptoms of a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).
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Understand how substance use impacts the symptoms of a PMAD and vice versa.
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Develop tools to manage substance use, anxiety, PTSD, depression and more.
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Learn to trust yourself and your parenting abilities.
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Understand the signs and symptoms of trauma and grief and develop coping strategies.
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Receive peer support from other parents who have had similar lived experience.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Open to birthing and non-birthing parents who are experiencing symptoms of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) and are trying to manage substance use.
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This group is open to Ontario Residents as per College regulations. ​
Details:
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Group starts Wednesday, January 15th and ends Wednesday, February 19th, 2025.
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Group will run virtually on Wednesdays from 10am to 11:30am.
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Thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Flora’s Walk team Vaughan there is no cost for group members to participate.
Spots are limited, so if you are interested, please register by emailing Christine at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca.
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IMPORTANT: This program does not include crisis support. If you are in crisis, please contact the Canada Crisis Number 1.833.456.4566/Text line 45645 https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/