Is your child struggling with worry or anxiety?
“Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition affecting children and youth in Canada, with up to 20% of children and adolescents potentially experiencing anxiety disorders over their lifetime.”
This engaging 8-week therapeutic group is specifically designed for children (ages 9-12) who experience anxiety and need practical tools to manage it.
Our Approach:
Grounded in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this group introduces children to science-backed, effective strategies for identifying, understanding, and managing anxious thoughts and feelings.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on the idea that how we think and act affect how we feel. By changing thinking that is distorted, and behavior that is dysfunctional, we can change our emotions. With younger children, focusing first on the behavioral part of CBT can be most effective.
To understand how CBT works, first it helps to understand how anxiety works. Serious untreated anxiety tends to get worse over time, not better, because the child learns that avoidance works in reducing the anxiety, at least in the short run. But as the child — and, indeed, the whole family — work to avoid triggering those fears, they only grow more powerful. The goal in CBT is, essentially, to unlearn avoidant behavior.
Group Goals for Learning:
Our goal is to help children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
CBT techniques will be taught to help children develop their coping skills and ability to manage their anxiety.
Each week features fun, interactive, and hands-on activities that help kids practice these CBT techniques and skills in a supportive and age-appropriate way.
As the group progresses, participants will build on what they’ve learned, creating personalized tools they can take home and continue to use in their daily lives.
The final session includes a reflection on their growth, a recap of the key skills learned, and a celebration of their hard work!
Why Our CBT Program is Different:
While anxiety disorders are prevalent, many young people do not receive the mental health services they need, with challenges including long wait times, lack of appropriate services, and difficulty finding help.
Unlike traditional CBT programs, which often span up to six months and require a lengthy wait, our program is an accessible, fast-paced, 8-week course with a focus on immediate skill building. Children participate in engaging, activity-based sessions that make learning interactive and relatable.
Group Schedule & Facilitators:
This group program takes place over a period of 8 weeks.
EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR 8 WEEKS: FROM 6 PM TO 7:30 PM
START DATE: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
END DATE: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
FORMAT: In-person (Oakville)
GROUP SIZE: Maximum 8 participants
GROUP FACILITATOR:
Nicole Henderson BA, RP(Q) is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who specializes in supporting children and youth with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and socio-emotional issues.
Register Now!
A free 20-minute intake consultation must be completed prior to the start of the program. Parents will book a 20 minute appointment (either virtually or phone) with one of the group facilitators. This intake consultation will explore:
Child suitability for the group
Concerns of the child / caregiver
Goals of the child / caregiver
Limits of confidentiality
Any questions or concerns
Group Cost & Additional Details:
The cost of this 8 week group program is $720.00 CDN ($90.00 CDN per session).
Each participant must first attend a free 20-minute intake consultation, before entering the program.
To secure a spot for one (1) participant in this group, a non-refundable deposit of $90.00 is required. This deposit is applied to the cost of the first session.
Each session is billed individually for insurance purposes and please note that each week is to be paid regardless of attendance once the group has begun.
This program should be covered by most insurance plans and individual receipts are provided for insurance purposes. We strongly recommend you check with your extended health coverage provider before registering.
Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about this program. We are happy to help!