All About Our Coping with Chronic Pain and Illness Group

How Group Functions

  • Although there are facilitators of the group, the group is very much what the participants make it to be. The group has no instruction/education component and is based around discussion and mutual support. There are no set topics for each week but we welcome participants to come in with specific topics they would like to speak on related to Chronic Pain and Illness. 

  • Every session may be unique depending on what participants join and what topics are discussed. There is a basic structure  synch as beginning with a check-in, offering space for individual sharing and group discussions, and closing with a check-out. 

  • Check-ins: We begin group by introducing ourselves and responding to a prompt such as:

  • One cookie (positive) and one crumble (less positive) from the last day/week 

  • What’s your battery life like right now? 

  • What is something that you have been enjoying lately?

  • Check-outs: To close we might ask everyone to reflect on either:

  • Something they are taking away from this time together 

  • Something that enjoyed/appreciated about this time together

  • Sharing is always optional. Engage in the group how you feel will be most supportive for yourself.W hile we encourage everyone to participate and engage in conversations with each other, participation is completely optional, and we welcome participants to listen and share within their comfort level. 

  • There may be moments of silence where nobody wants to share or is feeling nervous to share. The facilitators may sit in silence and offer a prompt if no group member is sharing after a few moments. 

How to Join

  • You can sign up on Jane or connect with the Front Desk Team at Growth and Wellness Centre. 

  • Once you sign up, the facilitators will send a welcome email the week before the call with information about the group. The facilitators will also send a reminder email with the zoom link on the day of the call as well. 

Group Requirements

  • Group is 18+ 

  • Participants experience chronic pain and/or chronic illness 

  • Must be located in Ontario to participate 

  • Must have access to a device (phone, tablet, computer) with wifi  

  • We ask participants to make sure they are either alone in the room or wearing headphones to maintain confidentiality of group members. 

Group Agreements

  • Practice Self-Care 

    • Take breaks

      • You are encouraged to take a break whenever you need. There may be times when the group decides to take a more formal break during the session.  

    • You are welcome to mute/turn off video at any point, and rejoin when/if you feel ready to do so. 

    • You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. 

  • Honour Your Journey

    • As coping with chronic illness and/or pain can be difficult, it is important to be aware that everyone may be experiencing their challenges in their own way. 

    • Everyone has the right to navigate their own challenges how they choose to. 

    • We encourage you to try to share from your own experience. For example using “I” statements like “I feel overwhelmed when…” This allows everyone’s experience to be their own. We create the space to share authentically about how we feel individually rather than assigning or assuming something about another group member’s experience.  

    • Practice curiosity and humility when inquiring about another participant’s experience. 

  • Confidentiality 

    • Everything remains confidential here unless someone discloses that there is harm to others or yourself. 

  • Accountability

    • If a participant leaves during our time together, the facilitators will reach out to them via email to check-in. 

  • Collaborative Experience 

    • Allow equitable space and time for folks that want to share if they want to.

    • Our agreements are treated as a “living document.” They may be adjusted and/or added to as requested to best support the group during the sessions. 

    • Everyone’s input is valued, and feedback is always welcome. You may receive feedback forms from the facilitators. These are optional, and they can be helpful in informing the group process. 

Payment:

  • Payment is optional. Our group is a “pay what you can” model if you would like to contribute, but you are welcome to participate for free. You are welcome to reach out to the Front Desk Team at Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre to pay and receive a receipt for insurance if you would like to contribute.  

Please contact our intake and administration team for assistance in registering for the CCICP group!

 
 
Avigal Willing, MSW RSW