Upcoming Groups:

Big emotions are a normal part of being human. Sometimes, however, young people can feel overwhelmed by stress, conflict, disappointment, anxiety, anger, or strong emotional urges and aren't quite sure what to do in the moment.

This small-group, DBT-informed workshop gives youth an opportunity to learn and practise concrete skills for navigating those moments.

Rather than spending four hours sitting and listening, participants will learn through interactive activities, real-life scenarios, movement, discussion, individual reflection and hands-on practice.

The goal isn't to teach young people to stop having difficult emotions. It's to help them build confidence in knowing:

“I can have a big feeling and know what to do with it.”

This workshop is designed for youth ages 12–16 who may benefit from additional tools for managing stress, strong emotions, impulsive reactions or difficult moments.

Youth do not need to have a mental health diagnosis or currently be in therapy to participate.

The workshop may also be a helpful complement to individual therapy for youth who are already working on emotional regulation, coping skills, anxiety, distress tolerance or related goals.

All youth and families are welcome. A to Z Psychotherapy is committed to creating a culturally responsive and respectful space for youth from diverse racial, cultural, religious and family backgrounds.

No. This is a psychoeducational DBT skills workshop, rather than an ongoing psychotherapy group.

Participants will learn and practise evidence-informed skills together, but they will not be expected to disclose personal experiences, diagnoses, trauma histories or other private information to the group.

Youth are always welcome to pass on a discussion or activity.

Participants will be introduced to practical DBT skills including Wise Mind, STOP, TIPP, Pros & Cons, distraction/distress-survival strategies, grounding and self-soothing.

Throughout the morning, we will focus not only on learning what the skills are, but also on helping youth recognize when they might use them in everyday life.

Participants will leave with handouts, resources and a personalized set of strategies they can continue practising after the workshop.

Yes. Because this is a brief skills workshop rather than an intensive treatment program, each participant will complete a short intake and screening process before registration is finalized.

The purpose of screening is not to determine whether a young person is “good” or “bad” for the group. It helps ensure that the workshop is an appropriate and safe level of support for their current needs and gives the facilitator an opportunity to understand any accommodations or considerations that may help them participate successfully.

If a young person's needs would be better supported through a different or more intensive service, this will be discussed with the parent/caregiver.

Respect for privacy will be an important group expectation. Participants will be asked not to share another youth's personal information or experiences outside of the workshop.

Because this is a group setting, however, absolute confidentiality between participants cannot be guaranteed. This limitation will be reviewed with parents/caregivers and youth before participation.

Standard legal and professional limits to confidentiality also apply, including circumstances involving concerns about safety or where disclosure is otherwise required by law.

A receipt will be provided for the workshop fee under Jola Mecani, MSW, RSW (Registered Social Worker).

Some extended health insurance plans provide coverage for services delivered by Registered Social Workers; however, coverage for group-based or psychoeducational services varies by individual insurance plan.

Families are encouraged to contact their insurance provider before registering to confirm whether this workshop is eligible for reimbursement under their child's benefits plan.

A to Z Psychotherapy cannot guarantee reimbursement by individual insurance providers.

Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Pickering, Ontario
Ages: 12–16
Group Size: Maximum 6 participants
Investment: $150 per participant

The fee includes the full four-hour workshop, activity materials, DBT handouts and take-home resources.

A minimum of 4 participants is required for the workshop to proceed. Registered families will be notified in advance if the workshop needs to be rescheduled due to insufficient enrollment.

Parents/caregivers and referring professionals are welcome to reach out with questions or to discuss whether the workshop may be a good fit.

Email Jola Mecani (MSW/RSW) at jolamecanitherapy@gmail.com