Our Group Programs Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Our Group Programs

Welcome to Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. We're glad you're considering joining one of our group programs. This first step is all about connection, understanding your needs, and helping you feel confident about moving forward together.

What Happens in Step 1

Your journey begins with a warm welcome and an opportunity to learn more about how our group programs work. We want you to feel informed and comfortable before you commit to anything. During this initial phase, we'll help you understand what to expect, answer your questions, and explore whether our groups are the right fit for your healing and growth.

Your Initial Contact Options

You can reach out to us in several ways that work best for you:

• Phone: Call us at 778-321-6058 to speak directly with our team
• Email: Send us a message at info@turningtidestoday.com with your questions or interests
• Online Booking: Visit our booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling to schedule your free consultation
• WhatsApp: Message us directly for a quick conversation about our programs

What to Expect

When you first connect with us, here's what the experience looks like:

Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

We offer a complimentary 20-minute conversation where you can discuss your needs, ask questions about our group programs, and get a sense of how we work. This is your chance to see if we're a good match for what you're looking for. There's no pressure, no obligation. Just a genuine conversation about your healing journey.

Learning About Our Groups

We'll explain how our group programs work, including the format, schedule, focus areas, and what participation involves. Whether you're interested in our CPTSD support group, our group therapy book club, or our 12-week trauma recovery program, we'll help you understand exactly what each offers.

Understanding Our Approach

Our groups are built on care informed by trauma research. We use approaches based on Internal Family Systems, somatic experiencing, cognitive behavioural methods, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. We'll explain how these evidence-based methods create a safe, healing environment where you can grow at your own pace.

Discussing Your Goals

We want to understand what brought you here and what you hope to gain from group work. Whether you're seeking community, learning coping strategies, processing difficult emotions, or discovering your life purpose, we'll listen and help you see how our programs align with your goals.

Addressing Your Concerns

Many people feel nervous about group work, especially when healing from trauma. We welcome all your questions and concerns. Nothing is too small to ask about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to have previous counselling experience to join a group?

Not at all. Our groups welcome people at all stages of their healing journey. Whether this is your first time seeking support or you've been in therapy before, you'll find a welcoming space. We meet you exactly where you are.

What if I'm nervous about sharing in a group setting?

That's completely normal and very common. You're never required to share anything you're not comfortable sharing. Our groups operate with clear confidentiality agreements and ground rules that protect everyone's safety. You can participate by listening, observing, and sharing only what feels right for you. Many people find that hearing others' stories helps them feel less alone, even before they're ready to speak themselves.

How do I know which group is right for me?

During your free consultation, we'll discuss the different groups we offer and help you find the best match. Our CPTSD support group focuses on complex trauma recovery. Our group therapy book club combines reading, discussion, and peer support around trauma and healing. Our 12-week trauma recovery program offers a structured journey through stabilisation, processing, and growth. We'll help you choose based on your needs, schedule, and preferences.

Are the groups online or in person?

Our group programs are offered online, which means you can participate from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond. This flexibility allows you to join from the comfort of your own space, which many people find especially helpful when working through trauma.

What if I can't make every session?

Life happens. We understand that schedules change and sometimes you need to miss a session. We encourage consistent participation because it helps build community and continuity in your healing, but we also work with you if you need flexibility. Just let us know what works best for you.

How much do the groups cost?

Our groups are designed to be affordable and accessible. Pricing varies depending on which program you choose, and we offer options that fit different budgets. We'll share specific pricing details during your consultation and in our services information.

Is this covered by insurance?

Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers like Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, or Pacific Blue Cross. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about what they cover. We can also help you understand your options.

What if I'm not ready to commit to a full program?

You can start with a single session or a few sessions to see how you feel. Many people like to try one group meeting before deciding whether to continue. There's no long-term commitment required unless you want one.

How is confidentiality protected in a group?

Confidentiality is sacred in our groups. Everyone agrees to keep what's shared in the group private. We establish clear ground rules at the beginning, and Kotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, facilitates the group with these protections in mind. You can share your story knowing it stays within the group.

What if I have trauma that feels too intense for a group?

That's an important question, and we're glad you're thinking about it. During your consultation, we'll have an honest conversation about whether group work is the right next step for you, or whether individual counselling might be a better starting point. Sometimes people benefit from both. We want to support you in the way that serves you best.

Can I bring a support person with me?

Our groups are designed as peer support spaces where everyone is a participant. We don't typically have support people join the sessions themselves. However, we're happy to discuss your specific situation during your consultation.

What if I'm in a different time zone?

Because our groups are online, you can join from anywhere. We'll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, even if you're in a different time zone. We serve all of British Columbia and beyond, and we're committed to making our programs accessible to you.

Why Choose Turning Tides for Group Support

Our groups are led by Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with deep expertise in trauma and complex post-traumatic stress. She creates spaces where healing happens naturally, where you're never rushed, and where your story matters. Our approach is grounded in research, guided by compassion, and focused entirely on your wellbeing and growth.

We specialise in supporting people navigating trauma, CPTSD, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. Our groups foster genuine connection, offer practical tools, and help you discover your own strength and resilience.

Next Steps

Ready to take the next step? Here's what to do:

1. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation using our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
2. Or contact us directly: Call 778-321-6058 or email info@turningtidestoday.com
3. Come prepared with questions about what you're hoping to find in a group
4. Be honest about your needs and concerns so we can help you find the perfect fit

A Note of Reassurance

If you're feeling nervous about reaching out, that's okay. Many people feel that way before taking this step. What matters is that you're here, you're considering support, and you're ready to invest in your own healing. That takes courage. We're here to meet you with warmth, understanding, and genuine care every step of the way.

You don't have to do this alone. Let's start this conversation together.

Contact Information

Phone	778-321-6058
Email	info@turningtidestoday.com
Online Booking	https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
Office Location	1451 Burnaby Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W6
Website	www.turningtidestoday.com

Our group programs serve all of British Columbia and beyond through online sessions. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or anywhere else, we're here to support your healing journey.

Step 2: Your Intake and Goal-Setting Session

Welcome to the next phase of your journey with us. Step 2 is where we get to know you, understand what brought you here, and work together to create a meaningful plan for your healing and growth.

What Happens in Your Intake Session

Your intake session is a warm, collaborative conversation rather than a formal interview. This is your opportunity to share your story in whatever way feels comfortable for you. Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor will listen carefully to understand your background, your current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through our group programs.

During this time, we will explore:

• Your personal history and what has shaped your experiences
• The specific challenges or emotions you are navigating right now
• Your strengths, values, and what matters most to you
• What you hope to gain from participating in our group
• Any questions or concerns you have about the group process

This conversation helps us understand how best to support you within the group setting and ensures that our group is the right fit for your needs at this time.

How We Work Together to Set Your Goals

Goal setting is not something we do to you. It is something we do together. After we have listened to your story and understood your situation, we will collaborate on identifying what success looks like for you.

Your goals might include things like:

• Building healthier ways to manage difficult emotions
• Developing a stronger sense of self and self-worth
• Learning new coping skills you can use in daily life
• Finding connection and support within a community
• Moving through a life transition with greater confidence
• Healing from past experiences and building resilience

These goals become your personal roadmap for the group experience. We will check in on your progress as we move forward, adjusting our approach as needed to ensure you are getting what you need.

What to Bring and Prepare for Your Intake Session

To help us make the most of your time together, please gather the following information before your session:

Medical History	Any current medications, past diagnoses, or health conditions that might be relevant to your emotional wellbeing
Insurance Information	Your insurance card or policy details if you plan to submit claims for coverage (coverage may be available based on your individual policy)
Emergency Contact	The name and phone number of someone we can reach if needed
Your Story	You do not need to write anything down. Simply be ready to share what feels important for us to know about you
Your Hopes	Think about what you hope will be different after participating in the group. What would feel like progress to you?

Your Intake Preparation Checklist

• Confirm your intake appointment time and format (online or in-person in Vancouver)
• Test your technology if attending online (camera, microphone, internet connection)
• Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can speak openly
• Have your insurance information available if applicable
• Write down any questions you want to ask
• Bring a notebook if you like to jot down notes during the conversation
• Allow yourself some quiet time before the session to settle into a calm state

Understanding Our Approach to Getting to Know You

You might wonder how we assess whether our group is right for you. We do not use lengthy questionnaires or clinical forms. Instead, we have a genuine conversation with you.

We listen for your strengths. We notice what resilience you already have. We understand the unique ways that your experiences have shaped who you are. This conversational approach helps us see the whole picture of who you are, not just the challenges you are facing.

If we feel that individual counselling might serve you better than a group setting, we will be honest about that. If we think our group is a wonderful fit, we will explain why and how we see your participation contributing to your healing.

Addressing Common Concerns About the Intake Process

Will I have to share everything about my trauma right away?

No. You share what feels safe and comfortable. There is no pressure to disclose everything in the first session. Trust builds over time, and you are always in control of what you share.

What if I am nervous or emotional during the intake?

That is completely normal and welcome. We are trained in trauma informed care, which means we understand that emotions may arise as you talk about difficult experiences. We will move at your pace and create space for whatever comes up.

How long does the intake session last?

Your intake session is typically 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to really listen and get to know you without feeling rushed.

What if I do not feel ready to join a group after the intake?

That is okay. If you decide that individual counselling would be better for you right now, we can discuss that option. Your readiness and comfort matter most to us.

Will everything I share be kept confidential?

Yes. What you share during your intake is confidential. We will explain our confidentiality policies and answer any questions you have about privacy and how your information is protected.

What Happens After Your Intake

After your intake session, we will send you a follow-up email summarizing what we discussed and confirming your goals for the group. We will also provide you with information about the group format, meeting times, and what to expect in your first group session.

If you have any questions or concerns between now and your first group meeting, we are here to support you. Simply reach out via email and we will get back to you promptly.

Ready to Move Forward?

Your intake session is an important step toward healing and growth. It is a chance for us to meet you, understand your needs, and create a personalised plan that honours your unique journey.

If you have any questions before your intake appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Book your intake session today through our online booking platform:

https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

We look forward to meeting you and beginning this important work together.

Step 3: Your Healing Journey Unfolds

Welcome to the active phase of your group program at Turning Tides. This is where transformation happens. You are not a passive participant here. You are a collaborator in your own healing, working alongside Kotone and your group members to build the life you deserve.

What Happens During Your Group Sessions

Each session runs for 50 minutes and follows a thoughtful structure designed to create safety, foster connection, and build your skills.

Session Component	What Occurs	Your Role
Welcome and Check-In(10 minutes)	We gather and reconnect. Kotone welcomes everyone and we briefly share how we are arriving today. Group agreements around confidentiality and respect are honoured.	You share what feels right for you. There is no pressure to say much. A simple 'I'm here' is enough.
Psychoeducation and Theme(15 minutes)	We explore a specific topic related to trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relationships, or personal growth. You learn about how trauma affects the nervous system, how emotions work, and what healing can look like.	You listen, ask questions, and notice what resonates with your own experience. This is learning that matters to your life.
Sharing and Discussion(15 minutes)	Group members share experiences connected to the theme. You hear others' stories. You offer support. Kotone facilitates with care, ensuring everyone feels heard and validated.	You share if you wish. You listen if you prefer. Both are valued. Your pace, your choice.
Skills Practice(8 minutes)	We practice a specific tool together. This might be a grounding exercise, a breathing technique, a way to notice your emotions, or a communication skill. We do it together, in real time.	You participate fully. You ask for modifications if needed. You notice what works for your body and your nervous system.
Goal Setting and Homework(7 minutes)	Kotone guides you to identify one small practice or reflection to work with before the next session. This homework is collaborative. It is never imposed.	You choose what feels manageable and meaningful. You commit to yourself, not to anyone else.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Your group program draws from several evidence-based approaches, all woven together to support your unique healing.

• Internal Family Systems informed work helps you understand the different parts of yourself and how they protect you. You learn to work with these parts with compassion rather than judgment.
• Somatic approaches teach you to listen to your body. Trauma lives in the nervous system. We help you befriend your body again through gentle awareness and movement.
• Cognitive Behavioural approaches help you notice patterns in your thinking and behaviour. You learn that you have choice in how you respond to difficult situations.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports you in clarifying what matters most to you and taking action aligned with your values, even when emotions are difficult.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy principles teach you concrete skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and connecting with others in healthy ways.

All of these approaches are grounded in care informed by trauma research. Nothing is forced. Everything is offered as a possibility for you to explore.

Your Homework and Between-Session Practices

Healing happens in the space between sessions. This is where you integrate what you have learned and practice new ways of being.

Reading and Reflection

If you are in our Group Therapy Book Club, you will receive a reading assignment before each session. This might be a chapter from a book on trauma recovery, an article about healing, or a personal essay. You are invited to read it and notice your reactions. What resonates? What triggers you? What gives you hope? You bring these reflections to the group.

Journaling Your Experience

Between sessions, you might keep a simple journal. Write about your emotions, your triggers, what you noticed about yourself, or how you used a skill from group. There is no right way to do this. A few sentences is enough. The purpose is to deepen your awareness of yourself.

Practising Skills Daily

The grounding techniques, breathing exercises, and emotional awareness practices we learn in session are most powerful when you use them in your daily life. You might practise a grounding exercise when you feel anxious. You might use a communication skill with someone you trust. You might notice your emotions without trying to fix them. Small, consistent practice creates real change.

Exploring Your Values

Between sessions, you might reflect on what truly matters to you. What brings you joy? What kind of person do you want to be? What relationships do you want to nurture? These reflections help you stay connected to your 'why' as you heal.

Peer Connection

You are encouraged to reflect on your experience of the group itself. How did it feel to be heard? To hear others? What did you notice about yourself in relation to the group? This reflection deepens the healing that comes from connection.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in healing is not always linear. Some weeks you will feel tremendous shifts. Other weeks you will feel stuck. Both are part of the journey. We track your progress in ways that honour this reality.

Ongoing Conversations

Kotone checks in with you regularly through between-session email support. These are not formal assessments. They are genuine conversations about how you are doing, what is working, and where you might need additional support. You share what feels true for you.

Your Own Observations

You are the expert on your own healing. We invite you to notice changes in yourself. Are you sleeping better? Feeling less triggered? Connecting more authentically with others? Having moments of peace? These observations matter more than any formal measure.

Goal Progress

The small goals you set each week become touchstones. Did you practise the skill? Did you journal? Did you notice something new about yourself? We celebrate what you did, and we gently explore what got in the way if you did not complete your practice. There is no judgment. Only curiosity and compassion.

Feedback from the Group

Sometimes the people in your group will notice changes in you. They might say, 'I see you speaking up more,' or 'You seem more at peace.' This feedback from people who know your story can be powerful validation of your progress.

Therapeutic Techniques You Will Experience

Throughout your group program, you will engage with specific techniques designed to support healing and growth.

• Grounding Exercises help you return to the present moment when you feel overwhelmed or triggered. We use your five senses to anchor you to safety.
• Breathing and Nervous System Work teaches you how to calm your nervous system through intentional breathing. Your breath is always with you. It becomes a tool for regulation.
• Emotion Identification and Expression helps you name what you are feeling and express it in healthy ways. Many of us learned to suppress emotions. We help you reclaim this natural capacity.
• Values Clarification guides you to identify what truly matters to you. From this clarity, you can make choices aligned with your authentic self.
• Communication Skills Practice teaches you how to express your needs, set boundaries, and listen to others with presence. You practise these skills in the safe container of the group.
• Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness invites you to notice what is happening right now without judgment. This simple practice is profoundly healing.
• Bibliotherapy and Reflective Discussion uses books and readings as mirrors for your own experience. Stories of others' healing can inspire and guide your own.
• Peer Support and Witnessing creates space for you to be truly seen and heard by others who understand. This is healing medicine.

Your Agency and Collaboration

This is important. You are not here to be fixed. You are here to remember who you are beneath the trauma. You are here to reclaim your power.

Every practice, every technique, every conversation is an invitation. If something does not feel right for you, you say so. If you need to modify a practice, you do. If you want to go deeper on a particular topic, we explore it together. Your voice matters. Your instincts matter. Your pace matters.

Kotone is here as a guide and facilitator. The group is here as witnesses and companions. But you are the author of your own healing story.

Ready to Begin?

Step 3 is where the real work of transformation unfolds. It is challenging. It is also deeply rewarding. You will learn about yourself. You will connect with others. You will develop skills that serve you for the rest of your life.

Our group programs serving all of British Columbia, including Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, and communities across the province, are designed to meet you where you are and support you toward where you want to go.

To take the next step and join a group program that aligns with your healing journey, we invite you to book through our online platform.

Book Your Group Program Today

Have questions about which group program is right for you? Our team is here to help. Reach out through our booking platform or contact us directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058.

Step 4: Completion and Ongoing Support

Recognising Your Progress and Planning for the Future

You've reached an important milestone. Step 4 is about honouring the work you've done, evaluating where you are now, and creating a sustainable plan for maintaining your growth long after our group program concludes.

Understanding Readiness for Completion

As you approach the end of your group experience, you might be wondering: am I ready? Here are some signs that suggest you're in a strong place to transition forward:

• You notice you're managing difficult emotions with greater ease and confidence
• Your relationships feel more stable, and communication has improved
• You've developed coping strategies that work for you and you use them consistently
• You feel less isolated and more connected to your own strength and to others
• You understand your patterns better and can recognise when old responses are showing up
• You're sleeping better, experiencing less physical tension, or noticing other signs your nervous system feels safer
• You have hope about your future and feel equipped to handle what comes next

Readiness doesn't mean you're 'fixed' or that challenges won't arise. It means you have tools, insight, and support to move forward with confidence.

Progress Evaluation: Reflecting on Your Journey

Before you complete the program, we'll spend time together reflecting on your progress. This isn't about formal testing or measuring. Instead, we'll have conversations about what's shifted for you.

You might notice:

• How your understanding of yourself has deepened
• Changes in how you respond to stress or conflict
• Improvements in your relationships and sense of belonging
• Greater clarity about your values and what matters most to you
• Increased resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks

Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor will work with you to identify these shifts and celebrate them. This reflection becomes your personal roadmap for what to continue doing as you move forward.

Maintenance Strategies: Keeping Your Momentum

Healing isn't a destination you reach and then stop. It's an ongoing practice. Here are strategies to help you maintain the progress you've made:

Strategy	How It Helps
Regular Self-Reflection	Set aside time weekly to notice what's working, what's challenging, and what you need. This keeps you connected to your own wisdom.
Continue Using Your Tools	The coping strategies and techniques you've learned in the group aren't just for the program. Use them daily, especially when you feel triggered or overwhelmed.
Stay Connected to Community	Consider joining our ongoing support groups or therapy book club. Staying connected to others on similar journeys provides ongoing encouragement and normalises your experience.
Honour Your Boundaries	The boundaries you've established in the group are worth protecting in your daily life. Say no when you need to. Protect your energy.
Practice Self-Compassion	You'll have difficult days. That's normal. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a good friend who's struggling.
Move Your Body**	Whether it's walking, dancing, yoga, or any movement that feels good, physical activity helps regulate your nervous system and supports ongoing healing.
Limit Triggers When Possible	You now understand what activates your stress response. Where you can, create environments and relationships that feel safer and more supportive.

Ongoing Support Options Available to You

Completing this group program doesn't mean you're on your own. Our trauma informed care services serving all of British Columbia continue to be available to you.

Individual Counselling Sessions

If you'd like to work one-on-one with our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor to deepen specific areas or address new challenges, individual sessions remain available. These sessions offer personalised support tailored to your unique needs and can be scheduled as often as you need them.

Ongoing Support Groups

Our CPTSD support group meets regularly and welcomes both new and returning members. You can join anytime, attend as frequently as feels right for you, and continue benefiting from the shared experience and psychoeducation that group work provides. This is an affordable way to stay connected to community and continue your healing journey.

Therapy Book Club

Our group therapy book club focuses on trauma and healing through guided reading and discussion. It's an accessible, affordable alternative to individual counselling and provides ongoing opportunities to explore your experience in a supportive setting. New members join regularly, and you can participate from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond.

Between-Session Email Support

If you transition to individual work or need brief support between sessions, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor offers between-session email support. This keeps you connected and provides a way to process what's coming up for you without waiting for your next appointment.

Crisis Support Resources

We provide you with a list of crisis resources and hotlines you can access anytime, day or night, if you need immediate support. You're never truly alone.

Celebrating Your Achievements

Take a moment to truly acknowledge what you've accomplished. You showed up. You were vulnerable. You did the work. You allowed yourself to be supported and to support others. That takes courage.

The shifts you've made, the insights you've gained, and the connections you've built are real. They're yours to keep. And they'll continue to unfold and deepen as you move forward.

Your Next Steps

As you complete this group program, consider what feels right for you next. Some people benefit from individual counselling to explore deeper work. Others find ongoing group support provides exactly what they need. Some take a break and return when new challenges arise. There's no single 'right' path.

What matters is that you have options, and you have support available whenever you need it.

Ready to book your next session or explore ongoing support options?

Our online booking platform makes it easy to schedule individual sessions, join our support groups, or register for the therapy book club. You can book anytime at your convenience.

Book Your Next Step

If you have questions about which option might be best for you, reach out to us directly. Our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor is here to help you navigate what comes next.

You've done meaningful work. You deserve to feel proud of that.