Our Online Group Programs Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Our Online Group Programs

Welcome to Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. We're glad you're considering our online group programs. This first step is all about understanding what we offer and how to begin your journey with us.

What Is Step 1?

Step 1 is your initial contact and orientation phase. This is where we introduce you to our online group programs, answer your questions, and help you decide if our services are the right fit for your needs. There's no pressure here. We simply want to make sure you feel informed and comfortable moving forward.

How to Make Initial Contact

Reaching out is easy. You have several options:

• Phone: Call us at 778-321-6058 to speak with someone directly
• Email: Send a message to 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 explore available groups and schedule your free consultation
• WhatsApp: Message us for a quick conversation about our programs

Our team responds to all inquiries within one business day. We understand that reaching out can feel vulnerable, and we're here to make this process as comfortable as possible.

Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

Every person who's interested in joining one of our online group programs gets a complimentary 20-minute consultation. During this time, you'll speak with Kotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor. This conversation is designed for you.

In your consultation, we'll discuss:

• What brings you to seek group support right now
• Your goals and what you hope to gain from a group experience
• Which of our programs might be the best match for you
• How our online format works and what to expect
• Any concerns or questions you have about joining
• Scheduling and logistics

This is a judgment-free conversation. You're not being evaluated or tested. We're simply getting to know you and making sure we can support you well.

What to Expect During Initial Contact

When you reach out, here's what happens:

Our Online Group Programs Serving British Columbia

Our online group programs are available to people throughout British Columbia and beyond. Whether you're in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, or any other region of the province, you can join our groups from the comfort of your own space.

Our group offerings include:

• CPTSD Support Group: A safe community for people navigating complex post-traumatic stress. Members share experiences, learn from one another, and receive education about healing
• Group Therapy Book Club: An affordable way to explore trauma and healing through guided reading and meaningful discussion
• 12-Week Trauma Recovery Group Therapy: A structured program combining approaches informed by Internal Family Systems, somatic work, and other evidence-based methods

All groups are facilitated by Kotone Frankowski, whose practice is grounded in care informed by trauma research and a deep commitment to creating spaces where people feel truly seen and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to have been in therapy before to join a group?

Not at all. Our groups welcome people at all stages of their healing journey. Whether you're new to seeking support or you've been in therapy for years, there's a place for you here.

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

This is completely normal. In your first group session, you'll never be pressured to share. You can simply listen and get a feel for the group. As you become more comfortable, you'll share at your own pace. Many people find that hearing others' stories helps them feel less alone.

How do I know if an online group is right for me?

That's exactly what your consultation is for. We'll talk through whether a group setting matches what you're looking for right now. Some people thrive in groups. Others prefer individual work. Both are valuable, and we can help you figure out what's best for you.

What if I can't make every session?

Life happens. We understand that schedules can be unpredictable. Most of our groups are structured so that missing a session doesn't derail your progress. We'll discuss attendance expectations during your consultation.

How much does it cost?

Our group programs are designed to be affordable and accessible. Pricing varies by program type. We'll share specific costs during your consultation and can discuss any financial concerns you might have.

Will my insurance cover the group?

Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers such as Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, or Pacific Blue Cross. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly. During your consultation, we can also discuss how to submit claims for reimbursement.

What technology do I need?

You'll need a device with internet access and a camera and microphone. This could be a computer, tablet, or smartphone. We'll send you clear instructions before your first group session so you know exactly what to do.

Is everything I share kept confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is sacred in our groups. During your first session, everyone agrees to keep what's shared in the group within the group. This creates the safety that allows real healing to happen.

What if I have a crisis or emergency?

If you're in crisis, please reach out to emergency services or a crisis line immediately. During your consultation, we'll provide you with resources and discuss how to access support if you need it between sessions.

What Makes Our Approach Different

Our online group programs are built on several core principles.

First, we practice care informed by trauma research. This means we understand how trauma affects the nervous system, relationships, and how people show up in the world. We create groups with this understanding woven throughout.

Second, we use approaches that honour your whole self. We draw on Internal Family Systems work, somatic approaches, and other evidence-based methods that help you understand and heal from the inside out.

Third, we're committed to inclusivity. Our groups welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We're particularly dedicated to creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ2S+ individuals and people from diverse communities.

Finally, we believe in the power of connection. Groups aren't just about individual healing. They're about discovering that you're not alone, that others understand, and that together we're stronger.

Next Steps After Your Consultation

Once you've had your 20-minute consultation, you'll have a clear sense of what comes next. If you decide to join a group, we'll help you with all the details. You'll receive information about the group schedule, how to access the online platform, and what to expect in your first session.

If you have questions after your consultation, we're here. You can email us or call anytime.

Reassurance for First-Time Clients

If you've never done group therapy before, it's natural to feel uncertain. That's okay. Many people feel this way, and they find that groups become one of the most meaningful parts of their healing.

You're not walking into this alone. Kotone will guide the group with care and expertise. You'll be surrounded by people who understand what it's like to struggle. And you'll move at your own pace.

Taking this first step shows courage. Reaching out for support is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

Ready to Begin?

We're ready when you are. Contact us today to schedule your free 20-minute consultation.

• Phone: 778-321-6058
• Email: info@turningtidestoday.com
• Online Booking: https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Step 2: Getting to Know You and Setting Your Direction

Welcome to Step 2 of your journey with our Online Group Programs at Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where we truly begin to understand who you are, what matters most to you, and where you want to go. Think of this step as the foundation for everything that follows.

What Happens in Your First Group Sessions

Your first experience with us is designed to feel welcoming and safe. When you join your first online group session, you'll meet Kotone and the other participants in a secure, private virtual space. There's no pressure to share everything at once. You'll have the opportunity to introduce yourself at whatever level feels comfortable, and you'll hear from others in the group as well. This creates a sense of connection and helps everyone feel less alone in their experiences.

During these initial sessions, we focus on building trust within the group. Kotone will explain how the group works, what confidentiality means, and the agreements we all make together to keep the space safe and respectful. You'll learn about the structure of sessions, how long they last (typically 50 minutes), and what to expect as the weeks unfold.

Our Intake Process: Getting to Know You

Rather than filling out lengthy forms, we believe in having real conversations. Before your first group session, you'll have a brief 20-minute consultation with Kotone. This is a chance to talk about what brought you here, what you're hoping to gain from the group, and any concerns you might have. It's also when we make sure the group is the right fit for where you are right now.

During your first few group sessions, we continue this getting-to-know-you process naturally. Through conversations and reflections, we learn about your values, your strengths, and what matters most to you. We pay attention to how you're responding to the group environment and the therapeutic work. This ongoing dialogue helps us understand how best to support you.

What to Bring and Prepare

Preparing for your first group session is simple. Here's a helpful checklist:

• A quiet, private space where you can join the video call without interruptions
• A device with reliable internet connection (computer, tablet, or phone)
• A notebook or journal if you like to jot down thoughts or reflections during sessions
• An open mind and willingness to engage at your own pace
• Any questions you'd like to ask about the group process
• A sense of curiosity about your own healing and growth

You don't need to prepare a speech or have everything figured out. The group is a space for exploration, not perfection.

How We Work Together to Set Your Direction

Goal setting in our groups is collaborative. This isn't about us telling you what to work on. Instead, we invite you to reflect on what you want to achieve. Maybe you're here to heal from past hurts. Perhaps you want to understand yourself better or improve how you relate to others. You might be looking to develop new skills for managing difficult emotions or to discover more about who you really are.

As we get to know you through conversations and reflections, patterns often emerge. You might notice strengths you didn't recognise before. You might see areas where you'd like to grow. Together, we help you articulate these into meaningful directions for your work in the group. These aren't rigid targets. They're living, breathing intentions that can shift as you do.

We use several approaches to support this process. We might invite you to reflect on your values and what truly matters to you. We might explore your strengths and how you've overcome challenges in the past. We listen carefully to what you share and help you connect the dots. After each session, you'll receive a brief email reflecting on what we discussed and any insights that emerged. This helps you stay connected to your own progress between sessions.

Understanding Our Approach to Intake

You might wonder what makes our intake process different. We believe that healing happens in relationship, not through paperwork. While we do gather important information about your history and current situation, we do this in conversation, not through questionnaires.

We're trained in approaches that honour your whole self. We use methods informed by Internal Family Systems, which helps us understand the different parts of you and how they work together. We incorporate somatic awareness, which means we pay attention to what your body is telling us. We draw on cognitive and acceptance-based approaches to help you understand your thoughts and feelings. All of this comes together to create a picture of who you are and how we can best support you.

Because our groups focus on trauma informed care, we're particularly attentive to how past experiences might show up in the group. We create safety first. We move at a pace that feels manageable. We never push you to share more than you're ready to share. This is how trust builds.

Addressing Common Concerns

Will I have to share my whole story right away? No. You share what feels right for you, when it feels right. Many people start by listening to others and gradually find their voice in the group.

What if I'm not sure what my goals are yet? That's completely normal. Part of being in the group is discovering what matters to you. We'll help you explore this together.

Is everything I share confidential? Yes. What's shared in the group stays in the group. We have clear agreements about this that everyone commits to.

What if the group doesn't feel like the right fit? We want you to feel comfortable. If after a few sessions you sense the group isn't right for you, we can talk about other options that might serve you better.

How do you track my progress if you're not using forms? We track progress through ongoing conversations and reflections. You'll notice changes in how you feel, how you relate to others, and how you understand yourself. We'll notice them too, and we'll reflect them back to you.

What Comes Next

Once you've completed your initial sessions and we've established your direction, you'll move into the heart of the group work. You'll develop deeper connections with other group members. You'll learn and practise new skills. You'll have insights that shift how you see yourself and your life. And you'll have the support of Kotone and the group every step of the way.

Between sessions, you can reach out via email if something comes up or you want to reflect on what you're experiencing. This between-session support helps you stay engaged and connected to your own process.

Ready to Begin?

Step 2 is about opening the door to possibility. It's about being seen and understood. It's about setting intentions that matter to you. When you're ready to take this step, we're here to welcome you.

To book your 20-minute consultation and begin this process, please visit our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling. You can also reach out to us at info@turningtidestoday.com or call 778-321-6058 if you have questions before booking.

We look forward to getting to know you and supporting your journey toward healing and growth.

Step 3: Your Healing Journey Unfolds

Welcome to the active phase of your online group program. This is where the real transformation begins. You'll discover that healing isn't something that happens to you in a session and then stops. It's a living, breathing process that continues throughout your week, supported by our community and guided by evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs.

What a Typical Session Looks Like

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

• Welcome and Check-In (10 minutes): We begin by creating space for you to share where you're at emotionally. This isn't about performing or having the 'right' answer. It's about being seen and heard by people who understand what you're going through. Our facilitator, Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, sets the tone for a confidential, supportive environment where your experience matters.
• Learning Together (15 minutes): We introduce concepts and skills that directly support your healing. You might learn about how trauma lives in the body, or explore ways to manage overwhelming emotions. Everything we teach is grounded in what actually works, drawn from approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic practices, cognitive behavioural strategies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. The focus is always practical and applicable to your life.
• Shared Experience and Peer Support (15 minutes): This is the heart of group work. You'll hear from others navigating similar challenges. You'll share your own story when you're ready. There's profound healing in discovering you're not alone, in witnessing others' courage, and in offering support to people who truly get it. This mutual understanding creates a container for real change.
• Skill Practice and Reflection (8 minutes): We might guide you through a grounding exercise, a mindfulness practice, or a reflective activity. These aren't abstract concepts. They're tools you can use immediately, in your own life, when you need them most.
• Looking Forward (2 minutes): We close by reviewing what you're taking away and what you might explore before we meet again. You'll leave with clarity about your next steps and the knowledge that you have support.

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Our facilitator draws from multiple evidence-based approaches, each chosen because of what research shows actually helps people heal from complex trauma and life challenges.

• Internal Family Systems: This approach helps you understand the different parts of yourself, especially the protective parts that developed to keep you safe. By working with these parts with compassion rather than judgment, you can move toward greater wholeness and integration.
• Somatic and Body-Centred Work: Trauma lives in the body. We use gentle, grounded techniques to help you reconnect with physical sensations, release stored tension, and regulate your nervous system. This might include breathwork, grounding exercises, or mindful movement adapted for our online setting.
• Cognitive Behavioural Strategies: We explore the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This isn't about forcing positive thinking. It's about gently shifting patterns that no longer serve you and building new ways of responding to life's challenges.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Rather than fighting against difficult emotions, this approach helps you clarify what truly matters to you and take meaningful action aligned with your values, even when emotions are present.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy: We teach practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and building a life worth living. These skills are concrete and immediately useful.
• Psychoeducation: Understanding what's happening in your brain and body during stress or trauma is empowering. We provide information that helps you make sense of your experience and recognize your own resilience.

Your Homework and Between-Session Practice

The real work happens between sessions. This is where you integrate what you've learned and begin to see shifts in your daily life. We never overwhelm you with lengthy assignments. Instead, we offer meaningful practices tailored to where you are in your journey.

• Reflective Journaling: You might spend a few minutes each day or several times a week writing about your thoughts and feelings. This simple practice deepens self-awareness and helps you track patterns and progress over time. There's no 'right way' to journal. Your words, your truth, your pace.
• Grounding and Mindfulness Practices: We teach specific techniques you can use when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or triggered. These might include breathing exercises, body scans, or sensory grounding. The goal is to have tools readily available when you need them most.
• Values and Strengths Exploration: Between sessions, you might reflect on what truly matters to you, or notice moments when you demonstrated strength or resilience. This builds self-awareness and reconnects you with your own capacity for growth.
• Skill Application: If we've learned a new communication strategy or emotional regulation technique, your practice is to try it in real life. Maybe you'll set a boundary you've been avoiding, or use a grounding technique when stress arises. These small experiments are how change becomes real.
• Accountability and Goal Setting: You'll identify one or two meaningful goals for the coming week. These might be related to your emotional wellbeing, your relationships, or your personal growth. During the next session, you'll share how it went. This gentle accountability keeps you moving forward.
• Reading and Resource Exploration: We might suggest articles, excerpts, or resources related to what we're exploring in the group. Our therapy book club participants engage with readings on trauma and healing. This deepens understanding and gives you language for your own experience.
• Peer Connection: Group members often exchange supportive messages or check in with each other between sessions. This community becomes part of your healing container.
• Self-Compassion Practices: Healing from trauma requires gentleness with yourself. You might practice self-compassion meditations, write yourself letters of encouragement, or simply notice moments when you're being kind to yourself rather than critical.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress isn't always linear, and it's not always obvious. We track your journey in ways that feel supportive rather than clinical.

• Ongoing Conversations: During check-ins at the start of each session, you'll naturally share what's shifted. You might notice you're sleeping better, feeling less reactive, or managing relationships with more ease. These conversations help you recognise your own progress.
• Reflective Discussions: We periodically pause to reflect together on what you've noticed changing. Have your coping strategies become more effective? Are you feeling more connected to your values? Are relationships improving? These discussions are collaborative and focused on what matters to you.
• Between-Session Email Support: After sessions, you'll receive a brief email summarizing key points and offering encouragement. This keeps momentum going and gives you something to reference during the week.
• Personal Tracking: Many group members keep their own notes on what's shifting. Some use simple journals, others notice changes in their mood, sleep, or relationships. Your own observations are the most important measure of progress.
• Goal Reviews: Every few sessions, we pause to review the goals you set. Are they still meaningful? Have you achieved them? Do you need to adjust your focus? This keeps your work aligned with what truly matters to you.

The Collaborative Nature of Your Healing

Everything we do is grounded in partnership. You're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active participant in your own healing. Your insights matter. Your pace matters. Your voice shapes the group experience.

If something isn't working, we adjust. If you need more support in a particular area, we find ways to provide it. If you want to explore something deeper, we create space for that. Your agency, your choice, your healing journey.

Ready to Begin?

Our online group programs serving all of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Interior BC, Northern BC, the Kootenays, and beyond, are designed to meet you where you are. Whether you're in Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, or a smaller community, you'll access the same high-quality, trauma-informed care.

Our group programs are affordable and accessible. Coverage may be available based on your individual insurance policy with providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross.

Take the next step. Book your spot in an online group program through our secure booking platform.

Book Your Spot Now

Questions? Reach out to us at info@turningtidestoday.com or call 778-321-6058. We're here to support you.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone. This is the moment where we pause to reflect on how far you've come and what comes next in your healing journey.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your time in our online group program, you've been building something meaningful. We evaluate progress not through rigid checklists but through genuine conversations about what matters to you. Together, we'll explore the shifts you've noticed in how you manage difficult emotions, how you show up in relationships, and how you understand yourself.

Signs that you may be ready to complete this phase of your journey include:

• You feel more grounded when facing situations that once overwhelmed you
• Your relationships show signs of deeper understanding and improved communication
• You've developed practical tools that you use regularly and that actually work for you
• You understand your patterns more clearly and can respond rather than react
• You feel a sense of belonging and support within the group community
• Your sense of purpose feels clearer, even if the path ahead isn't perfectly mapped
• You experience moments of genuine peace or contentment more frequently

The Completion Conversation

Completion isn't something we decide for you. Instead, we have a thoughtful conversation about readiness. This might happen gradually as you notice you're using the group less frequently, or it might be a deliberate choice you make when you feel you've reached your goals. Either way, we honour that decision together.

During this conversation, we'll reflect on your specific wins. Maybe you've rebuilt trust in a relationship. Perhaps you've learned to sit with difficult feelings without being consumed by them. These victories matter, and we celebrate them.

Your Maintenance Plan

Completion doesn't mean you're on your own. We'll create a personalized maintenance plan that keeps your progress alive. This plan might include:

• Specific practices you'll continue at home, whether that's journaling, grounding techniques, or mindfulness moments
• Which tools from our work together you'll return to when life gets challenging
• How often you might benefit from between-session email support to stay connected
• Whether occasional check-in sessions would serve you well as you move forward
• Resources and community connections you can access whenever you need them

Think of maintenance as tending a garden you've worked hard to grow. You're not abandoning it; you're learning how to care for it independently while knowing support is available when storms arrive.

Ongoing Support Options

Our relationship doesn't end when you complete the group program. We offer several ways to stay connected:

What Success Really Looks Like

Success isn't perfection. You won't wake up one day with all your challenges solved. Instead, success means you've developed a different relationship with your challenges. You understand yourself more deeply. You respond to difficulty with more compassion, both for yourself and others. You know you're not alone, and you have tools that actually work.

Success also means you trust yourself more. You believe in your capacity to handle what comes next, even when you're uncertain about the specifics.

Celebrating Your Growth

Before you move forward, take a moment to truly acknowledge what you've accomplished. You showed up consistently. You were vulnerable with people you didn't know at the start. You tried new ways of thinking and being. You asked for help. These are profound acts of courage.

The growth you've experienced belongs to you. You did this work. We simply provided the space and the guidance.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're completing this program and moving forward independently, or you're exploring what ongoing support might look like, we're here to support your decision. Completion is a beginning, not an ending.

Our online group programs serving all of British Columbia, from Metro Vancouver to the Kootenays and beyond, continue to welcome people at any stage of their journey. If you find yourself wanting to reconnect with the group community or explore individual support down the road, you know where to find us.

To discuss your completion plan, explore ongoing support options, or book a final reflection session with Kotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, please reach out through our online booking platform.

Ready to book your completion conversation or explore what comes next?

Book Your Session Today

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