Fall Groups
Barrie Clinic
Sibshop
Ages 8 – 16
Brothers and sisters will have the longest-lasting relationship with a sibling who experiences mental/behavioural health concerns, and/or physical/developmental needs. Because of the particular dynamics between siblings, unique concerns and situations are often experienced that their peers may not relate to.
This 6-week peer support group will give children the opportunity to share with others and address the good (and sometimes not-so-good) parts of having a sibling with special needs with others who “get it”, while also celebrating the many contributions they make to the family system.
The aim is to:
- Reduce a sense of isolation that some siblings may experience by meeting others who have familiar backgrounds and promoting informal sharing and friendships among participants
- Make each session fun and enjoyable so your child looks forward to attending and not having them think it is “another thing they have to do” for their sibling
- Intersperse information and encourage discussion about their sibling’s disability along with the implications of their needs. This is delivered through activities that are fun, unique, and interactive
- Provide an opportunity to learn how others handle situations commonly experienced by siblings of a person with special needs that other children would not share (i.e., advocating/standing up for their sibling, answering questions from friends, teachers, and strangers; and at times resentment that may occur with the time and attention their brother or sister requires)
Many brothers or sisters have feelings that are difficult to express: sadness that the sister can’t learn things like others; anger when a sibling’s behaviour prevents the family from doing things that they see other families doing; or pride that comes when their sib learns a new skill. In this group, they will get to share all of this with peers who truly understand!
Please note: Although therapeutic effects of this group have been identified, this is NOT therapy. The facilitator recognizes and reinforces a strength-based approach and keeps the wellness of all participants in mind. If at all during these sessions it is thought that additional services may benefit your child, the facilitator will connect with parent/care provider.
Ages 8 – 11
October 17th – November 21st (6 Weeks)
Mondays | 5:30 – 7:00pm
$150
OR
Ages 12 – 16
October 19th – November 23rd (6 Weeks)
Wednesdays | 5:30 – 7:00pm
$150
Parry Sound Clinic
Caregiver & Baby | “The Engaged Babe“
“The Engaged Babe” is a 6-Week 1 hour group program for infants and their primary caregiver. It is designed to support caregivers in lighting up their baby’s brain early in the developmental course to promote healthy attachment and typical development. The first year of a child’s life is integral in their developmental trajectory, and the primary caregiver, typically mom or dad, plays a significant role in getting the brain wired for success! This program is led by a registered paediatric physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with the infants and caregivers.
Topics covered include:
– necessity of parental self-care
– motor milestones
– normal developmental course
– baby equipment do’s and don’ts
– serve and return/attachment