Couple Communication
The Couple Communication is a four week program that will teach couples how to become caring, aware and skilled communicators, and thus becoming a positive strength in their family. Through the program, couples will gain communication skills that will change the way they talk, listen and resolve conflict together. Topics covered in the program include: conceptual maps for increasing awareness of yourself and your partner, eleven specific talking and listening skills for sending and receiving messages more clearly; and conflict resolution and relationship building, including attitude and behaviour.

Men’s Anger Management Program
The Men’s Anger Management group is a twelve week group for men that helps participants respond to their anger in constructive ways. Through the program, participants will develop a greater understanding of their physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses to anger, particularly when in conflict. The program will also assist participants in responding to feelings of anger in more constructive methods through the use of assertive techniques, positive communication skills, validation, empathy, problem-solving and negotiation. As such, participants will learn to recognize anger as energy and learn how to use this energy constructively or de-escalate it, and thus help in taking responsibility for their thoughts and/ or actions; and begin to change attitudes that may possibly be self-destructive and/or destructive to others.

The Challenge of Anger for Women
The Challenge of Anger for Women is a twelve week anger management group for women that focuses on understanding anger as well as how to deal with anger in more constructive ways. Group members will learn healthier patterns of communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and thus, become more self-affirming and empathetic to others. The objective of the program is to reduce aggressive acts and behaviours towards others and self; help members take responsibility for thoughts and actions; to recognize anger as energy, and how to  use this energy constructively or de-escalate it; and help members respond to feelings of anger and associated emotions in more constructive methods through the use of assertiveness techniques and conflict resolution skills.

Surviving Separation
The Surviving Separation program is an eight week group for men and women who are in need of support in adjusting from married life to being single again. The program provides a safe supportive group environment for individuals to come together and share feelings and frustrations with regards to their own separation process. As well, this group provides support for individuals to be able to make a healthy transition to being single again and in knowing that they are not alone. Given the nature of the support group, it is important that all group members be separated (living in separate residences) or divorced at time of registration, however the length of estrangement time is not important. Through the group, the following topic areas will be addressed: understanding your emotions, especially anger and grief; understanding the impact of separation and divorce on children and yourself as a parent; developing skills to renew your self-esteem and self-worth; gaining a greater understanding of your previous relationship; acknowledging your sexuality and rebuilding trust in yourself; money management and legal issues; rebuilding and moving on.

Embrace Your Body, Mind and Sprit (for women)
Embrace your Body, Mind and Spirit is an 8 week personal growth support group for women designed to increase self– esteem, self-awareness, assertiveness and empowerment. The program is also aimed at gaining a greater knowledge of the inner and outer self (and the difference between), becoming more aware of thoughts, feelings and behaviours, discussing healthy relationships and how to enjoy positive relationships, learn to laugh more and stress less by using creative art techniques, relaxation and motivational exercises.

Mindful Solutions to Managing Stress
Mindful Solutions to Managing Stress Program is an eight week group that will help reduce the intensity and impact of stress. The program will teach you how to draw upon stress-reducing practices that will , enhance the quality of your life. The objectives of the group are to:

• examine some of the stresses in our lives
• become aware of our own physical, physiological & emotional responses to stress
• help members examine their belief systems around stressful events
• learn and practice strategies that can reduce the impact and intensity of stress
• explore alternative ways of living with stress
• become aware of self limiting inner dialogues that affect both our physical health and emotional well being.

Information and Support Groups for Farsi Speaking Women
The Information & Support Group for Farsi speaking Women is a 12 week support group designed to help women learn new methods of parenting children and youth, discuss women’s issues, healthy relationships, immigration and settlement issues, self-care/health and wellness and connecting to community resources. For more information on this program or to register, please contact Roya at 905-883-6572.

Parenting Programs
Family Services York Region offers a wide variety of parenting programs. Please see our Programs for Parents brochure for more detailed information on these programs. 

Registration Process
To register for a group program, simply visit one of our Family Services York Region locations in Newmarket, Markham, Richmond Hill or Georgina (click here for phone numbers & addresses). If you have any questions, please call our  Coordinator of Group Services at:

(905) 895-2371 or toll free at 1-888-223-3999.

Please click here for Group Services Calendar