Programs: Group Counselling
Group Counselling at PYS is an opportunity for a small group of young people who have experienced similar problems to get together with a group counsellor to talk about their experiences, get emotional support and work toward making changes in their lives. Group counselling, like individual counselling is private and confidential.
There are a number of groups currently being offered at Peterborough Youth Services. If you have an idea for a group that isn't listed here, send us your suggestions!
Young Adult Group
The Young Adult Group for people aged 15-18 who would like an opportunity to talk with others their own age about issues, problems and topics that are of interest or concern to them. The group is confidential and we talk about things that are important to people your age. We share difficulties, support each other, learn together, what it's like not to have everything in your life be perfect, and how to handle it better. We can help if you're feeling "stressed out", overloaded, unsure of who you can trust to talk to.
We don't have all the answers but we can help if you need a safe place to talk where people won't judge you. Where you're accepted for who you are. It helps some of us if we can help somebody else. It's called "giving back" and we do that because someone was there for us when we needed it. You're not the only person who can't get along with your parents, has trouble at school, feel alone or who has friends who don't seem to understand. This group can help and it's nice to meet some new people.
If you would like to know more about the YOUNG ADULT GROUP, contact Jackie at jnicholson@peterboroughyouthservices.ca.
School Groups
Peterborough Youth Services has been providing groups within the Separate School system since the spring of 1991.
These groups help young people learn more appropriate social skills, enhance their problem solving abilities, experience positive peer interaction and build self esteem. The following statements are what we have come to know through our involvement within the school environment. The group experience improves the likelihood that children/youth will ask for help. It provides the opportunity for young people to learn and practice skills with peers who have similar needs, and to develop more appropriate social skills.
It will increase the probability that young people will make better use of the educational service by increasing their sense of competence. The youth will make better use of the opportunity to engage with peers and to try out newly learned skills that are the basis for getting along in the "adult world."
The groups will minimize social and academic problems. Finally, the group experience provides the opportunity for a counselling professional to identify children/youth who have more serious needs for counselling and support. Young people who's needs could be met by the above benefits, would be appropriate referrals and will benefit the most from a PYS school group experience. The aim is to provide an environment that encourages the safe discussion of problems and is fun for the participants. The group provides role modeling, co-operative play opportunities and the sharing of problems and solutions amongst the members and takes place within a confidential setting.
If offered to children early enough in their development, this kind of experience can have a significantly positive impact on their later years in school, at home and in the community.
If you would like more information about School Groups you can contact Jackie at jnicholson@peterboroughyouthservices.ca.