Family Support Groups

Caregiver Support Groups

Being a caregiver of a child with special needs can be challenging, but it’s also a unique opportunity for personal growth. Exhausted? Sad? Angry? Feeling isolated? Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Caregivers Support Groups, led by clinicians who are also caregivers themselves can help. ACT presents activities that foster the well-being of caregivers by increasing their emotional resilience through mindfulness activities, acceptance and values-based processes. With ACT, you acquire skills to struggle less and become more flexible with difficult situations and feelings. ACT does not attempt to change unwanted feelings or thoughts, but rather helps develop a new mindful relationship with those situations. ACT processes have been scientifically shown to lead us to greater life satisfaction without having to eliminate our challenges. ACT shows us that it is possible to struggle less, reminds us of who we are, and brings us back to what we value most in life. Join us for our free virtual ACT-based Caregiver Support Groups this fall. During the course of 6 weeks, we aim to engage you in a dialogue and help guide you away from being stuck, so that you can continue to evolve into your fullest selves.

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Sibling Support Groups

Being a sibling of a child with special needs can be challenging, but it is also a unique opportunity for personal growth. Do you have a child or youth who has a sibling with special needs? Our Siblings Support Groups, led by our highly trained, multi-disciplinary staff can help. At Kinark, we can empathize with the unique experiences of having a sibling with special needs. Our Sibling Support Group aims to create a space where siblings can come together to build relationships through fun and interactive activities. With a focus on mindfulness and open discussion, siblings can share their experiences and the emotions that come with being a sibling. Our goal through this group is to create a place where siblings can come to enjoy, interact, and express themselves without fear of judgement, with other like-minded siblings. Join us for our free in-person Sibling Support Groups this fall. During our 5 sessions together, we will dive into topics that include relationships, values, feelings/emotions, and reflection all through meaningful and engaging activities.

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 If you would like more information about our Family Support Group services, please contact our team at autisminfo@kinark.on.ca.