Beyond Caregiving: Finding Balance in Unexpected Roles
Facilitators
Group Size
Location
Next Date & Time
Wednesdays, 6pm to 7:30pm
Oct 15, 2025 to Nov 5, 2025
Session breakdown
Each 90-minute session weaves together education, meaningful reflection, and heartfelt group dialogue. Together, we'll unpack the complex emotions of caregiving, from anticipatory grief to caregiver guilt, while building practical skills for managing life's unexpected turns and honouring your own needs alongside those you care for.
Week 1: Loss & Grief
Caregivers will share different examples of grief, such as grieving the loss of your previous life before caregiving and then also grieving the loss of the person you are caregiving for. We will facilitate conversations about how your grief can manifest itself in many ways including guilt, anxiety, helplessness, irritability, anger or frustration. Our goal here is to share experiences and stories that help us in coping with the ongoing losses of caregiving.
Week 2: Coping with Unexpected Changes
Few people plan in advance to be a family caregiver. We cannot predict how or when a family member’s health will change and when our responsibilities as a caregiver will begin. In this session we will discuss supportive skills to balance unexpected responsibilities and unanticipated repercussions on other areas of your life.
Week 3: When Caregivers Care Too Much
This is a good opportunity to understand that too much emotional empathy can lead to burnout and emotional distress among caregivers. In this session we will learn how to manage expectations as a caregiver as an important practice for yourself, the person you are caring for and your circle of care.
Week 4: Practicing Mindful Self-Compassion in our Caregiving Journey
In caregiving roles, mindful self-compassion offers benefits that ripple outward. When caregivers prioritize their well-being, they are better equipped to manage stress and regulate emotions during challenging situations. During our closing session we will practice and integrate small, intentional practices that can have a significant impact on mental health over time.
Common Questions
What is a support group?
Support groups are made up of people who share common challenges. These groups are focused on providing education, resources and tools, with the overall goal of helping you to cope. They provide a safe place for you to express your thoughts and feelings, and to share your experiences if you feel comfortable. Groups often provide reassurance and encouragement. There’s something truly unique about surrounding yourself with others who are experiencing similar challenges as you. Group members often walk away feeling stronger, more capable and hopeful about managing the difficulties that brought them to the group.
Do I have to be a client at Women's Mental Health to attend the group?
Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a current client in order to join any of the groups we offer.
Is everything talked about confidential?
Confidentiality is a key to the effectiveness of the counselling process, so the personal information you share in counselling will be kept confidential. There are, however, some exceptions to the counsellor’s duty of confidentiality: if there is a concern of imminent harm to you or another (e.g., threats of suicide or homicide), if a child is in need of protection (e.g., abuse, neglect, exposure to domestic violence) or if your file has been subpoenaed for a court case.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to withdraw from the group, we require at least 48 hours’ notice before the first session. If you provide less than 48 hours’ notice or do not attend the first session, you will be responsible for the full group fee of $100, which will be charged to the credit card we have on file. Additionally, you will be removed from the group to allow space for others who want to join.