Programs

Mental wellbeing groups are open to adults (18+) who are patients of the Family Health Team (FHT) or community members who are not associated with the FHT. A brief screening process is necessary prior to enrolling in any group to ensure that it is the best fit for you.

Please contact Megan Breithaupt if interested in registering:

Megan Breithaupt, Program Administrator, Markham Family Health Team

Email- megan.b@markhamfht.com

(905) 471.9999 ext. 267 and leave a voicemail

Would you like to feel more in control of your happiness, stress levels and worry?

This is an 8-week psychoeducational group that provides participants a variety of tools to help manage anxiety, low mood, depression and stress. This group is based on the principles of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and helps individuals become aware of unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours that can contribute to and prolong struggles with mood.

Topics: Understanding Emotions, Catching your Thoughts, Checking your Thoughts, Creating Rational and Balanced Thoughts, Recognizing and Changing Unhelpful Behaviours, Mindfulness, Self-Care, Maintenance for the Future

Offered: Spring, Fall, Winter – evenings or daytime offered (2h in length)

Would you like to begin to live your life based more on your values, and less at the mercy of your emotions?

This is an 8-week experiential group based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants learn to relate differently to anxious feelings, depressed moods, worrying minds, and self-defeating behaviours. Through discussions and mindfulness-based practices, participants explore bringing an open and willing attitude towards their uncomfortable thoughts and feelings (acceptance) and work on actively moving towards what they truly care about in spite of those feelings (commitment).

Topics: Being in the Present Moment, Getting Stuck with our Thoughts, Making Room for Pain, Values, The Observing Self, Committed Action, Psychological Flexibility, Moving Forward

Offered: Spring, Fall, Winter – evenings or daytime offered (2h in length)

Would you like to get outside and get moving with like-minded community members?

A 6-week program to support participants’ mental health through exposure to the healing effects of being in nature, engaging in physical activity, and socializing in a supportive setting. Each week the group meets at a different trail in York Region for a 1-hour walk guided by two Social Workers.

Offered: Spring, Fall – daytime (1h in length)

Do you struggle with chronic sleep issues or rely on medications to get some rest?

This 6-week psychoeducational group guides participants through the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. Quality of sleep and emotional wellbeing are intertwined, and this group teaches participants tools to address issues with sleep as well as the emotions associated with sleeplessness. Learn common misconceptions about sleep, develop strategies to restructure stressful thoughts that keep you awake, develop relaxation skills, examine your habits around sleep that may be counterproductive, and complete a weekly sleep journal to develop your own unique sleep prescription to promote enhanced quality of sleep.

Offered: Spring, Fall, Winter – evenings or daytime offered (2h in length)

Are you a caregiver for an individual with a chronic health condition?

Caregiving can feel like a full-time job, but it is important to take care of yourself in order to stay resilient for your loved one. Many caregivers feel isolated and experience difficult emotions such as grief, frustration, overwhelm and resentment. This 6-week group creates a supportive environment amongst caregivers to focus on their own wellbeing, and discusses important topics such as community resources, helpful communication strategies, dealing with difficult emotions, setting healthy limits, and asking for help.

Offered: as per demand (90min in length)

If you have a history of a chronic health issue(s) that has impacted your physical and mental health, this workshop can help to enhance your care. The Stanford University’s evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a 6 week workshop designed to teach self-management skills in a group setting to better manage the common symptoms associated with having a chronic health issue. The targeted symptoms include poor sleep, pain, stress/anxiety, depression, difficult emotions, fatigue, shortness of breath, and physical limitations. For further details or registration, please call the office at 905.471.9999 extension 309 or email megan.b@markhamfht.com

Offered: as per demand

This 6 week program is suitable for individuals who have a history of chronic pain. In this evidence-based program, you will learn strategies to break the chronic pain symptom cycle which often involves poor sleep, muscle tension, limited movement, difficulty breathing, stress/anxiety, difficult emotions, depression, and fatigue. The program aims to empower individuals with self-management tools to tackle the daily challenges of having chronic pain and regaining control over their lives. This program has been developed in collaboration between Stanford University, McGill University and Memorial University. For further details or registration, please call the office at 905.471.9999 extension 309 or email megan.b@markhamfht.com or phone: 905.471.9999 ext 267 and leave a voicemail

Offered: 1-2 times per year

This is a 6 week virtual education program that helps people achieve better health and wellness through good food choices, increased physical activity and feeling better about themselves. Facilitated by a registered dietitian and social worker, each 90 minute session serves to explore ways participants can modify their lifestyle choices so that they can feel their best.

Offered: 2 times per year

Do you have high cholesterol? Are you looking for ways to examine your diet and improve your cholesterol levels? This 1.5h education session was designed by the Registered Dietitian and provides a dietary approach to lowering cholesterol and blood lipid levels. The session provides coaching in key areas such as dietary fat and cholesterol intake including omega-3 and trans fats, fiber, soy, supplements, exercise, alcohol, and eating out. The small group format (maximum 15 participants) is a great atmosphere to have your individual needs and concerns addressed.

Offered: 3 times per year

Did you know that diet and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by up to 60%? If your blood sugars are high or if you have been told you have pre-diabetes, this class explains what you can do to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

The 1.5h session is run by our Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator and covers the following:
• Risk factors for developing pre-diabetes and diabetes
• The best food choices, portions and timing to keep your blood sugars and energy stable through the day
• What type and how much activity to include every week

Offered: 3 times per year

Have you ever wondered if your health needs change after the age of 50? This fast-paced 1.5h information session is presented by our Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Pharmacist. Participants age 50-69 have plenty of opportunity to ask wellness-related questions of the panel.

Offered: once per year, usually in the New year