Clozapine Group
The Clozapine Group provided follow-up monitoring for patients who have been prescribed clozapine.
Facilitators: Psychiatric Day and Evening Program Staff
Objectives of the Group
- To provide the opportunity for patients taking clozapine to express any concerns that may occur due to clozapine therapy.
- To provide the opportunity for staff to assess the mental and physical status of patients taking clozapine.
- If patients are unable to attend the group, arrangements can be made for follow-up every one, two or four weeks.
Criteria for Admission
- Patient registered with Novartis and has a CSAN number
- Patient prescribed clozapine by psychiatrist or family physician
- Patient is an outpatient
- Patient is able to manage in the community with support
Frequency of Documentation
- Every visit on clozapine checklist
Location
Stratford General Hospital - Special Services Building - Room 108
Group Schedule / Format
- Once weekly, every Wednesday.
- Lab draws blood samples, clozapine is dispensed by Stratford General Hospital Pharmacy and dispensed to patients.
- Group time to discuss issues or concerns, allows for social time for group members
Referral Process
- From Inpatient Mental Health Unit after being started on clozapine
- Psychiatrist or family physician referral
- Through central intake assessment
Cost
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy - SKILLS Group
Using the Dialectical Behavioural Skills Training (DBT) Manual developed by Marsha Linehan, this program is a broad-based cognitive- behavioural treatment, for individuals who struggle with both over control and under control of emotions and associated cognitive and behavioural patterns.
The purpose of this group is to educate clients on how to assess and identify thoughts, feelings and behaviours and to provide education and training in the areas of mindfulness, interpersonal skills, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
This group is suited for individuals who have difficulty with exhibiting self-destructive or impulsive behaviours and need assistance managing negative core beliefs and emotions will benefit from this group.
Individuals attending this group must be able to tolerate two hours of group instructions and dialogue as well as complete homework as assigned. This group allows for entry at one of the three dates listed below. Completion of all three parts is recommended to complete the group.
Time: Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Length: 36 weeks
Start Date(s): September 22, 2022 / January 5, 2023/ April 13, 2023
*participants can enter on one of the above start dates
Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a 10-week closed evidence-based group, designed to enhance participants understanding of the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This short-term treatment group aims to strengthen skills and strategies for increased coping and more adaptive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.
Length: 10 weeks
Start Date(s): March 14, 2022 / September 6, 2022 / February 7, 2023
Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
The Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills group is a 10-week psychoeducational group. Participants will be introduced to the four categories of DBT skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Participants will learn how to set targets for change, analyze their own behavior, increase flexible thinking, and balance acceptance and change. This group is suitable for participants who would like to better regulate their emotions, improve their relationships and increase their commitment to living.
Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Length: 10 weeks
Start Date: March 22, 2023
Mindfulness and Meditation
A 10-week group focusing on deepening mindfulness skills and a meditation practice. It is psycho-educational in format with education, practice and journaling built in to each session.
Time: Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Length: 10 weeks
Start Date(s): September 28, 2022 / February 1, 2023
Panic & Anxiety Group
This group encourages use of effective coping strategies and is aimed at providing education regarding negative self talk, mistaken or false beliefs, assertiveness, self- esteem, personality styles that perpetuate anxiety and how to identify and express feelings.
Individuals struggling with panic and anxiety or phobias, which may limit the person's daily functioning and participation in normal or usual activities of daily living, may benefit from this group.
Time: Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Length: 10 weeks
Start Date (s): March 22, 2022 / September 22, 2022 / February 23, 2023
Solid Ground
A 10-week psycho-educational group focused on helping women build skills to combat symptoms related to past sexual abuse such as triggers/flashbacks, difficulty with emotional regulation, learning to calm the body/mind and developing healthy self care and sleep habits.
It uses skills from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy as well as art therapy to help women with emotional connection and personal introspection.
Time: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Length: 10 weeks
Start Date (s): April 12, 2022 / September 20, 2022
Wellness
This group offers weekly virtual drop-in sessions. Various topics will be offered to promote wellness and recovery. This group is beneficial for clients who are seeking maintenance support and/or are on the wait list for services.
Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Start Date: Ongoing