McAtee Psychology
Building Connections & Confidence
Children and Teen Counselling Group
Information
What is group therapy?
Group therapy involves one or two therapists working with a select small group of clients. Groups are often designed to target specific problems such as anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder. Other groups focus on improving social skills, or helping children cope with a range of challenges such as low-self esteem, emotional regulation, shyness or a recent loss.
How effective is group therapy?
Research indicates that group therapy is very effective for children particularly it indicates that adolescents benefit greatly from group therapy. There are many reasons why this is the case. Through group therapy, adolescents can communicate in a way that normalizes these feelings and experiences. They are able to learn about themselves, the impact their behavior has on others, and are able to receive feedback from peers.
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Research Supporting Groups:
Why did we start connection & confidence groups?
Groups were started due to a growing demand to support children and teens in learning how to manage emotions, interact with peers, and develop interpersonal/intrapersonal skills outside of individual therapy. Moreover, it is developmentally appropriate for adolescents to prefer feedback from peers than adults, which is another reason adolescents are oftentimes more open to this treatment modality.
What will your teen or child get out of a connection & confidence group?
Your child is an ideal candidate for one of our groups if they are struggling to obtain friendships, manage their emotions, and develop their self-esteem and confidence. Many parents report to us that COVID has had a tremendous impact on their child due to isolation and missed opportunities to connect with other children. Our groups are designed to be non-stigmatizing (hence our group title) and we welcome all suitable candidates to join our groups.
Joining our Groups
What much does it cost?
Please see table below
What's included for participants?
Groups will run for 6 consecutive weeks. Both the younger group and the older group will run for one hour and fifteen minutes.
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Who will facilitate the group?
Groups will be facilitated by a psychologist and sometimes include a counselling intern who specializes in working with children, teens and families. The groups will also be supervised by senior level psychologists, Gavin and/or Chantal.
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Where?
McAtee Psychology Group Room: 11420 27 St SE #301, Calgary, AB T2Z 3R6
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Parking? Traffic?
There is free parking.
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What will the setting look like?
Warm, comfortable, inviting. Video of space: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gp5CLn3r2reBRdce9
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How many participants are in each group?
Groups will include a maximum of 6 mix-gender participants. The age range for group(s): 8 - 11 for the younger group and 12 - 16 for the older group.
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When?
Please see table below
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Can I get this covered by insurance?
Facilitators are registered provisional psychologists and registered psychologists and you may be eligible for health insurance coverage. You must check with your provider to confirm coverage. The service will be "psychological counselling/therapy performed by a registered provisional psychologist or registered psychologist."
What is the billing procedure for group?
You will first complete a 25-minute intake session with a group leader prior to starting group. Provided your child is a good fit for group (we have yet to turn any participants away) you will be billed the full amount at registration and then receive a weekly invoice for each session of group.
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What if my child is ambivalent about group?
The intake session gives the group leader to get to know your child and help them better understand group while also helping them feel comfortable prior to starting group. The intake session will be half parent(s) and half child. The intake session can be be a stand-a-lone fee if your child does not wish to move ahead with group.
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Do I need to attend every session?
We encourage all participants to attend all 6 sessions however there is no penalty for missing any group sessions.
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Why is there a 25 minute Intake Session?
The intake session provides three benefits. First, we can get to know your child before group starts. Second, we can determine if they are a good fit for our groups. Third, we can establish a relationship since group participants are welcome to continue to see the group leader or another therapist at our practice after group has terminated.
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Why would I want to consider this group for my child?
Is your child hard on themselves, struggling with tough emotions, afraid to try new things, having a hard time with friendships or thinks others are judging them?​
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Children need to feel connected in order to feel confident and now is such an important time to foster these two in our youth.
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If you want to plant seeds of hope by helping your child learn new skills and grow their self-esteem, The Connections and Confidence group is the place to start.
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Are there any rules/limits?
Participants have up until the start of their second session to withdraw from the group. There are no reimbursements after registration has been completed. Instead, the remaining fee's for the remainder of the 5 sessions ($400) will be added to your child's profile and can be used for any service at McAtee Psychology.
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Other therapeutic options before or after group?
If your child feels that the group leader is a good fit for them they are welcome to continue counselling services with the group leader,
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Which group is the best fit for my child?
We currently offer two types of groups. Here are rough guidelines:
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Connection & Confidence: best suited for individuals who need more support in social settings; individuals who would benefit with more peer connection. Individuals with social anxiety.
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Confidence & Self-Esteem: best suited for individuals who are comfortable in social settings; are comfortable in a group setting or have experience with counselling; and/or are open to learning more about their mental health.
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Focus for both groups: Developing self-esteem, confidence, and social skills when connecting with similar-aged peers
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Both groups will offer a format that includes discussion, games, activities, movement, and reflection time. Both groups will focus on general mental health challenges encountered by children and teens.
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**Updated as of June 20th 2024**
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**Currently seeking participants for our July groups
*We are hoping to run another Connection & Confidence Group or Confidence & Self-Esteem starting in October
How do you register?
Please call our admin staff to register or book your intake session online. They will set you up your Jane App profile and with an intake session with the psychologist leading your group. At your intake session your psychologist will explain to you the process of group and prepare your child for the start of group. We recommend doing the intake session as soon as possible. Payment should be received prior to group unless you have a unique circumstance - please discuss this with our admin staff.
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What is the process?
1. Call admin or if you're ready to proceed book your intake session with a group leader
2. After your intake session is completed, the group leader will determine which group is the best fit for your child
3. Group will proceed provided there are a minimum of 3 individuals per group.
4. You will receive more information 1 week prior to the start of group
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Phone: 403-902-2234
Email: info@mcateepsychology.com
Group Leaders
Alana Hauszner (Registered Provisional Psychologist)
Alana Hauszner has over 9 years of experience in the mental health field where she has provided counselling interventions to children and adolescents, behaviour and mental health consultative support to both parents and school-based teams, and engaged in formal psychoeducational assessments. Through diverse work opportunities in both not-for-profit and public settings, Alanna has gained insight into common childhood and adolescent disorders and the power of early intervention.
Senior Supervisors
Gavin McAtee (R. Psychologist)
Gavin McAtee is a registered psychologist with clinical experience providing therapy and assessment for both children and teens. Gavin strongly believes in the power of the group environment and has worked in groups as a counsellor, coach, and trainer. Gavin blends his down-to-earth personality with best-practice strategies to help children and teens feel comfortable and open to discuss emotions and explore difficult feelings and thoughts.
Chantal Côté (R. Psychologist)
Chantal Côté (she/her) has been working with children, teens and families in non-profit organizations for over 14 years. Chantal is the owner of Pyramid Psychology, a private practice with the goal of showing teen girls how to build bulletproof mindsets and offering non-judgmental help for teens (moms too). Chantal is based out of Calgary and loves hanging out with her tween and kiddo outdoors, working out, playing games or just talking about randomn things. You can find out more about her at her website, www.pyramidpsychology.com.