Mental Health Skills Training Program

Important Information for Prospective Participants

About This Program

What This Program IS:

The Mental Health Skills Training Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based psychoeducational curriculum designed to teach practical mental health skills that you can use in your daily life. This 49-session program provides:

• Practical coping strategies you can use immediately

• Evidence-based techniques from CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness approaches

• Skill-building exercises for emotional regulation, communication, and self-care

• Group support and shared learning experiences

• Tools and resources for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and life challenges

• Structured guidance for building sustainable mental wellness habits

What This Program IS NOT:

This program is not psychotherapy and is not intended to replace individual counselling or treatment with a licensed mental health professional. This is a skills training and psychoeducation program, not therapy.

Important Disclaimer

This Program Does Not Replace Therapy

While this skills training program provides valuable tools and education, it is designed to complement, not substitute for professional mental health treatment. Here's why:

Individual Therapy Provides:

• Personalized treatment tailored to your specific needs

• Clinical diagnosis and treatment planning

• Deep exploration of personal history and trauma

• Confidential one-on-one therapeutic relationship

• Crisis intervention and safety planning specific to you

• Treatment for serious mental health conditions

• Medication management (through psychiatry)

• Ongoing clinical assessment and adjustment

This Skills Training Program Provides:

• Education about mental health concepts and skills

• Group learning and peer support

• Practical tools and techniques you can practice

• Structured curriculum following evidence-based approaches

• Skill-building exercises and homework

• General strategies for common mental health challenges
  

Bottom Line: Think of this program as learning to use tools in a toolbox. Therapy helps you understand why you need certain tools, how to use them specifically for your situation, and provides ongoing support as you build your skills.

Who This Program Is For

This Program Is Ideal If You:

✓ Want to learn practical mental health skills proactively
✓ Are waiting for individual therapy to become available
✓ Are currently in therapy and want to supplement with skills training
✓ Have completed therapy and want to continue skill development
✓ Want to build mental health literacy and self-awareness
✓ Are interested in peer support and group learning
✓ Want evidence-based strategies for everyday challenges
✓ Are committed to practicing skills and doing homework
✓ Can benefit from structured psychoeducation

This Program May NOT Be Appropriate If You:

✗ Are currently in an acute mental health crisis
✗ Have active suicidal ideation with plan and intent
✗ Require intensive psychiatric care or hospitalization
✗ Have a severe, untreated mental illness requiring immediate clinical attention
✗ Are experiencing active psychosis or severe dissociation
✗ Need trauma processing therapy (EMDR, prolonged exposure)
✗ Require substance abuse treatment or detox
✗ Are unable to participate safely in a group setting

If you're unsure whether this program is right for you, please consult with a mental health professional before enrolling.

The Role of This Program in Your Mental Health Journey

Think of This Program As:

A Bridge to Professional Care
If you're on a waitlist for therapy or unable to access individual counselling immediately, this program equips you with essential skills to support yourself in the meantime. You'll learn practical strategies for managing difficult emotions, stress, and everyday challenges while you work toward accessing one-on-one professional care.

A Complement to Ongoing Therapy
Many participants are currently in individual therapy and use this program to deepen their skill practice, gain peer support, and learn additional evidence-based techniques. The skills taught here often reinforce and enhance the work you're doing with your therapist.

A Foundation for Wellness
Even if you're not currently struggling, this program provides preventive mental health education—like learning first aid before an emergency. You'll build resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies that serve you throughout life.

A Community of Support
Mental health challenges can feel isolating. This group program connects you with others on similar journeys, reducing stigma and providing mutual support and encouragement.

Benefits of Mental Health Skills Training

What You'll Gain from This Program:

1. Practical, Usable Skills

• Learn specific techniques you can apply immediately to real-life situations

• Practice skills in a supportive environment with feedback

• Build a personal "toolbox" of strategies for different challenges

• Gain confidence in managing difficult emotions and situations
  

2. Evidence-Based Knowledge

• Understand the science behind mental health and wellness

• Learn approaches proven effective through research (CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness)

• Understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact

• Gain mental health literacy to advocate for yourself
  

3. Self-Awareness and Insight

• Identify your patterns, triggers, and warning signs

• Understand your emotions and what influences them

• Recognize unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs

• Discover your strengths, values, and what matters most to you
  

4. Emotional Regulation Skills

• Learn to identify and name emotions accurately

• Practice tolerating distress without harmful behaviors

• Develop healthy ways to process difficult feelings

• Build capacity to sit with discomfort and uncertainty
  

5. Communication and Relationship Skills

• Practice assertive communication and boundary-setting

• Learn conflict resolution and repair strategies

• Understand attachment patterns and their impact

• Build healthier, more satisfying relationships
  

6. Stress Management and Resilience

• Develop daily self-care routines that sustain wellbeing

• Learn stress reduction techniques (breathing, grounding, mindfulness)

• Build resilience to bounce back from setbacks

• Create sustainable habits for long-term mental health
  

7. Crisis Prevention and Management

• Identify early warning signs of declining mental health

• Create personal safety and crisis plans

• Learn when and how to seek additional help

• Develop relapse prevention strategies
  

8. Reduced Isolation and Stigma

• Connect with others facing similar challenges

• Share experiences in a safe, supportive environment

• Normalize mental health struggles and recovery

• Build a support network beyond the program
  

9. Empowerment and Hope

• Take active role in your mental health and wellness

• Experience increased self-efficacy and confidence

• Gain tools that provide sense of control

• Build hope for continued growth and healing
  

10. Long-Term Wellness Foundation

• Develop skills that last a lifetime

• Create sustainable routines and practices

• Build foundation for ongoing mental health

• Learn maintenance strategies to sustain progress
  

How This Program Works With Professional Treatment

The Ideal Scenario: Skills Training + Individual Therapy

Research shows that the combination of skills training and individual therapy produces the best outcomes. Here's how they work together:

Skills Training Group (This Program):

• Teaches you what skills to use and how to use them

• Provides structured curriculum and practice opportunities

• Offers peer support and normalized group experience

• Focuses on skill acquisition and practice
  

Individual Therapy:

• Helps you apply skills to your specific life and challenges

• Provides personalized guidance and troubleshooting

• Addresses underlying issues and personal history

• Offers crisis support and clinical treatment

• Tailors interventions to your unique needs
  

Together, they provide:

• Comprehensive support for your mental health

• Both education and personalized application

• Skills practice with individual processing

• Community connection with personal attention

• Optimal conditions for growth and healing
  

When to Seek Individual Therapy

Please Seek One-on-One Professional Help If:

Immediately (Crisis):

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others

• You're experiencing severe depression or anxiety that impairs functioning

• You're having panic attacks or overwhelming distress

• You're experiencing trauma responses or flashbacks

• You're unable to care for yourself or function in daily life
  

Soon (Significant Concerns):

• Symptoms persist despite using skills from this program

• You need diagnosis and treatment planning

• You have complex trauma or PTSD requiring specialized treatment

• You need medication evaluation and management

• You want a deeper exploration of personal issues and history

• You need support for major life transitions or grief

• Relationship problems require couples or family therapy

For Enhancement:

• You want personalized guidance in applying skills

• You'd like ongoing support and accountability

• You want to deepen self-awareness and insight

• You're ready to work on specific goals or patterns

• You want professional guidance in your healing journey
  

Crisis Resources

If you're in crisis, please contact:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7).
  National Suicide Crisis Helpline / Ligne d’aide en cas de crise de suicide

• 310-6789
  BC Mental Health & Crisis Response / no area code needed

• 1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433
  BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line

• 604-872-3311
  Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line

• Your therapist's emergency line (if you have a therapist)

• Source: https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/crisis-lines/
  

This skills training program is not equipped to provide crisis intervention. Please use the resources above if you're in immediate danger or crisis.

Making the Most of This Program

To Get Maximum Benefit:

1. Attend Consistently

• Come to sessions regularly (ideally all 49 sessions)

• Participate actively in discussions and exercises

• Arrive on time and stay for full session
  

2. Practice Between Sessions

• Complete homework assignments

• Practice skills in daily life

• Keep track of what works for you

• Be patient with the learning process
  

3. Engage with the Material

• Take notes during sessions

• Ask questions when unclear

• Share your experiences (as comfortable)

• Apply concepts to your own life
  

4. Connect with Others

• Build supportive relationships in group

• Offer and receive peer support during group

• Share resources and encouragement

• Respect confidentiality
  

5. Be Open to Growth

• Approach with curiosity and willingness

• Try new strategies even if uncomfortable

• Notice and celebrate small changes

• Practice self-compassion throughout
  

6. Seek Additional Support

• Consider individual therapy alongside this program

• Use crisis resources when needed

• Connect with a support system outside the group

• Be honest about what you need
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I take this program instead of going to therapy?
A: No. This program teaches skills but does not replace the personalized clinical treatment that therapy provides. Think of it as a valuable supplement to therapy, not a substitute.

Q: I'm on a waitlist for therapy. Should I wait or start this program now?
A: Start now! This program will give you helpful tools while you wait for therapy. Many therapists appreciate when clients come with skills training background—it enhances therapy work.

Q: I'm already in therapy. Is this program still useful?
A: Absolutely! Many participants are in individual therapy and use this program to deepen skills, practice techniques, and gain peer support. Be sure to tell your therapist you're participating.

Q: Will this program diagnose my mental health condition?
A: No. This is an educational program, not clinical treatment. Only licensed mental health professionals can provide diagnoses. If you need diagnosis or treatment, please see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Q: What if I have a crisis during the program?
A: Use the crisis resources provided (988, Crisis Text Line, emergency room). Inform the facilitator so they can support you appropriately. However, please note that this program cannot provide crisis intervention; use emergency resources instead.

Q: How do I know if I'm ready for this program?
A: If you can participate safely in a group, are willing to learn and practice skills, and are not in acute crisis, you're likely ready. When in doubt, consult a mental health professional first.

Q: Is this program confidential?
A: Group members agree to confidentiality about what's shared in the group. However, this doesn't have the same legal protection as therapy. Facilitators are mandated reporters for safety concerns.

Q: What happens after the 49 sessions?
A: You'll have skills for life! Many participants continue with individual therapy, join ongoing support groups, or practice skills independently. Some programs offer graduate groups for continued connection.

Q: Do I have to complete all 49 sessions?
A: No, participants do not need to complete all 49 sessions to benefit from skills training. We anticipate that in some cases, participant will find one or more sessions meet their skills training needs, hence no need to complete all 49 sessions. However, we acknowledge the richness of this program and would encourage the completion of all the sessions for lifelong mental health competence.

Commitment to Your Wellbeing

We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health skills training in a safe, supportive environment. This program is facilitated by trained professionals who care deeply about your growth and well-being.

However, we also recognize our limitations and the importance of comprehensive mental health care. We strongly encourage all participants to:

• Consider individual therapy alongside this program

• Seek professional help when needed

• Use crisis resources without hesitation

• Prioritize safety above all else

• Advocate for your needs throughout your healing journey

Final Note

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're just beginning to explore mental wellness, working through specific challenges, or looking to deepen existing skills, this program offers valuable tools and community for your path.

We look forward to supporting you in building the skills, awareness, and resilience that will serve you throughout life.

Remember: Seeking support—whether through skills training, therapy, or both—is an act of courage and self-care. You deserve support. You are worth the investment.

Ready to Begin?

If you understand that this program provides valuable skills training as a complement to (not replacement for) professional mental health treatment, and you're ready to commit to learning and practicing evidence-based wellness skills, we'd be honored to have you join us.

This program can be a transformative part of your mental health journey—giving you practical tools, a supportive community and a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Questions before enrolling? Please contact us at info@lavenu.ca. Phone: 604 997 8628

Mental Health Skills Training Program
Evidence-based psychoeducational curriculum
Not a substitute for individual psychotherapy
Designed to complement professional mental health treatment

Disclaimer: This program is educational in nature and does not constitute psychotherapy, counselling, or clinical treatment. Participants experiencing mental health crises should contact emergency services (911), the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or seek immediate professional help. This program is not equipped to provide crisis intervention or clinical treatment for mental health disorders. All participants are encouraged to work with licensed mental health professionals for comprehensive care.

Before you register, please read through our Disclaimer below and agree at the end of the page to proceed to our Terms and Conditions page to continue with your booking.