Group Therapy & Programs
Growth Happens Outside the Office.
Our group programs bring evidence-based psychotherapy into the calm of a working farm. Led by Registered Psychotherapist Jenny Schroeder, each program meets people where they are, using nature, animals, and creative group therapy at Hope Valley: connection, growth, and healing in nature to make real growth feel safe and unhurried.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a powerful, research-supported way to build skills and gain insight while connecting with others who understand what you are going through. Our groups are small and guided by a Registered Psychotherapist, combining structured learning with emotional support and genuine connection.
At Hope Valley, that work happens in nature. The natural world is a healing medium in its own right, calming the nervous system and helping people feel grounded enough to do deeper work. You can expect a warm, welcoming, and confidential environment, with the support of gentle animals and the outdoors.
Group therapy at Hope Valley
We specialize in nature-based, experiential group programs that are supportive, evidence-informed, and designed around real-life needs. Our programs draw on approaches including nature-based psychotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, play and creative arts, and psychoeducation.
Children and youth programs
Our Roots and Wings series supports children and youth with their developmental and emotional needs through play, art, equine connection, and time in nature. We focus on big feelings, friendships, confidence, and resilience, always keeping social pressure low and curiosity high.
Mother and parent programs
Our programs for new parents offer a gentle, supportive space to navigate the postpartum period. Through psychoeducation, peer connection, and time in nature, participants build practical strategies, strengthen their bond with their baby, and find community with others who understand. Mother Grove programs are run in the spring, summer and fall.
Adult programs
Our adult groups support people navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and the search for connection. Working outdoors and alongside others, participants find that shared experience eases isolation and makes change feel possible. Stay connected to see upcoming programs.
We believe group therapy should be:
Small and supportive, so no one gets lost in a crowd
Grounded in evidence and led by a Registered Psychotherapist
Experiential, with time outdoors and alongside gentle animals
A place where learning and healing happen side by side
Whether it is a child learning to manage anxiety, a girl building healthy friendships and self-image, or a new mother finding community, our group programs are here to help.
Explore our programs
Roots and Wings series
Roots and Wings is a series of four-week mini programs for children and youth, designed to build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Through nature-based, experiential, and animal-assisted activities, participants explore self-esteem, friendship skills, emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, coping with anxiety, and more.
Each group is led by Registered Psychotherapist Jenny Schroeder and co-facilitated by a trained staff, with a maximum of 4 participants so every child receives personalized support in a safe and nurturing environment.
Sprouts (Grades 3 to 5)
A nature-based, animal-assisted group helping children manage anxiety, build confidence, and grow.
Trailblazers (Grades 5 to 7)
Description: A group tackling anxiety-specific topics common in this age group. Running this September.
Brave Blossoms (girls, Grades 5 to 7)
A group for girls, focused on healthy relationships and a positive self-image. Running this August.
Bright Blooms (girls, Grades 3 to 5)
Description: A group helping each child discover inner strength, healthy relationships, and emotional intelligence. Running this September.
Mother Grove Intro
Roots and Wings is a series of four-week mini programs for children and youth, designed to build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
Through nature-based, experiential, and animal-assisted activities, participants explore self-esteem, friendship skills, emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, coping with anxiety, and more.
Each group is led by Registered Psychotherapist Jenny Schroeder and co-facilitated by a trained staff, with a maximum of 4 participants so every child receives personalized support in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Mother Grove
A nature-based therapeutic series supporting new mothers through the postpartum period.
The Mother Grove
A nature-based therapeutic series supporting new mothers through the postpartum period.
How group therapy works
What to Expect
Our programs are experiential. Rather than only sitting and talking, participants learn by doing, in nature and alongside others who understand.
Nature-focused
Time outdoors is both the setting and the medium. Spending time in green space calms the nervous system and helps people feel grounded enough to do deeper work. This is registered psychotherapy delivered through the healing power of the natural world.
Read more about Nature Based Therapy →
Joschko L, Pálsdóttir AM, Grahn P, Hinse M. Nature-Based Therapy in Individuals with Mental Health Disorders, with a Focus on Mental Well-Being and Connectedness to Nature-A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 25;20(3):2167. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032167. PMID: 36767534; PMCID: PMC9914984.
Animal and Equine-assisted therapy
Working alongside calm, gentle horses and various other farm animals supports emotional awareness, confidence, and connection. With an uncanny way of creating calm and being in the moment, animals bring the healing in session to a whole other level.
Read more about Equine-assisted therapy →
Brandão, C., Sampaio, M., Sousa-Gomes, V., Fávero, M., & Moreira, D. (2025). Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety Reduction in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(1), 287. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010287
Højgaard-Bøytler, J., & Argentzell, E. (2023). Experiences of Equine Assisted Therapy and Its Influence on Occupational Engagement among People with Mental Health Problems. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 39(4), 394–418. https://doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2022.2156428
Art and Play Therapy
Creative and play-based therapeutic activities give younger participants a low-pressure way to explore their feelings, build skills, and express what can be hard to put into words.
Read more about Art and Play Therapy →
Shukla A, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane AM, Quazi Syed Z. Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review. Cureus. 2022 Aug 15;14(8):e28026. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28026. PMID: 36134083; PMCID: PMC9472646.
Gupta N, Chaudhary R, Gupta M, Ikehara LH, Zubiar F, Madabushi JS. Play Therapy As Effective Options for School-Age Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Case Series. Cureus. 2023 Jun 7;15(6):e40093. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40093. PMID: 37425518; PMCID: PMC10328142.
Psychoeducation
Practical, evidence-based learning that helps participants understand what they are experiencing and what genuinely helps, so they leave with tools they can use in everyday life.
Read more about Art and Play Therapy →
Skliarova T, Pedersen H, Holsbrekken Å, Pedersen SA, Mandal A, De Las Cuevas C, Havnen A, Gråwe R, Lara-Cabrera ML. Psychoeducational group interventions for adults diagnosed with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder: a scoping review of feasibility, acceptability, and outcome measures. BMC Psychiatry. 2024 Jun 20;24(1):463. doi: 10.1186/s12888-024-05908-8. PMID: 38902683; PMCID: PMC11191191.
Faridhosseini F, Baniasadi M, Fayyazi Bordbar MR, Pourgholami M, Ahrari S, Asgharipour N. Effectiveness of Psychoeducational Group Training on Quality of Life and Recurrence of Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Iran J Psychiatry. 2017 Jan;12(1):21-28. PMID: 28496498; PMCID: PMC5425348.
Program Leadership
Our group programs are led by Jenny Schroeder, Registered Psychotherapist, who brings nature-based and experiential care to every group. Jenny creates a warm, unhurried space where children, mothers, and adults can feel safe enough to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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For many concerns, group therapy is just as effective, and it adds the benefit of shared support and social learning.
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We offer nature-based group programs for children and youth through our Roots and Wings series, plus The Mother Grove for new mothers. Each group targets different needs and ages.
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Yes. We set clear group guidelines, and confidentiality is part of every program.
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Reach out by email first. For children's programs, Jenny will make sure the group is a good fit before you enroll.
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Primarily outdoors on the farm in East Zorra-Tavistock, with the support of gentle animals.
Ready to Get Started?
Embark on a transformative journey with our programs designed to foster growth and well-being. We invite you to stay connected and be the first to know about upcoming programs that can make a positive impact on your life.
515817 Eleventh Line, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ontario
+1 519-602-3044