Identities: In Bloom
Youth who are seeking community, conversations, acceptance and support around exploring identity (gender, sexuality, relationships, labels, etc.) are welcome to join us for a monthly drop-in. This includes youth who identify as 2sLGBTQIA+, and youth feeling unsure or curious about who they are. We welcome youth of all abilities and backgrounds, and in all stages of exploring and becoming. We aim to offer a neurodivergent-affirming environment and trauma-informed approach to tough conversations about gender, sexuality, the media, and safety.
Drop-in anytime from 7-9 pm at Bloom Kitchener.
Details:
When: Second Tuesday of every month. Next dates: November 10th, December 8th, 2026
Where: Bloom Kitchener (690 Belmont Ave W, Unit 301, Kitchener)
Puppet Pals
A Playful Expressive Arts Social Skills Group
Eveliina RP, CPT and Melissa MSW, RSW, CPT are excited to be running Puppet Pals, a playful and artistic group for children with anxiety, shyness, or are working on social skills.
Two age groups are being offered, 3-5 year olds and 6-8 year olds at Bloom Kitchener. Puppet Pals will teach children important social skills such as: interacting with one another, flexibility, turn-taking, self-awareness of their bodies and space, identifying others' emotions and body language, and speaking confidently. Parents will receive handouts following each group session to review the material at home and will connect with Evie or Melissa following the group’s completion to discuss their child’s group therapy journey and other follow up information.
Details:
When: Monday January 18, 25th, February 1 and 8th.
3-5 Year Olds: 4:30pm-5:30pm
6-8 Year Olds: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Where: Bloom Kitchener (301-690 Belmont Ave. W., Kitchener)
Cost: $185 per child per session ($740 total).$150/Session ($600 Total)
*reimbursable through extended insurance benefits as "Group Therapy", Registered Psychotherapist, or Registered Social Worker services.
Friendly Hearts
A Play-Based Social Skills Group
Friendly Hearts is an in-person group for children in SK-Grade 2. This play therapy group is being led by Bloom therapists, Melissa Fellin RSW, MSW, MA, PhD, CPT and Olivia Holden BSW, MSW, RSW.
This four week group uses play based approaches and group interactions to support children in developing the social skills necessary for: making and keeping friends; engaging kindly with others at home and in other settings; and using their strengths to feel confident in navigating social situations. In a play based, small group setting, Olivia and Melissa will lead the group in exploring and practicing skills in the following areas: greeting others; body safety; setting and respecting boundaries; and kindness and empathy. Parents will receive handouts following each group session to review the material at home and will connect with Olivia or Melissa following the group’s completion to discuss their child’s group therapy journey and other follow up information.
Details:
When: Monday November 16, 23, 30th and December 7th at 4:30pm-5:30pm
Where: Bloom Kitchener (301-690 Belmont Ave. W., Kitchener)
Cost: $185 per child per session ($740 total).
*reimbursable through extended insurance benefits as group therapy, Registered Psychotherapist, or Registered Social Work services.
Parenting Youth with ADHD
This group is for any parents who have children 4-11 years old with an ADHD diagnosis or suspected ADHD and are looking for: community and connection with parents who have similar experiences with their children; to feel validated, understood, and motivated as a parent in a group setting; and to learn the latest strategies for effectively parenting a neurodivergent child in today’s chaotic world. This group will focus on goals of: establishing more effective communication in the household; creating an ADHD-friendly home for better flow, structure, and organization; effective boundary setting and following through on consequences; and learning the psychoeducation behind ADHD.
This 1 hour group runs for 4 weeks over ZOOM facilitated by Josh (RP) and Olivia (MSW) .
Details:
When: November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 12:00pm-1:00pm
Where: Virtual workshop on zoom
Cost: $150/Session ($600 Total)
*reimbursable through extended insurance benefits as "Group Therapy"
The Art of Being a Friend
Eveliina McKendrick, RP(Q) & Olivia Holden, MSW are running a 4-week group where 9-11 year old youth will participate in creative activities, games, and discussions while learning more about: understanding healthy friendships; resolving peer conflict; self-advocacy & boundary setting with friends; and coping with social stressors. .
Through hands-on therapeutic group activities that incorporate art and sensory engagement, youth may participate in activities such as building structures, creating mixed-media art, collaborative art development, and group games. This group is great for youth who are struggling to navigate changing peer dynamics.
Details:
When: 4:00pm-5:00pm on Monday April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
Where: Bloom Kitchener
Cost: $185 per session $740 total
*reimbursable through insurance coverage for group therapy or Registered Social Worker.
Interested in a Group or Workshop?
Check back here and on our social media for upcoming group and workshop announcements!
If you are interested in joining a group or workshop, reach out to us and we will add you to the contact list for the future group or workshop.