“A safe place where everyone has a voice.”
Phase 1
Out of Darkness - Into the Light
Program Overview
The 15-week peer-led group provides a supportive and secure environment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, offering a space where they can unite and share their experiences. This program features peer-facilitated, topic-focused discussions designed to help survivors build and refine their coping skills while exploring the effects of childhood sexual abuse.
Participants benefit from social re-connection, education, and insights into the impact of sexual abuse. Two Gatehouse-trained volunteer facilitators guide the group, ensuring a compassionate and informed approach.
The goal of the Phase 1 program is to achieve the following outcomes on our Theory of Transformation:
- Acknowledge What Happened
- Be With and Connect With Others
- Develop Self-Awareness
This is a closed group process—intake is required, and no new members are accepted after the second week. Intakes can be conducted over the phone, online via Zoom, or in-person. For full details, see the “How to Apply” section below.
- Registrants must complete an intake (group readiness meeting).
- Must be over the age of 18 and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
- Participants must be in Canada.
- Individuals with sexual offences/offending behaviour are not permitted.
- Registrants cannot participate if they have committed serious crimes, active and unmanaged substance use, or significant prejudices.
- Triggers
- Moving Out of Isolation into Inclusion
- Emotional Regulation and Anger
- Inner Child
- Loss and Grief
- Re-establishing Healthy Boundaries
- Guilt and Shame
- Unlinking Sexuality from Abuse
- Mindful Path
- Transformation and Closure
Phase 1 engages in discussions where individuals share their experiences with triggers, inner child, addictions, boundaries, shame/guilt, and moving forward. These discussions may involve sharing individual perceptions and core beliefs.
Such activities may bring up feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiousness in the group. It is strongly recommended that participants have a support network outside of The Gatehouse, including peers, therapy, or social work support.
Additional Resources:
How to Apply
Step 1: Download an intake form as fillable PDF file using the button below.
Step 2: Complete the intake form and email it to Karen Mackeigan, Program Assistant.
The purpose of the intake meeting is to determine your readiness to commit to the full 15 weeks of the program, including a willingness to engage with the weekly discussions, exercises, and your self-care plan/practices.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Participants who have previously completed a Phase 1 program may be wait-listed.
Please note: it may take up to two weeks for an intake meeting to be scheduled.
Program Details
Where
The Phase 1 program is offered both in-person at The Gatehouse and online via Zoom meetings. It is facilitated by two trained Gatehouse volunteers.
- Group Options: Separate groups for different gender identities, including all-gender groups.
- Scheduling: Groups are available throughout the year.
- Contact: For questions, please reach out to Karen at karen@thegatehouse.org.
Times/Days Offered
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Please note: Day groups may be available 2-3 times per year based on interest and facilitator availability. If interested in day groups only, kindly let Karen know in your initial email.
Program Fee
As of May 1st, 2024, the program fee will be $150 ($10 per session x15 sessions). Sliding scale available.
- You will be invoiced via email.
- VISA, MasterCard, cheque, or e-transfer are acceptable payment methods.
- E-transfer payments should be sent to Maria Barcelos at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org.
- Payment is due before the program start date and is non-refundable.
- Cheques should be made payable to “The Gatehouse” and mailed to 3101 Lakeshore Blvd W., Toronto, ON, M8V3W8.
Please note: The following group dates may change slightly due to volunteer facilitator availability. Group dates will be confirmed via email to registrants.
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Questions? If you have any questions about the Phase 1 Program, please email Karen MacKeigan, Program Assistant.
New to online meetings? Check out Participants – Tips to Enhance Peer Support Group Meetings.