Phase 1 - Out of the 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—an intake meeting 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.

Requirements
Topics
Risks/Benefits
  • 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:

  • To search for additional mental health support in your community, check out the e-mental health website here.
  • For a list of crisis numbers in Ontario click here.
  • For a list of Domestic-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Resources in Ontario click here.

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 Coordinator.

Download

Download an intake form here to get started.

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.

Following the intake meeting, participants are required to complete three individual peer support sessions before registering for any group program. These sessions discuss the topics of grounding techniques, self-care planning, and overall wellness

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/or 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 intake@thegatehouse.org.
DayGroupDatesIn Person / Online
All Genders:
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksFebruary 24, 2025 - June 16, 2025In Person
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksMarch 17, 2025 - July 7, 2025Online
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksJune 5 - September 11, 2025 In Person
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksJune 2, 2025 - Sept 22, 2025Online
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksAugust 11, 2025 - Dec 1, 2025In Person
MondaysPH1 All Genders - 15 weeksSept 8, 2025- December 15, 2026 (14 weeks)Online
All Women Evening:
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksFebruary 4, 2025 - May 13, 2025In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksFebruary 4, 2025 - May 13, 2025Online
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksMarch 18, 2025 - June 24, 2025In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksApril 8, 2025 - July 29, 2025 Online
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksMay 20, 2025 - September 2, 2025In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksJune 10, 2025 - September 23, 2025Online
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksJuly 22, 2025 - October 28, 2025In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksAugust 12, 2025 - November 18, 2025Online
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksSeptember 9, 2025 - December 16, 2025In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksOctober 7, 2025 - January 27, 2026Online
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksNovember 11, 2025 - March 3, 2026In Person
TuesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeksNovember 11, 2025 - March 3, 2026Online
All Women Day:
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYMarch 19, 2025 - June 25, 2025In Person
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYFebruary 26, 2025 - June 4, 2025Online
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYJune 4, 2025 - Sept 10, 2025In Person
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYMay 28, 2025 - Sept 3, 2025Online
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYOct 1, 2025 - January 21, 2026In Person
WednesdaysWOMEN-PH1-15 weeks DAYSept 10, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025Online
All Men:
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksJanuary 29, 2025 - May 7, 2025In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksFebruary 12, 2025 - May 21, 2025Online
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksMarch 19, 2025 - June 25, 2025In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksApril 16, 2025 - July 23, 2025Online
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksMay 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksJune 11, 2025 - September 17, 2025Online
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksJuly 23, 2025 - October 29, 2025In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksAugust 13, 2025 - November 19, 2025Online
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksSeptember 10, 2025 - December 17, 2025In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksOctober 1, 2025 - January 21, 2026Online
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksNovember 12, 2025 - March 4, 2026In Person
WednesdaysMEN-PH1-15 weeksNovember 12, 2025 - March 4, 2026Online

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.

The program fee is $150 ($10 per session x 15 sessions). Sliding scale and payment plans are available.

  • You will be invoiced via email.
  • VISA, MasterCard, cheque, or e-transfer are acceptable payment methods.
  • E-transfer payments should be sent to Jasmine Lem, Phase 1 W/AG/YAP Program Coordinator at jasmine@thegatehouse.org.
  • Payment is due one week before the program start date and is non-refundable.
  • If paying by cheque. Cheques should be payable to “The Gatehouse” and mailed to 3101 Lakeshore Blvd W., Toronto, ON, M8V3W8 one week prior to group start. 

Please note: The following group dates may change slightly due to volunteer facilitator availability. Group dates will be confirmed via email to registrants.

Questions? If you have any questions about the Phase 1 Program, please email Karen MacKeigan, Program Coordinator.

* 14 Week Program