1. Group Description, Purpose & Potential Benefits and Risks

Finding Parenthood is a four-week, baby-friendly psychotherapy group facilitated by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). The group is designed to support parents as they navigate the emotional, psychological and relational experiences associated with early parenthood.

The group focuses on parental well-being, resilience, emotional coping skills, interpersonal connection and the parent-infant relationship. Each session is 60 minutes in length and includes opportunities for discussion, shared learning, reflection and skills development.

Potential benefits of participation may include:

• Feeling less isolated and more connected to other parents.

• Having your experiences validated and normalized.

• Sharing experiences and learning from others.

• Developing practical coping and emotional regulation skills.

• Feeling more confident and empowered in your parenting journey.

• Strengthening your understanding of the parent-infant relationship.

Potential risks may include experiencing uncomfortable emotions when discussing personal experiences, feeling vulnerable when sharing with others, or hearing experiences and perspectives that bring up difficult emotions. As with all group settings, there is also a possibility that another participant may disclose confidential information outside the group.

Individual experiences and responses to psychotherapy vary, and no specific outcomes are guaranteed.

2. Scope of Service: This Group Is Not a Crisis Service or Individual Therapy

Finding Parenthood is not an emergency or crisis service. The facilitator is only available between sessions for scheduling, billing and other administrative matters. Participants requiring urgent mental health support should contact appropriate emergency or crisis services.

This group is not intended to replace individual psychotherapy, medical care or other mental health services. It does not involve individual assessments, individualized treatment plans or the provision of one-on-one therapeutic care. The focus is on shared learning, general coping strategies, emotional support and connection with other parents rather than the assessment or treatment of any specific mental health condition.

3. Confidentiality and Its Limits

All participants are expected to respect the privacy of other group members. This includes refraining from sharing personal information, stories or experiences disclosed by other participants outside the group. Participants must also refrain from photographing, recording or sharing images of other participants or their children without appropriate permission.

Because this is a group setting involving multiple participants, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the same way as in individual psychotherapy. While everyone is expected to respect one another's privacy, the facilitator cannot guarantee that other group members will maintain confidentiality.

As a Registered Psychotherapist, the facilitator is required to maintain confidentiality in accordance with applicable legislation and professional standards. There are certain legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality, which may include:

• Situations involving concerns about a child's safety or protection, where a legal duty to report applies.

• Situations involving a serious risk of harm to an individual or others, where disclosure may be necessary to protect safety.

• Certain circumstances involving suspected professional misconduct or sexual abuse by a regulated health professional, where reporting obligations apply.

• Situations where disclosure is required by law or court order.

Where legally and ethically appropriate, the facilitator will make reasonable efforts to discuss any necessary disclosure with the participant beforehand.

4. Payment and Refund Policy

Payment is due at the time of enrollment.

Receipts for psychotherapy will be provided following each attended session and may be submitted to your extended health benefits provider. Coverage and reimbursement depend on your individual insurance plan, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed. Participants are encouraged to confirm their coverage directly with their insurer before registering.

There are no refunds for missed or cancelled sessions. If you are unable to attend a session in person, you may have the option to attend virtually, provided arrangements are made with the facilitator in advance. A receipt will be provided for sessions attended.

5. Infant Responsibility and Safety

This group is designed to accommodate parents attending with their infants. Participants are welcome to feed, comfort, change and attend to their babies throughout the sessions.

Infant care and supervision remain the responsibility of the accompanying parent or caregiver at all times. The facilitator does not provide childcare or direct supervision of infants.

Babies may vocalize, move, nap, feed or require attention throughout the session. Parents are encouraged to respond to their babies' needs as they arise. All participants are asked to remain mindful of the safety and comfort of the other babies and parents attending.

6. Facilitator Information, Supervision and Your Rights

This group is facilitated by Cynthia Di Prospero, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registration #10943.

Cynthia works under the clinical supervision of Paula Bell, a Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW #817247) and Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #003985). As part of this supervisory relationship, Cynthia may discuss aspects of her professional work, including group-related matters, with Paula for the purposes of clinical consultation, quality of care, ethical practice and professional development. Information is shared in accordance with applicable confidentiality and privacy requirements.

Participants have the right to:

• Ask questions or seek clarification about any aspect of the group or consent process.

• Decline to share personal information or participate in any particular discussion or activity.

• Withdraw their consent to participate at any time.

• Request access to their health records, subject to applicable privacy legislation and the rights of other group members. Records containing information about multiple participants may not be fully accessible, but requests will be considered in accordance with applicable requirements.

If you have concerns about the services you receive, you are encouraged to discuss them with Cynthia. If your concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved, you have the right to contact the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) to make a formal complaint.