Kickstart Men’s Group

Informed Consent, Privacy & Group Participation Agreement

Welcome to the Kickstart Men’s Group.

This therapist-facilitated group provides a space for men to engage in honest conversations about life, relationships, fatherhood, work, stress, identity, mental health, and personal growth. The group combines support, reflection, skill development, and therapeutic discussion in a respectful and confidential environment.

Nature of the Group

The Men's Group is a therapist-facilitated group service provided by Kickstart Men’s Therapy.

Sessions may include:

  • therapeutic discussion

  • emotional processing

  • psychoeducation

  • interpersonal learning

  • relationship and communication skills

  • exploration of values, goals, and personal growth

The group is intended to support participants in developing greater self-awareness, emotional flexibility, connection, and resilience.

Participation in the group does not guarantee specific outcomes and is not a substitute for emergency mental health services or crisis support.

There is no minimum requirement for attendance and Men can choose to come each week or less often and can simply register for the sessions they would like. Please note that session will fill up fast.

Fees, Registration & Cancellation

The Men's Group is offered at a cost of $40 per session.

A valid credit card is required at registration and payment is collected prior to attendance.

Participants may cancel their registration and receive a refund provided at least 24 hours' notice is given before the scheduled session.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice and missed sessions are non-refundable.

Because group spaces are limited, registration reserves a space that may otherwise be unavailable to another participant.

Insurance & Benefits Coverage

Some extended health benefit plans may provide reimbursement for group therapy services facilitated by a regulated mental health professional.

However:

  • reimbursement is not guaranteed

  • coverage varies between insurance providers and benefit plans

  • it is the participant's responsibility to confirm eligibility with their insurer before submitting claims

Invoices suitable for insurance submission will not be automatically issued following attendance.

Participants who intend to submit sessions through their benefits plan must notify Kickstart Men’s Therapy so that an appropriate group therapy invoice can be prepared where applicable.

Receipts and invoices will reflect the credentials of the facilitating clinician.

Confidentiality & Group Privacy

Confidentiality is essential to creating a safe and meaningful group experience.

Participants agree not to disclose:

  • names or identifying information of group members

  • personal stories or disclosures

  • relationship or family details shared by others

  • any information discussed within the group by another participant

While all participants are expected to uphold confidentiality, Kickstart Men’s Therapy cannot guarantee that all group members will do so. Participation involves accepting this limitation.

Recording, photographing, screenshotting, or distributing any portion of group sessions is strictly prohibited.

Limits to Confidentiality

As regulated healthcare professionals, facilitators are legally and ethically required to break confidentiality in certain circumstances, including:

  • risk of serious harm to self or others

  • suspected abuse or neglect of a child

  • circumstances where reporting obligations exist under applicable law

  • court orders or legal requirements

Virtual Participation & Technology

Sessions may be delivered virtually through secure video conferencing software.

Participants are encouraged to:

  • attend from a private location

  • use headphones when possible

  • ensure others cannot overhear discussions

  • avoid participating while driving or multitasking

While reasonable efforts are made to protect privacy and confidentiality, no electronic platform can guarantee complete security.

Group Expectations & Conduct

Participants agree to:

  • treat other members respectfully

  • listen without judgment

  • allow space for differing experiences and viewpoints

  • speak from personal experience

  • avoid attacking, shaming, or criticizing other participants

  • contribute to a safe and supportive group environment

This group is not intended for debate, persuasion, or advice-giving. Members are encouraged to share their experiences while allowing others to determine what is useful for them.

Facilitators reserve the right to redirect discussions, establish boundaries, or remove participants whose behaviour significantly disrupts the group process or compromises participant safety.

Participation & Emotional Safety

Participants are never required to share more than they feel comfortable sharing.

At the same time, meaningful group experiences depend on active and respectful participation.

Topics may include:

  • stress and burnout

  • fatherhood and family life

  • relationships

  • loneliness and connection

  • identity and purpose

  • anxiety and emotional wellbeing

  • communication and conflict

  • personal growth and values

Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and may step away briefly if needed.

Substance Use

Participants are expected to attend sessions sober and able to participate safely and respectfully.

Attendance while significantly impaired may result in removal from the session without refund.

Crisis & Emergency Services

This group is not designed to provide emergency mental health support or crisis intervention.

If you are experiencing:

  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

  • immediate safety concerns

  • severe emotional distress requiring urgent support

please contact emergency services, a crisis line, or an appropriate healthcare provider.

Consent to Participate

By registering for and attending the Kickstart Men’s Group, participants acknowledge that they:

  • understand the nature and purpose of the group

  • understand the risks and limitations of group confidentiality

  • understand the fees, payment requirements, and cancellation policy

  • understand that insurance reimbursement is not guaranteed and remains their responsibility to verify

  • understand that insurance invoices are available upon request and are not automatically issued

  • voluntarily agree to participate

  • have reviewed and accepted these policies and expectations

We ask all participants to contribute to the kind of space most men rarely experience: one where honesty, accountability, support, and genuine connection are possible.