My teen is shy or socially anxious. Will a group be too overwhelming?

This group is specifically designed to be a safe, manageable environment. We use the Shared Meaning Model™ to provide a structured framework, which reduces the "guesswork" of social interaction and helps teens feel confident and prepared before they even speak.

Is this "group therapy" or an educational class?

It is a Skills Lab. While it is led by a Registered Clinical Counselor, the focus is on active, practical skill-building rather than intensive, open-ended processing. Think of it as a place to learn, practice, and embody new tools for real-world situations.

What if my teen doesn’t want to talk in front of others?

Participation is active, but it is not "forced sharing." We use structured exercises and hands-on activities that take the pressure off the teen to perform, focusing instead on internalizing the skills they are learning.

How do you ensure the group remains a safe space?

By limiting the group to 8 participants, I am able to provide individualized attention to every teen. I actively manage the group dynamic to ensure that every participant feels respected and supported as they practice setting boundaries and regulating their stress.

Can we do individual sessions at the same time?

Yes. Many families find that combining the Skills Lab with occasional individual check-ins helps reinforce the tools we are using in the group. Please reach out to discuss how we can coordinate both for your teen.

What happens if we miss a session?

Because this is a 6-week progressive program, attendance is important to the learning process. Please note that as this is a committed, small-cohort program, missed sessions are not eligible for refunds or individual session credit.

Is this group eligible for insurance coverage?

As I am a Registered Clinical Counselor, this program is often eligible for coverage under most extended health plans (groups).

Girls Anxiety & Confidence Skills Lab in Vancouver

Led by a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Former Teacher

This is a structured, practical group for female teens (ages 11–17) who want to feel more confident, manage stress and anxiety, and stop overthinking in everyday situations.

Today’s female teens face unprecedented pressure. This is a practical, structured Skills Lab—led by a former teacher with extensive experience working with teens—designed to help them move beyond talking about anxiety and start building the confidence to handle it in real time.

How This Group Is Different

This is not a passive or discussion-based group. We utilize the Shared Meaning Model™ to ensure teens are learning and applying practical tools in session. The goal is to help them shift patterns as they happen, rather than just understanding them afterward. The approach is structured, engaging, and grounded in evidence-based strategies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and techniques that support emotional regulation and nervous system response.

Teens collaborating in a group setting as part of the Shared Meaning Model and family systems therapy.

Handwritten student testimonial thanking a teacher for teaching mindfulness and confidence skills.

What Teens Will Learn

Teens in this group will learn how to:

Manage anxiety and stress in the moment
Reduce overthinking and mental spirals
Build confidence in social and everyday situations
Communicate more clearly and stay in their own frame
Recognize and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
Respond more effectively instead of reacting automatically

By the end of this program, your teen will leave with practical strategies they can continue using beyond the group to ensure lasting improvement.

From a Parent:

“Shelley has a unique ability to connect with teens in a way that feels both grounded and genuinely supportive. She helped my daughter move from feeling overwhelmed by anxiety to navigating her world with new tools and real confidence. Her approach is structured, professional, and has been a stabilizing force for our entire family.” — Diane LeBeau

From a teen:

“I used to be so anxious about what the girls at school thought of me, and it made me want to just disappear. Learning to communicate my own needs, instead of trying to guess what everyone else wanted, completely changed how I interact with people. I don’t feel like I’m constantly being judged anymore, and my anxiety has dropped so much.” — Laurel Garrett, 16 years

Group Details & Registration

Billing & Payment: A deposit is required to secure your teen’s spot, with the balance due prior to the start date. Please note that this is a commitment to the full 6-week program; individual session rates do not apply if a participant misses a session or withdraws early. This program is often eligible for coverage under “group programs” for extended health plans for Registered Clinical Counsellors.

Who This Is For

This group is a perfect fit for teens who:

Note: This group may not be a fit if your teen is in severe distress, dealing with active substance use concerns requiring specialized individual care, or is looking for a passive, discussion-only environment. Please contact me to inquire directly.

Secure Your Spot

Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention and active participation.

Ready to help your teen build the confidence they need to thrive? Reach out below to learn more.

Frequently asked questions about Girls Anxiety & Confidence Skills Lab in Vancouver

My teen is shy or socially anxious. Will a group be too overwhelming?
This group is specifically designed to be a safe, manageable environment. We use the Shared Meaning Model™ to provide a structured framework, which reduces the “guesswork” of social interaction and helps teens feel confident and prepared before they even speak.
Is this "group therapy" or an educational class?
It is a Skills Lab. While it is led by a Registered Clinical Counselor, the focus is on active, practical skill-building rather than intensive, open-ended processing. Think of it as a place to learn, practice, and embody new tools for real-world situations.
What if my teen doesn’t want to talk in front of others?
Participation is active, but it is not “forced sharing.” We use structured exercises and hands-on activities that take the pressure off the teen to perform, focusing instead on internalizing the skills they are learning.
How do you ensure the group remains a safe space?
By limiting the group to 8 participants, I am able to provide individualized attention to every teen. I actively manage the group dynamic to ensure that every participant feels respected and supported as they practice setting boundaries and regulating their stress.
Can we do individual sessions at the same time?
Yes. Many families find that combining the Skills Lab with occasional individual check-ins helps reinforce the tools we are using in the group. Please reach out to discuss how we can coordinate both for your teen.
What happens if we miss a session?
Because this is a 6-week progressive program, attendance is important to the learning process. Please note that as this is a committed, small-cohort program, missed sessions are not eligible for refunds or individual session credit.
Is this group eligible for insurance coverage?
As I am a Registered Clinical Counselor, this program is often eligible for coverage under most extended health plans (groups).