Facilitator: Dorothy Ogbumah

Held On: Saturday, May 10 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Discover how DBT skills can elevate your self-esteem while harnessing the power of self-compassion to build resilience and emotional well-being. Learn to challenge long-held beliefs which interfere with your journey of healing and recovery. Self-compassion isn’t about self-judgment—it’s about empowering yourself with the tools to heal, grow, and create a brighter future. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Four Thursdays in a row (April 24, May 1, 8 and 15) from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery. (Virtual)

Facilitator: Sarah Eastman

Held On: Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

This workshop is for anyone in recovery from a substance use disorder or a processing disorder (gambling, sex, porn, overeating…). Whether you’re new to recovery or returning after a relapse/recurrence, it’s common to encounter challenges along the way. Explore the feelings and experiences that can make it difficult to stay on track in your recovery from substance use or compulsive behaviours. Acquire some helpful tools to keep your journey on track! (In-Person)

Facilitators: Leanne McEwen and Michelle Tasker

Held On: Saturday, April 26 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

This workshop is for CSOs (Concerned Significant Others). This one-day workshop has been developed for family members (or other concerned significant others) who have a loved one (or co-parent) who is in active addictions or is in early recovery. This workshop will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. Participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart

Held On: Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 am to 3:30

This is Serenity Renewal for Families’ Anchor Workshop: all family members are encouraged to attend this workshop! At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, March 29 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Sofie Charron

Held On: Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

In active addictions, in recovery, or as a family member, resentment is known as the number one offender because we find that we are unable to cope with the painful feelings and turn to escapism and numbing behaviours which fuel the cycle of anger, resentment, relapse and addictions. In our journey of healing and recovery, we must find a way to deal with this cycle in a different way. This workshop brings awareness to the cycle of anger and provides helpful coping strategies. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments so we can open ourselves up to a path of healing and letting go. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Maimoona Batool

Held On: Four Wednesdays in a row from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Feb. 19, 26 and March 5 and 12

Do your emotions hold you hostage? Learn how to take back control by discovering the YOU beneath it all. Let go of shame and come home to your true self. Discover your emotional needs and learn how to compassionately love yourself beyond conditions. Move forward cultivating the life you want to live, not fearing that which you want to avoid. Together let’s transform surviving into thriving. (Virtual)

Facilitators: Michelle Tasker and Dorothy Ogbumah

Held On: Saturday, March 8th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Body image issues are a profoundly important element in our stories of healing and recovery from addictions, codependency, and family of origin impacts. Deeply held beliefs about how I look and how I feel about myself can affect my relationship with self and with others. Exploring where the negative beliefs came from, and then learning how to look with compassion at our bodies can help us move towards peace and joy. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Sarah Eastman

Held On: Saturday, February 15 from 9:30 am to 3:30

Whether you’re new to recovery or returning after a relapse, it’s common to encounter challenges along the way. Explore the feelings and experiences that can make it difficult to stay on track in your recovery from substance use or compulsive behaviours. Acquire some helpful tools to keep your journey on track! (In-Person)

Facilitator: Liz VandenBygaart

Held On: Saturday, February 1 from 9:30 am to 3:30

At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, January 25, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Family of Origin experiences have a profound influence on our thinking and beliefs. These shape the choices and feelings we experience in our relationships and in parenting our children. Because it is literally the basis from which you develop, your family of origin has a large impact on you and your life. But what happens when that impact is negative? In this workshop, we will explore how our family of origins has helped shape us and how we can heal to move forward in our journey. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Wally Clare

Held On: Four Wednesdays in a row from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on January 22, 29 and February 5 and 12

Living with or losing a loved one to addictions will often make our grief more complicated. Last year alone, Canada reported 67,000 substance use-related deaths. Even if our loved ones are still alive, the grief of losing them to their addiction is complex. Societal stigma often prevents us from sharing our grief with others, especially when we may be met with judgement and misunderstanding. Can we do anything about the inner voices of self-judgement and criticism? Join this workshop to share your grief journey in a safe and compassionate space. (Virtual)

Facilitator: Natalie Bell

Held On: Saturday, January 18, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Shame is grounded in an overwhelming feeling of brokenness. We believe ourselves to be defective or unworthy. Guilt is different. It is the feeling that comes when we are aware of having made a mistake or having done something wrong or improper. Feelings of shame and guilt may cause us to believe ourselves unworthy of the serenity that would come from following a journey of recovery and healing. Facing shame and guilt is important for those of us wanting to accept a spiritual path of trust, humility, tolerance, and gratitude. (In-Person)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, December 14, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns? (Virtual Only)

Facilitators: Wally Clare and Liz VandenBygaart

Held On: Saturday, December 7, 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Listening and communicating clearly are required for healthy relationships. Communication skills can be learned, practiced and improved. This one-day workshop will provide couples with tools that they can apply to change patterns of communication that are not beneficial to their relationship. (In-Person Only)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Saturday, November 30 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery. (In-Person Only)

Facilitators: Michelle Tasker and Crystal Lord

Held On: Thursday mornings (three weeks in a row): November 7, 14 and 21, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

This three-week workshop has been developed for family members who have an adult family member (or co-parent) who is in active addictions. This workshop will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. By the end of the three weeks, participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life. (In-Person Only)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery. (In-Person Only)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, October 26, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

In active addictions, in recovery, or as a family member, resentment is known as the number one offender because we find that we are unable to cope with the painful feelings and turn to escapism and numbing behaviors which fuel the cycle of anger, resentment, relapse and addictions. In our journey of healing and recovery, we must find a way to deal with this cycle differently. This workshop brings awareness to the cycle of anger and provides helpful coping strategies. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments so we can open ourselves up to a path of healing and letting go. (In-Person Only)

Facilitator: Maimoona Batool

Held On: Wednesdays (four weeks in a row) October 23, 30 and November 6 and 13, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Do your emotions hold you hostage? Learn how to take back control by discovering the YOU beneath it all. Let go of shame and come home to your true self. Discover your emotional needs and learn how to compassionately love yourself beyond conditions. Move forward cultivating the life you want to live, not fearing that which you want to avoid. Together let’s transform surviving into thriving. (Virtual Only)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, September 28, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Family of Origin experiences have a profound influence on our thinking and beliefs. These shape the choices and feelings we experience in our relationships and in parenting our children. Because it is literally the basis from which you develop, your family of origin has a large impact on you and your life. But what happens when that impact is negative? In this workshop, we will explore how our family of origins has helped shape us and how we can heal to move forward in our journey. (Hybrid: In-Person or Virtual)

Facilitators: Wally Clare and Liz VandenBygaart

Held On: Saturday, September 21st, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Listening and communicating clearly are required for healthy relationships. Communication skills can be learned, practiced, and improved. This one-day workshop will provide couples with tools that they can apply to change patterns of communication that are not beneficial to their relationship. This workshop is full. If you would like to join the waitlist, or to be notified when the workshop is offered again, please email workshops@serenityrenewal.ca. (In-Person only)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Saturday, September 7, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

At Serenity Renewal for Families, we believe that addictions and recovery are a family affair. Whether you are personally struggling with addiction, are in the early stages of recovery, or are a family member affected by a family member’s addiction, our one-day workshop is designed for you. During the workshop, all participants will explore various recovery pathways and receive valuable information to help guide their next steps on the journey toward healing and recovery. (In-Person only)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, August 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper-focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships. (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Natalie Bell

Held On: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Shame is grounded in an overwhelming feeling of brokenness. We believe ourselves to be defective or unworthy. Guilt is different. It is the feeling that comes when we are aware of having made a mistake or having done something wrong or improper. Feelings of shame and guilt may cause us to believe ourselves unworthy of the serenity that would come from following a journey of recovery and healing. Facing shame and guilt is important for those of us wanting to accept a spiritual path of trust, humility, tolerance, and gratitude. (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, July 6, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns? (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

This one-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery. (In Person ONLY)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, May 25, 2024, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Anger and Resentment are simply defined as “bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly”. Our addiction and codependency literature identifies resentment as the single most dangerous character defect in our journey of healing and recovery. This workshop will provide the opportunity to explore the roots of our resentments, how they get triggered in everyday life and how we are able to let go of the old wounds at the root of our suffering. (In Person ONLY)

Facilitators: Wally Clare and Maimoona Batool

Held On: Wednesdays, May 1 – 22, 2024, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

There are never simple answers for our individual experiences of grief, loss and sorrow. Addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones will often make our grief more complicated and harder to understand. What do we mean when we talk about a healing journey for our sorrow? Is there a way to distinguish between grief, sorrow, and depression? What are the symptoms of grief? Can I do anything about the inner voices of self-judgment and criticism? Why is it comforting to share with others who have experienced similar grief and loss? (Virtual only)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The essential element of the healing process. Learn how to develop a healthy perspective of our reality and life circumstances to maintain success on your journey of healing and recovery. (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Leanne McEwen

Held On: Mondays, February 26, 2024, March 4, 2024, and March 11, 2024 (three Mondays in a row), 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

What we experienced growing up profoundly shapes our thinking, beliefs, behaviours, and choices for today, including our capacity for intimacy in our relationships with others. Our sexuality is a core dimension of who we are. The failure to fulfill this desire leaves us feeling incomplete, inadequate, and alone. Making healthy relationships and sexual choices is essential for personal growth. **priority registration will be given to those who have not taken this workshop before. (Virtual)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Saturday, March 2nd, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

What we experienced growing up profoundly shapes our thinking, beliefs, behaviours, and choices for today, including our capacity for intimacy in our relationships with others. Our sexuality is a core dimension of who we are. The failure to fulfill this desire leaves us feeling incomplete, inadequate, and alone. Making healthy relationships and sexual choices is essential for personal growth. (In Person ONLY)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Explore how to accept our own humanness and imperfections with kindness by developing self-compassion. Learn how to shift into a positive mindset with confidence by strengthening self-esteem. (Virtual)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, February 24, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships. (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This one-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery. (Virtual)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What is a boundary? How are they formed, shaped, damaged, or broken? How can we recognize healthy and unhealthy boundaries in ourselves and others? What do our relationship patterns and choices tell us about the health of our own boundaries? How does the setting of new boundaries help in the healing of our broken or empty relationship patterns? (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Catherine Pepper

Held On: Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Codependent behaviour is a learned coping style that includes hyper focusing on others while being unable to express one’s own needs. Learn to reclaim your identity and create authentic relationships. (Hybrid: In-person or Virtual)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Monday, November 20, 2023 through Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm each day

This four-day workshop will explore identifying addictive and codependent behaviours in ourselves and in our loved ones, what are the twelve steps and why are they important? This workshop will encourage participants to email questions to the facilitator. Finally, the workshop will provide direction for next steps in your journey of healing and recovery. (Virtual ONLY)

Facilitator: Jeff Latimer

Held On: Monday, April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6 and 13th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm

In our journey of healing and recovery, men can face numerous challenges and barriers that may interfere with full healing. Societal pressures can lead us to believe that being a man means we do not need help and that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness or defeat. This six-week program will explore issues unique to men in recovery with a focus on solutions. Within a supportive group environment, we will share and learn from each other’s experiences related to a number of issues including intimacy, anger management, healthy sexuality, stigma and mental health, spirituality, and recovery. Fee: $300 (sliding fee scale and 100% subsidies are available) (In-Person Only)

Facilitator: Michelle Tasker and Crystal Lord

Held On: Saturday, April 27, and May 4, 11 and 18, 9:30 am to 11:00 am

This four-week program has been developed for family members who have an adult family member (or co-parent) who is in active addictions. This program will discuss the importance of “putting on our oxygen masks first”. By the end of the four weeks, participants will learn about family resources and tools of self-care which can lead to a healthier life. Fee: $140 (sliding fee scale and 100% subsidies are available) (In-Person Only)

Facilitators: Leanne McEwen and Wayne Burke

Held On: Feb 5, 2024, February 12, 2024, February 26, 2024, and March 4, 2024, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This four-week program will enable family members who have an adult family member who is in active addictions. The program offers an in-depth view of how addictions/substance use disorder impacts every member of the family. The program will provide an opportunity to look at ourselves with the idea of making personal changes which can lead to a healthier life. It gives us hope for change. $140 fee (sliding fee scale available) (In-Person Only)