A new counselling group in Lynn Valley hopes to support women and combat isolation.
Come together
Registered clinical counsellor Marion Gargiulo is hoping to launch a new group Thursday evenings at Mollie Nye House. Group therapy can be both more affordable than one-on-one therapy and can be less intimidating for people new to the process, said Gargiulo.
“One of the worst things for mental health is feeling alone,” she said. “When people are struggling, what is holding them back is the idea that they are in this alone – they aren’t. Depending on what resources they have, they may never reach out for support.”
The program is inspired by a client who requested Gargiulo start a women’s group after seeing their spouse succeed with a local men’s group.
“For some people, it is a more affordable way of having some support. A group replicates relationships that play out in larger life. The idea is that people come together and share – at their own pace.”
Group sessions sometimes have a greater impact than an individual session, said Gargiulo.
“Feedback from other participants might be paid more attention to because they are experiencing the person as another person, not as a therapist,” adding a group’s diversity can support that goal. “I would like a variety of ages, so there are people in different stages of life with their own wisdom to offer support. For instance, if there is a person in their early 30s struggling with their mom, there might be a person in the group who is a mom and can offer insight as to what the mom might be experiencing in the relationship with their daughter.”
Group therapy 101
For those that are new to group therapy, it works based on the trust of the other members.
“There will be some rules to help everyone feel safe,” she said. “The group will be confidential. I think we will have the rule, don’t meet outside of the group because that leads to one relationship evolving at a faster pace then the rest of the group and that can have an impact. You don’t disclose names to other people. What is said in group, stays in group. People need to come with the mindset that they will disclose and offer feedback with guidance.”
A therapy group can be a salve for people who don’t have well-rounded support in their day-to-day life.
“It reduces that feeling that people are alone. People realize the problems they are carrying are not unique to them alone. Information can be shared by other group members – different ideas,” said Gargiulo. “It also feels good to be in a group – not feeling alone – having a community. The purpose is to open up and share things you might not be able to so readily in day-to-day life.”
The whole idea is to support each other through connection.
“My own tendency is to withdraw, when what I need to do is connect with someone – not everyone but the right person.”
The details
If there is enough interest in the group, Gargiulo will run it every second Thursday from Sept. 17 – Nov. 24 from 6:30-8:15pm at Mollie Nye House. There will be six sessions with each session costing $110. Many extended benefits cover group therapy, Gargiulo suggests checking your coverage. For more information or to register contact Gargiulo at 604-283-5755.
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“To complete this work, vegetation and trees next to each dam will be removed,” she said. “This will support effective regular inspections and monitoring of the dams and prevent roots from causing damage that would require increased maintenance.”
“In order to meet the BC Dam Safety regulations, trees and vegetation must be removed from within approximately five metres of the dam perimeters,” said Reitmayer. “The spaces near the dams will need to remain clear and open in order to facilitate effective maintenance and regular inspections of the dams. No changes are planned along the Rice Lake shoreline, except in the immediate areas of the dams.”
“The new open spaces then provided an opportunity to work with the public, First Nations, and technical experts to create accessible, enjoyable, educational, and environmentally-conscious concepts to enhance the dam areas.”
August 10: The vintage fabulous trio Beauty Shop Dolls will fill the plaza with harmonies while kids can take advantage of the craft table. . Performing classics from the roaring 1920s Great Gatsby era, the swinging 1940s dance halls, and boppin’ 1950s radio hits, these dolls know how to woo any crowd into an old fashioned love affair. The perfect blend of lush vocals, gorgeous retro costumes, and classic dance choreography, Beauty Shop Dolls leave anyone with a sweet tooth for musical delight well satisfied. 
August 24: It’s another night of Bollywood dancing with Rohan D’Silva and a chance to learn Mediterranean dancing with Pooneah Alizadeh. Alizadeh is the award-winning artistic director of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance. The artistic direction of her academy is based on a fusion of Middle Eastern dance, folkloric dances and ballet influences — including belly dance. With more than 18 years of teaching experience in Canada, she is bound to get you moving. And, of course, crafts! 
August 7: Filipinx-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and loop artist, Alex Meher’s performances showcase his musical instincts. The solo artist builds songs layer by layer as he performs percussion, electric guitar, soulful vocals, keys, synth, SPDS drum pad and alto sax. With lush layers, complex harmonies, and a driving rhythm, his music will make the crowd move. 
Well-versed over the past two years in Zoom paint parties, Liggett is pumped to pick up and share her techniques with the public again. 
July 16, 11 am-1 pm 
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Doing a little digging, it appears North Vancouver Rec is adding additional programming on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings in the plaza with Family Big Games starting June 28 but the organization would not confirm any specific information at this time. Check out their page sometime in the future. 
“We are excited,” said Tania Newman, LV Lions secretary and co-producer of Lynn Valley Days. “We are seeing a lot of interest in the parade and exhibitors – it seems like people are keen to come back.”
With the planning process given the green light, LV Days will be much the same as previous years with special care given to covid-safety. 
“We have some new ideas for food service,” said Newman. “And for the first time, we will have Lynn Valley wood carver [Ben Hemara] creating a piece on site.”
“What I am most proud of is the Lions’ ability to react,” said Newman. “Just days before 2018 Lynn Valley Days we had the tragic Mountain Village Garden Apartment fire where two people died. We saw the community come together and we were able to act as a collection place for donations. Ever since then, the [Lynn Valley] Lions have had a community emergency fund and the Lynn Valley community donates throughout the year.
“We do have a lot of fun but we are a humanitarian organization,” said Newman. “The international Lions’ slogan fits: ‘Where there is a need, there is a lion.’”
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