A Film-Based Group Therapy Experience

People sitting in a movie theater watching an animated film.

Healing Through Story is a 6-week, film-based group therapy experience exploring different themes from week to week. Some themes centre around perfectionism, pressure, identity, and performance-based self-worth — using movies as shared language so you don’t have to start from scratch.


View of a movie theater entrance with neon signs that say 'CENTRAL CINEMA,' pink lighting, and people sitting inside visible through glass windows.

Who This Group Is For

This group is open to Ontario residents aged 18 and over. It may be a good fit if you:

  • Have an appreciation for film and storytelling

  • Enjoy reflection and meaning-making

  • Feel curious about therapy

  • Tend to be thoughtful, self-aware, or introspective

  • Are interested in exploring every day life experiences

You do not need:

  • Prior therapy experience

  • To be “good at sharing”

  • To have the right words

  • Listening is participation.


A vintage film projector projecting a beam of light onto a dark background.

Practical Details

  • Length: 6 weeks (2 hours each session)

  • Format: Virtual

  • Cost: $90 per session

    • Sliding scale available

    • Insurance receipts provided

    • Direct billing available for select plans

Spots are intentionally limited to keep the group relational and contained.

Why Film?

Film creates distance — and safety.
Instead of starting with “What’s wrong with me?”
we begin with “Why does this character feel so familiar?”

Using film allows us to:

  • Externalize shame, anxiety, and inner criticism

  • Explore difficult themes without immediate self-disclosure

  • Find language for experiences that feel hard to explain

  • Connect through shared meaning rather than comparison

Stories soften defenses.
That’s where healing begins.

What Each Session Looks Like

An informational poster for a 5-week psychotherpay group titled 'Healing Through Story,' facilitated by Octavia Marquis, RP, showing four diverse women sitting together in a movie theater, smiling, with one holding a bucket of popcorn. The poster emphasizes safety, inclusiveness, trauma-informed care, and support for marginalized and LGBTQ+ communities, provided by Milo Mental Health Counselling.

Each 90-minute session includes:

  • A brief grounding and check-in

  • Guided discussion using film moments as anchors

  • Reflective journaling or creative exercises

  • Time for integration and closing

You’re always invited — never forced — to share.

An Intentional & Inclusive Space This group is for anyone over the ages of 17. This is an affirming space that supports any marginalised individuals, including LGBTQ+. Facilitated with a trauma-informed, nervoussystem-aware approach.

A brief intake is required — not to judge or exclude — but to ensure:

  • Emotional safety

  • Group cohesion

  • A supportive experience for everyone involved

Not Sure Yet? That’s Okay.

Reaching out does not mean committing.
The first step is simply curiosity.

You can:

  • Book a free 10-minute consult, or

  • Complete a short interest form to see if this group feels like a fit

No pressure. No obligation.

Facilitated by:
Tavia Marquis, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Film-based • Narrative • Trauma-informed care