Ajax, Ontario · Ages 7–12 · November 7, 14, 21, 28 and December 5, 2026
Groundwork:
Emotional Skills for Kids
A five-day small-group program that gives children the tools to understand and manage their emotions.
Most kids aren't taught how to handle their emotions. They're told to calm down, cheer up, or shake it off, but nobody shows them how.
So they do what they can. They might shut down, act out, or carry it quietly. They feel things deeply but don't have words for any of it. Frustration spills into a meltdown; worries keep them up at night. And the older they get, the more those unprocessed feelings show up in how they move through the world - at home, in their classrooms, friendships or their sense of who they are.
This isn't about something being wrong with your child. It's about skills they haven't been given yet.
What Groundwork is + How it Works
What
Group psychotherapy for children — a structured, skills-based program combining psychoeducation and experiential learning
Who
Children aged 7–9 (10 am) and 10–12 (12 pm)
When
Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 and Dec 5 · 90 minutes per day
Parent workshop: Nov 3, 12pm
Where
Ajax, Ontario (shared with registered families)
Group Size
4–6 children per group
Each session build directly on the last, so skills develop progressively across the week.
What you work toward as parent
A clearer understanding of emotion regulation and co-regulation - and how your response shapes your child’s
Practical tools for navigating challenging behaviours and emotions with more confidence
Strategies to reinforce what your child is learning, so the growth doesn’t stop when group therapy does
What your child works toward
Building confidence in handling difficult moments by having tools to draw on when they arrive
Developing emotional self-regulation skills that support pausing, processing, and responding rather than reacting
Practicing strategies they can use at home, school, and in their community
The Five Sessions
What the program works on
Understanding and naming emotions because children can’t manage what they can’t identify
Learning real coping tools children can actually use, not just talk about
Building the inner strength to sit with hard feelings, handle stress and challenges
Groundwork is built around five progressive sessions, each one deepening the skills taught the day before. Every group is led by two seasoned psychotherapists as co-facilitators, kept small at 4 to 6 children so every child is seen, and have the opportunity to connect with peers. Before the week begins, parents attend a 90-minute workshop to feel equipped supporting their child's emotional regulation at home. And before registration, a 30-minute screening call makes sure Groundwork is the right fit.
A good fit if your child:
Has big emotions that are hard to manage
Shuts down, melts down, or struggles to bounce back
Has a hard time putting feelings into words
Could benefit from learning alongside other kids their age
May not be the right fit if your child:
Is currently in crisis or needs more intensive support
Has significant social anxiety that a group setting could overwhelm right now
Isn't yet ready or willing to participate
Not sure? The screening call is exactly the right place to figure that out together.
Meet Your Facilitators
Groundwork is led by two experienced child and adolescent mental health professionals who believe in working as a team with parents and children alike.
Shruthi Venkatesh Ranga Rao,
Registered Psychotherapist
Shruthi has over a decade of experience working with children and teens, specializing in neurodivergent youth. She holds a Master's in Psychology with a specialization in Learning Disabilities and brings a client-centred, cognitive approach to her work.
Elda Almario,
Registered Psychotherapist
Elda has over a decade of experience working with neurodivergent children and youth, with specialized training in play therapy. Her training has sharpened her ability to meet children where they're at, helping them relate and engage in ways that feel natural to them. She is the founder of Larô Therapy.
Groundwork:
Emotional Skills for Kids
Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 and Dec 5 · Ajax, ON
Investment
$1,200 per child
Deposit
$200 non-refundable, due at booking to secure your spot
Remaining Balance
$1,000, due on October 26th, 2026
Spots are limited to 4–6 children per group, and spaces fill quickly.
A few questions you might have
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Groundwork is delivered as group psychotherapy by Registered Psychotherapists, which may be eligible for reimbursement under many extended health plans. We recommend checking with your provider directly, as coverage for group sessions can vary by plan.
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We do not offer direct billing. Payment is made directly to Larô Therapy, and we provide a paid invoice at the end of the program that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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That's completely normal, and groups are designed with that in mind. Small group sizes, experienced facilitators, and a structured format help children feel safe even if they're shy at first. The screening call is also a chance to talk through any concerns before the program begins.
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It's a 30-minute conversation to learn more about your child, answer your questions, and make sure Groundwork is the right fit before registration is confirmed.
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Because sessions build on each other, consistent attendance matters most for getting the full benefit of the program. If you know of a conflict ahead of time, let us know during the screening call so we can talk through it together.
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The full program fee is $1,200, covering all five 90-minute sessions, the parent workshop, and the screening call. A $200 non-refundable deposit secures your child's spot at the time of booking. The remaining $1,000 is due by October 26th, 2026.
Because each session builds on the last, we encourage full attendance for your child to get the most out of the program. That said, we understand life happens. If your child needs to miss a session, we will provide a refund for that session, provided at least 24 hours’ notice is given. Sessions missed without notice are considered used and are non-refundable.
A written agreement outlining terms is provided at the time of booking.
Ready to find out if Groundwork is right for your child?
Spots are limited to 4–6 children per group.
Book a screening call to get started.