Caregivers of high-needs children often spend years focused entirely on the needs of others. Support for the caregiver is often the missing piece.
This group is an opportunity to step back, re ect, and build tools that help you care for yourself while continuing to care for your child.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or simply in need of support, we invite you to join us.
Group Details
- Wednesdays 12-1:30pm April 22- May 27 2026
- Cost: $550 for the series (inquire about sliding scale if cost is an issue)
- Facilitator: Kelly Ebbers, MA RCC MSW
- Combination of education, discussion, and practical tools
- Safe and confidential environment
- Spots are limited to keep the group supportive and manageable.
- Group counselling may be eligible for reimbursement under your extended health benefits plan if your plan covers Registered Social Workers (RSW) or Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your specific coverage
About This Group
Caring for a high-needs child can be incredibly meaningful — and incredibly exhausting. Those of us with caring for children with complex emotional, developmental, behavioural, or medical needs often carry an extraordinary amount of responsibility. The love is deep, but the stress can be constant.
Many caregivers quietly experience things like:
- Chronic stress and exhaustion
- Feeling overwhelmed by constant demands
- Guilt about needing space or rest
- Resentment that feels confusing or shameful
- Isolation from friends or other families
- Fear of burnout
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and there is support. We offer support, understanding, and practical tools to sustain yourself in this role.
Participants will explore:
- The unique emotional and psychological stress of high-needs caregiving
- Why burnout happens and how to recognize early warning signs
- Emotional regulation skills for navigating intense moments
- Ways to manage chronic stress in everyday life
- Strategies to balance caregiving while protecting your own wellbeing
- How to reduce resentment and reconnect with meaning in your role
This group combines evidence-based mental health education with supportive discussion, allowing participants to learn practical skills while also connecting with others who truly understand the experience.
About the Facilitator
Kelly Ebbers is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating complex life challenges. In addition to her professional training, Kelly brings meaningful lived experience as a caregiver to two high-needs children, giving her a deep understanding of the emotional demands, resilience, and advocacy often required in this role. Her work also includes supporting individuals through grief and loss, where she offers compassionate guidance during times of significant change and uncertainty. Kelly is known for creating warm, supportive spaces where people feel understood, respected, and empowered.
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
Who This Group Is For
This group may be a good t if you are:
- Caregiving for a child with complex emotional, behavioural, developmental, or medical needs
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally depleted
- Looking for tools to manage stress and prevent burnout
- Hoping to connect with others who understand this experience
What You Can Expect
- A safe, non-judgmental environment
- Guidance from an experienced counsellor
- Practical tools you can use right away
- Connection with other caregivers facing similar challenges
- A chance to focus on your own wellbeing
You spend so much time caring for others. This space is designed to support you.
Is This Group Right for You?
You might benefit from this group if you find yourself thinking:
- “I love my child deeply, but I feel completely exhausted.”
- “I feel like I’m always in crisis-management mode.”
- “Other parents don’t seem to understand what our life is like.”
- “I rarely get time to take care of myself.”
- “Sometimes I feel guilty for feeling frustrated or resentful.”
- “I worry about burning out but don’t know how to prevent it.”
- “I want practical tools for managing stress and emotional overwhelm.”
- “I would feel relieved to talk with other caregivers who truly understand.”
If several of these resonate, this group may be a supportive and meaningful place for you. You deserve support too.
What Makes This Group Different
Many parenting resources focus on how to help the child.
This group focuses on supporting the caregiver.
Caring for a child with complex needs often means navigating intense emotional moments, ongoing advocacy, unpredictable stress, and long-term uncertainty. Over time, this can take a real toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing.
This group is designed to help caregivers:
Understand the unique stress of high-needs parenting
Learn why chronic caregiving stress affects the nervous system and emotional regulation.
Develop practical emotional regulation skills
Tools to help manage overwhelm, frustration, and emotional fatigue.
Prevent burnout before it happens
Recognize warning signs and build sustainable coping strategies.
Connect with other caregivers
One of the most powerful parts of group work is realizing you’re not alone.
This group combines psycho-education, counselling support, and shared experience in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment.
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
Caregivers of high-needs children often spend years focused entirely on the needs of others. Support for the caregiver is often the missing piece.
This group is an opportunity to step back, re ect, and build tools that help you care for yourself while continuing to care for your child.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or simply in need of support, we invite you to join us.
This Caregiving without Burnout group is offered in the Tri-Cities area, serving families in Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Burnaby.
