Support Group for Immigrants (GTA)

Introduction
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel lonely, confusing, stressful, and emotionally overwhelming at times. Many immigrants carry experiences and feelings that are hard to talk about with people who haven’t gone through something similar.

My name is Payvand. I’m a psychoanalytic therapist based in Toronto, and I’m also an immigrant myself. I created this group because, through both my professional work and personal experience, I’ve seen how important it can be to have a space where people can speak honestly, feel understood, and connect with others who truly get it.

My goal is to facilitate online support groups in both Farsi (for the Iranian diaspora) and English (for immigrants of all nationalities) in Toronto and other parts of Canada.

About this group
This group is a warm and supportive space for immigrants to share their stories, listen to each other, and feel a little less alone in the experience of starting life in a new country. We’ll talk openly about the ups and downs of immigration and practice mindfulness meditations together along the way.

Our objectives
What we try to practice and offer one another is undivided attention, full presence, and compassionate understanding. It's more about listening to and accepting others as they are instead of wishing them to change according to what we think is best. We are not here to judge one another or solve each other’s problems by giving advice or pushing toward predetermined goals. We simply practice mindful presence and let its powerful effects unfold naturally.

What to expect
For the time being, our meetings will be online. They include open conversations, attentive listening, reflection, and simple grounding and mindfulness practices that may help with stress and emotional overwhelm.

Everyone’s journey is different, and every story has value. By sharing our experiences, we can learn from each other and support one another through the challenges of immigrant life. You’re warmly welcome to join, whether you moved recently or many years ago.

Ground Rules

• Respect confidentiality
  What is shared in the group stays in the group. Please do not share other participants’ stories, names, or personal information outside the meetings.
• Keep your camera on and listen with full attention
  Try to listen openly and attentively without interrupting. Sometimes simply being fully present with another person is more meaningful than trying to fix their situation.
  If possible, join the meeting from a quiet and private space where you can be relatively present and undistracted.
• Speak from your own experience
  Use “I” statements and speak about your own feelings, experiences, and perspectives rather than generalizing or speaking for others.
• No judgment or criticism
  People come from different cultures, backgrounds, identities, and immigration experiences. Please approach differences with curiosity and respect.
• Avoid giving unsolicited advice
  This is not a problem-solving group. Instead of telling others what they should do, try to offer understanding, empathy, and reflection. However, feel free to share what has been useful or not useful for you in a similar situation, using 'I' phrases.
• Share at your own pace
  You are never required to speak or disclose anything personal. Participation is always voluntary, and it’s totally okay to simply listen.
• Make space for everyone
  Some people need more time to open up, while others may naturally speak more. Let’s try to create enough room for everyone’s voice to be heard.
• Be mindful of emotional intensity
  Difficult emotions are welcome here, but please try to express yourself in ways that remain respectful and emotionally safe for the group.

Disclaimer
This is a peer support and reflection group, not psychotherapy or crisis treatment. Each member is responsible for their own behavior, feelings, and well-being.
If you need professional support, please contact your family doctor or talk to a counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker, or psychiatrist.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911, text or call 988, or go to the nearest hospital for immediate help.