The TREE (Tolerating and Regulating Emotions Effectively) group is an 18-weeks Skills Group for youth, ages 14-17, which aims to enhance a youth’s capacity to cope with and/or problem-solve issues. The group provides the opportunity to learn and rehearse new skillful behaviours, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, dialectical thinking and validation.

This group runs on an ongoing basis and is offered in-person at the AYSP main office (160 Traders Blvd E Suite 100, Mississauga, ON L4Z 3K7). Specific skill-based goals will be developed prior to each youth’s group start date. The group is designed as an adjunct to existing therapy to support and enhance the learning of new skills with generalization into real-life situations.

Goals of the TREE Program: 

• To increase the youth’s knowledge, acquisition and implementation of DBT skills


• To increase the youth’s generalization of skills across all relevant social contexts


• To improve the youth’s overall ways of coping with identified areas of concern

As a TREE Group Volunteer, key responsibilities will include: 

1. Group Co-Facilitation: Assist in the lead therapist during the TREE Group sessions, providing non-clinical support to youth participants, taking attendance of youth participants, contributing to discussions surrounding emotion regulation and coping startegies, and helping create a positive atmosphere for all attendees.

2. Set-Up and Preparation: Arrive at the AYSP main office by 4:30 pm to assist in the setup for the group, ensuring that all necessary materials, snacks, and resources are ready for the session.

3. Clean-Up: Assist in the post-group clean-up, ensuring that the space is left organized and ready for the next meeting. For each session, please be ready to stay at the AYSP office until 7 pm to ensure that the space is cleaned and sanitized. 

The ideal candidate is someone who: 

• A minimum of 19 years old,


• Able to commit to the Volunteer Program for a minimum of 1 year.


• Able to undergo a Criminal Records Check and other Reference Checks.


• Able to participate in a volunteer training & orientation program and further mandatory trainings as offered. 


• Able to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of AYSP clients.


• Able to provide 3 references (1 personal reference, 2 professional references).


• Able to commute to the AYSP office on a weekly basis. 


• Has a background in mental health, counselling, social work, child and youth work, psychology, and/or related disciplines. 


• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. 


• Possesses a patient and compassionate personality. 


• Able to provide support for children and youth undergoing mental health challenges. 


• Able to provide support and work with vulnerable populations. 


• Able to provide regular communication with Volunteer Coordinator and role supervisors.


• Able to meet the time requirement.