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Healing Through the Arts

YWCA Toronto’s Breakthrough program offers free support groups to women who have been abused or harmed by other kinds of violence. We currently offer the following groups: Imagining New Directions: for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or incest Healing Through Expressive Arts: for women who have experienced violence or abuse Stepping into Connection: an open group for women who may be new to group support and who have experienced violence or abuse Creating Safety and Possibilities: for women dealing with the effects of intimate partner abuse.


Women who:

  • Have experienced violence or abuse

  • Are interested in working towards their goals in a supportive group environment

  • Want to work with the arts, focus on connecting with the body

  • A place where women can explore how abuse/violence has affected their life

  • A safe learning environment where women may try new ways to grow and heal

  • Opportunities for creative self-expression in a community of women

  • A space where women can connect with others in an atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment

  • Support to help women get the most out of their group experience

  • Information to help women make decisions about their safety and well-being, including resources and referrals

  • Childcare while women attend group

Groups run in three 12-week cycles: January-March, April-June and September-December.

The program is offered at various sites in West Central Toronto and South Scarborough.

Maria Teresa Hernandez, DTATI, RP, Program Worker
416.487.7151 x273  |  MTeresaHernandez@ywcatoronto.org

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Contact Us

Maria Teresa Hernandez
PT Program Worker, Breakthrough
416.487.1751 x273