Building Skills & Working with Your Parts

This 8-week, evidence-based group brings together two powerful approaches — the STAIR model (Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy — to help you develop emotional balance, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection with yourself.

Developed by Dr. Marylene Cloitre, STAIR is a structured, trauma-informed approach that supports emotional regulation and relationship repair. IFS, created by Dr. Richard Schwartz, helps you understand and harmonize your inner parts, fostering self-leadership, compassion, and inner safety. Together, they create a supportive and healing experience that blends practical skills with gentle inner work.

What You’ll Learn:

This group is structured in two stages, combining practical skills from the STAIR model with inner parts work from IFS therapy. Together, they help you strengthen emotional regulation, deepen self-understanding, and create more authentic connections with yourself and others.

Stage 1: Emotion Regulation & Inner Connection

Identify, understand, and manage emotions with greater ease
Learn grounding techniques and distress tolerance tools
Build compassion for the parts of you that hold strong emotions
Deepen emotional awareness through mindful connection with your inner system

Stage 2: Interpersonal Skills & Relational Healing

Strengthen communication and assertiveness in relationships
Set and maintain healthy boundaries with confidence and care
Rebuild trust—both in yourself and with others
Explore how your inner parts show up in relationships, fostering understanding and balance

What to Expect:

Weekly 2-hour small group sessions over 8 weeks
A blend of psychoeducation, reflection, and experiential practice
Integration of IFS-informed parts work for inner connection and healing
A safe, supportive, and trauma-informed space
Facilitated by clinicians trained in STAIR, trauma therapy and IFS

Who It’s For:

This group is for adults who want to:

Improve emotional regulation and relationship patterns
Deepen self-awareness and coping skills
Heal from trauma or enhance overall emotional well-being

No prior group experience is needed — just openness to learning, connection, and growth.

Group Information:

Start Date: Tuesday, January 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Iridescent Vista Counselling Services
1150 Yonge St., 2nd Floor, Toronto

Cost:
Early Bird Rate (Before Nov. 30, 2025): $1,080 - $135/session
Regular Rate: $1,160 - $145/session

Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy sessions led by a registered psychotherapist. If you’re unsure about your coverage, you’re welcome to check with your provider—or reach out to us if questions

Facilitators:
Monika Parsons, RP – Registered Psychotherapist
Onika Haywood – Group Facilitator / Trauma Practitioner

Get to know Us

Iridescent Vista Counselling Services was founded by Onika Haywood and Monika Parsons, two dedicated mental health professionals committed to supporting healing and growth. We take a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and supportive space for our group participants.

We are committed to making everyone feel accepted, and welcome to show up authentically themselves. Our space is nurturing and caring, and non-judgmental.

Onika Haywood brings over 25 years of experience in Children’s Mental Health, specializing in staff development, team supervision, and clinical leadership, with a focus on the therapeutic use of Self. For over a decade she has facilitated STAIR trauma group at Cedar Centre (formerly York Region Abuse Program – YRAP), and also held a position of Manager of Children’s Live-in Treatment Program at York Hills Centre

Monika Parsons, MA, RP is a Level 3 IFS therapist, also trained in CBT, EFT, DBT and ACT. She provides trauma-informed therapy to adults and youth, supporting clients with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Child/Youth Studies from Brock University and a Trauma Certificate from Wilfrid Laurier University. Monika is registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) She identifies as Polish-Canadian, finds peace in forests and bodies of water, and journals daily.

Monika and Onika have worked and facilitated together for many years, bringing their combined expertise to create a supportive and transformative experience for clients and teams. Together, they help individuals and teams build resilience, deepen understanding, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.