Date & Time
Check multiple session dates
Duration
7 sessions, 90 minutes each
CBT for Insomnia Group
Unlike sleeping pills, CBT-I addresses the root causes of insomnia to deliver lasting improvements in sleep. While the program doesn’t require you to stop taking sleep medication, many participants find it helps them reduce their reliance on pills, and some are able to stop using them altogether.
Group Details
-
- Start Date: November 5th, 2026
- End Date: December 17th, 2026
- When: Thursday nights, 7:00PM Newfoundland Time
(5:30PM Eastern Standard Time). Please note that the November 19th session will be moved to TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17, final sessions December 17 - Session Length: 90 minutes
- Group Length: 7 Sessions
- ONLINE
Is This Group Right For You?
Your May Benefit From This Group If:
- You have struggled with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early for 3+ months
- You have tried sleep hygiene tips or apps without lasting results
- You are relying on sleeping pills and want to explore reducing or stopping them
- You are curious about a non-medication approach backed by strong clinical evidence
- You are ready to commit to a structured, 7-week program with weekly sessions
- You are comfortable participating in a small group setting online
This Group May Not Be the Best Fit If:
- You are currently experiencing an acute mental health crisis
- You are unable to commit to regular attendance
- Individual therapy would be more appropriate at this time
What Makes Group Therapy Effective?
_____
Group therapy offers opportunities that individual therapy alone cannot provide.
Participants receive:
- Support from others with similar experiences
- Real-time feedback and perspective
- Opportunities to practice new relational skills
- Increased self-awareness through group interactions
- A sense of belonging and shared understanding
Research consistently shows that group therapy can be highly effective for personal growth, emotional healing, and relationship development.
What to Expect
Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts or beliefs about sleep.
Stimulus Control Therapy: Rebuilding the connection between the bed and sleep, reducing wakefulness in bed.
Sleep Education: Understanding the science of sleep and how behavior impacts sleep quality
Sleep Restriction Therapy: Gradually adjusting time spent in bed to improve sleep efficiency.
Relaxation Techniques: Learning strategies to calm the mind and body for better sleep.
_____
This group follows the program outlined in the book “Sink into Sleep” by Judith Davidson. The group meets weekly to discuss the assigned readings, share experiences, and troubleshoot problems that arise over therapy.
Participants are recommended to have a copy of Sink into Sleep (2nd edition) by Judith Davidson (ISBN: 9780826148155) before the program start date.
Program materials (handouts, schedules, sleep logs) will be provided in digital format.
What Happens During a Typical Session?
Each session may include:
- Group discussion
- Reflection exercises
- Experiential activities
- Skills practice
- Processing and integration
Every group develops its own rhythm, and participants are encouraged to engage at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate.
Group Size
8-10
Participants
Location
Online
Cost & Coverage
Publicly Funded Group Therapy
There is no cost for participation in the group, treatment is covered by MCP/OHIP. Physician or Nurse Practitioner referral is required.
Ask your Nurse Practitioner or Physician to refer you.
Click here for our referral form.
Don’t have access to timely primary care?
Click here to connect with a member of our Care Navigation Team, and we can help match you with one of our private-pay Nurse Practitioners who can refer you to the group program.
Format Details
- 7 Weekly Sessions
- 90 Minutes Per Session
- Small Group Format
Meet Your Facilitator
Dr. Christopher Earle
MD FRCPC, Psychiatrist
Referral Process
Referral Received
Once we receive your referral, our Care Navigation Team will contact you to gather background information and provide electronic forms for completion. If you need assistance with the forms, our team is happy to help.
Register
Participants must confirm registration by email 2 weeks prior to program start date, and complete an intake appointment with Dr. Earle before the first session.
General Mental Health Assessment
Meet with Dr. Earle to review your medical and mental health history. Dr. Earle may recommend additional assessments, investigations, or medication optimization as appropriate.
Please note that ongoing psychiatric care is not provided through this program.
Group Treatment
Participate in weekly virtual group CBT-I sessions.
Feedback Appointment
Join the waitlist by emailing info@thrivetogether.ca
Meet Your Facilitator
Dr. Christopher Earle MD FRCPC
____________________
I am a psychiatrist and sleep physician based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. My practice includes the assessment and treatment of insomnia, hypersomnolence disorders, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep-related breathing disorders.
In addition to my clinical work, I am involved in teaching, research, and quality improvement initiatives aimed at expanding access to behavioural sleep medicine and improving the integration of sleep health into mental and physical healthcare.
I completed my medical degree and psychiatry residency at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, followed by fellowship training in Sleep Disorders Medicine at Western University in London, Ontario.