Thrive Course
HeaL. Rebuild.Conquer.
Thrive is designed specifically for First Responders and is based on my professional experience in law enforcement, my academic training, and my clinical work in the First Responding community. Thrive is a revolutionary program, created for First Responders, delivered by a First Responder.
HERE'S WHAT Thrive WILL DO FOR YOU
Provide First Responders with the tools and techniques that they need to understand how to manage the stressors and navigate the obstacles that their careers present
Provide First Responders with evidence-based clinical support that is based on my experience as a First Responder
Inform First Responders of the biological and physiological processes that will likely occur in their bodies in these careers so that they are equipped to respond to these changes
Create a network among First Responders who are motivated to change their lives, build their resiliency, experience Post-Traumatic Growth
MEET Michaela Gage
R.P. & Clinical Educator | Founder of MRG Counseling
I am a former First Responder and I currently work as Registered Psychotherapist specializing in working with First Responders struggling with Occupational Stress Injuries and PTSD
While this work is invaluable, it has become evident that the demand for clinical support far outweighs the resources currently available to First Responders.
In response to this ongoing crises, I have developed a resiliency program, entitled Thrive. Thrive is designed specifically for First Responders and is based on my professional experience in law enforcement, my academic training, and my clinical work in the First Responding community. Thrive is a revolutionary program, created for First Responders, delivered by a First Responder.
DURATION: 7 weeks plus three months of maintenance
PRICE: $2999 + HST
*Covered by most extended health care benefit plans
OR
NO UP FRONT COST
*Pay Per Session Option
"If nothing changes, nothing changes."
~ Edward Murray
WHAT YOU'LL Get
7 Powerful Working Modules with Guided Exercises
3 Months of Group Resiliency Training Lead by Michaela Gage
3 Months of Maintenance Training Lead by Michaela Gage
Guided Audio Meditations
Over 100 hrs of Recommended Resources
Support Network Facilitation
Weekly Virtual Q&A Sessions
Bonuses
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Extended workbook with additional blank templates
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Weekly Journaling Prompts
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Exclusive Access to Thrive Members Facebook Page
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Please Note: When selecting the "No Up Front Cost - Pay Per Session Option, you will receive a Preauthorization and Commitment Contract in your email inbox. This agreement solidifies your commitment to pay for each Group Session on the day of the session from which a receipt will be provided to you. This receipt can then be used to claim this with your insurance provider. As you will gain free access to the Thrive Course material, your commitment to attend/pay for the Group Sessions is required.
Thrive April-Intake Registration Now Open!
Course Begins April 9th, 2024
April Intake’s Weekly Group Session Dates:
Week 1 (Module 1): Tuesday, April 9th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 10 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 2 (Module 2): Tuesday, April 16th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 17 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 3 (Module 3): Tuesday, April 23rd 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 24th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 4 (Module 4): Tuesday, April 30th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 1st 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 5 (Module 5): Tuesday, May 7th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 8th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 6 (Module 6): Tuesday, May 14th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 15th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 7 (Module7): Tuesday, May 21st 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 22nd 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
***3 additional sessions offered for any participants who can’t make any of the above sessions (dates TBD)***
The Mind, Body, and Soul
Understanding the Foundational Elements
In this Module we introduce Thrive Participants to the three foundational elements of their being - the three elements that can be injured throughout the course of these careers. We teach them the relationship that these elements have with one another.
Problem solved in this lesson
Misalignment: In Module 1 participants are taught techniques that will balance and align all three of these elements.
The Power and Nature of Thoughts and Emotions
Becoming Aware of the Automatic Programming Running your Life
In this module, we teach Thrive participants about where thoughts come from, how to categorize thoughts, and the effects that these thoughts have on both our experiences and our bodies. We also teach about the effects of thoughts, emotions, and how emotions impact our body.
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants discover that they are the creators of their own experiences and therefore have the power to re-create their own lives starting with today.
Thought Transformation
Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
In this module, we reveal to Thrive participants precisely how they can transform their thoughts to ones that will lead to control, peace, contentment, and abundance in their lives. Additionally, they learn of 3 Guiding Principles that are necessary to adopt if they are ready to enter the transformation stage
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants discover precisely how to work with their thoughts, meaning they are no longer the victims of their circumstances.
Logic and Early Memories
Breaking Free from Limiting Self-Beliefs
In this module, Thrive participants learn about the brain and what happens at a biological and neurological level when beliefs are created. Participants also deepen their understanding of themselves, putting themselves in a position to experience self-understanding, self-forgiveness, and self-transformation.
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants are taught the method used to break free from their limiting, painful, or suffocating self-beliefs.
The Mind, Body, and Soul
Getting Out of Your Own Way
In this module, Thrive participants are guided through a process of self-discovery, learning about the true nature of themselves. In other words, participants gain more power through awareness of the self-created Ego which serves to derail and distract them from obtaining their goals and ultimately finding happiness.
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants discover the key to unlocking what they need in their future to bring them lasting peace and contentment.
Trauma and its Effects
Healing, Recovery, and Rebuilding
In this module, Thrive participants gain an understanding of trauma, its effects on the body and mind, as well as the basic foundations of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants are taught about the three pillars of PTSD as related to the injuries incurred as a result of First Responding careers. Stressors related to the organizations are discussed and participants are given strategies to overcome these hurdles.
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants are given the tools they need to break-free from being locked in the grips of trauma and its effect on the mind and body.
Designing Your Future
Bless Your Past for it is No Longer Your Future
In this module, Thrive participants design the future they are ready to live! They are given access to The Resiliency Code- 5 principles to live by, future design templates, and exercises which will enable them to make their dream future a reality.
Problem solved in this lesson
Participants transform their desired future from a fantasy to their reality.
"If we don’t hunt, we don’t eat. It’s about active pursuit."
~ Michaela GAGE
Who Is This For?
First Responders (Correctional Staff, Police Officers, Paramedics, Fire Fighters, Military Personelle, Communications Personnel, Nurses), off or on duty (retired, working, resigned, or injured)
Who Is This NOT For?
People who refuse to explore the concept that we are the creators of our own experience
People who are not ready to grow (growth is uncomfortable)
HOW TO START WORKING Together
STEP 01
Register to be a Thrive Course Participant.
STEP 02
Receive immediate online course access.
Begin your Working modules on the corresponding weeks.
STEP 03
Start experiencing the transformative results
Virtual group resiliency training with Michaela Gage starts week 1!
Please Note: When selecting the "No Up Front Cost - Pay Per Session Option, you will receive a Preauthorization and Commitment Contract in your email inbox. This agreement solidifies your commitment to pay for each Group Session on the day of the session from which a receipt will be provided to you. This receipt can then be used to claim this with your insurance provider. As you will gain free access to the Thrive Course material, your commitment to attend/pay for the Group Sessions is required.
Thrive March-Intake Registration Now Open!
Course Begins March 26th, 2024
March Intake’s Weekly Group Session Dates:
Week 1 (Module 1): Tuesday, March 26th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, March 27th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 2 (Module 2): Tuesday, April 2nd 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 3rd 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 3 (Module 3): Tuesday, April 9th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 10th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 4 (Module 4): Tuesday, April 16th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 17th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 5 (Module 5): Tuesday, April 23rd 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, April 24th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 6 (Module 6): Tuesday, April 30th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 1st 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
Week 7 (Module7): Tuesday, May 7th 09:30AM -11:30AM OR Wednesday, May 8th 05:30 PM - 07:30PM
***3 additional sessions offered for any participants who can’t make any of the above sessions (dates TBD)***
"If we don’t hunt, we don’t eat. It’s about active pursuit."
~ Michaela GAGE
ABOUT Michaela
Michaela, a former Police Officer, is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Clinical Director/Owner of MRG Counselling and Clinical Education.
Her professional experience in law enforcement has led her to a clinical focus on First Responders, specifically within the realm of Occupational Stress Injuries, PTSD, and resiliency training. Michaela has worked in a clinical capacity with First Responders for five years now.
She is a member of First Responders, is married to a First Responder, and is well-submersed in this community. While she works primarily with First Responders, the principles, concepts, and skills that she teaches are not only applicable to this field but to any individual who is ready and willing to experience growth and to become the creators within their own lives. Additionally, Michaela is a certified trauma-therapy clinician, offering clinical individual therapy, group therapy, and coursework that provides clients with the power to transform their lives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions
What is Thrive?
Thrive is a 7-week revolutionary wellness course that is designed for First Responders. It involves self-guided weekly modules along with weekly group sessions lead by Michaela Gage who is a RP and former First Responder. Currently, Thrive is delivered virtually, allowing for participants from across the globe to access it. Thrive has been built upon the concepts of healing, resiliency-building, and Post Traumatic Growth. It should be noted that Thrive does not serve as a crises resource.
What is the aim of Thrive?
Thrive uses evidence-based techniques and psychotherapeutic work to help First Responders:
Heal from accumulated trauma;
Understand and adapt to the physiological and psychological changes that often result from these careers;
Gain an understanding of how not only to survive their careers but to thrive in them; and
Live their desired future.
When are the group sessions?
The date and time of the group sessions change depending on the Thrive intake that you are registering for. To allow for more flexibility, participants are offered two options to chose from each week. To accommodate for rotating shift schedules, participants do not need to attend the same date/time session each week. For a
rough schedule of intakes, please visit www.mrgcounselling.com or email Michaela at [email protected].
What if I’m reluctant to attend the group sessions?
I have yet to meet a participant who is excited about this component! It is natural and understandable to want to avoid group settings as a First Responder. The group work, however, is an essential part of this course in that we know a sense of unity, community, comradery, and resonance are some of the strongest predictors of effective treatment outcomes and the recovery of PTSD. As a former First Responder herself, Michaela recognizes the challenge that group settings can pose for most participants and therefore creates a pressure-free environment. There is a strong emphasis placed on the important of confidentiality and participants are never forced to participate/disclose more than they are comfortable with.
How long is the Thrive course in duration?
Thrive consists of 7 working weeks and 3 months of maintenance. In total, Thrive
is 19 weeks in duration.
How much does Thrive cost and is it covered by my benefits?
The cost of Thrive is $2999 + HST and is covered by most extended health care
plans.
How am I reimbursed?
Regardless of what payment option you select from above, at the conclusion of each group session, participants will be provided with a receipt for $398.69 (this is the cost of the two-hour group session). Participants use this receipt to submit a claim with their insurance provider.
At the end of each hour-long maintenance session, participants will be given a
receipt for $199.34 (this is the cost of the one-hour group session) to claim with
their insurance provider.
Who is Thrive intended/not intended for?
Thrive is intended for all First Responders, active, retired, resigned, or off. Thrive
is suitable for First Responders in any stage of their career (recruit to nearing retirement). Thrive, however, is not designed for those who have yet to reach
stabilization, have severe active addictions, or active suicidality. Thrive does not
serve as a “train the trainer” resource and is rather, intended to help participants
become their own therapists.
How is Thrive structured?
Thrive has a “Working Phase” of 7 weeks and a “Maintenance Phase” of 3 months.
During the Working Phase, each week has a corresponding module of material
(information, exercises, guided meditations, etc.) that each participant works
through on their own. In addition to the weekly module, participants virtually
attend a weekly group session lead by Michaela Gage. At these group sessions, participants work through the module content, challenge the concepts being
taught, and explore how to translate the module theories into real life strategies. At these sessions, participants are encouraged to participate but they are free to share as much or as little as they are comfortable with.
Following the seven working weeks, the group meets once a month for a one-hour group session of “Maintenance” for three months with Michaela Gage. The Maintenance Phase also consists of a buddy-system, where participants are paired and commit to regular check-ins and appropriate-level supporting of their fellow participants.
What happens if I miss a group session?
Over the course of Thrive, there will be three “Makeup/Add-on” group sessions for any participants who have missed a previous session. The sessions are not module-specific and can therefore be used to explore any course-related material.
Are the group sessions mandatory?
The group sessions are mandatory if you are seeking reimbursement for the course through your insurance provider. If you are paying out of pocket, you are welcome to access the course material and complete it (and the accompanying workbook) at your own pace.
How many hours will I need to dedicate to Thrive?
Thrive is designed for participants to have some flexibility in terms of how much time they dedicate to the course. Thrive will require a minimum of three hours/week: 1 hour for module course work and 2 hours for the group session.
Participants are invited (and encouraged) to spend up to 5hrs/week on course
material, exploring the recommended podcasts, books, meditations, and authors.
In addition to the 7 group sessions, there will be 3 Makeup/Add-on group sessions where participants are welcome to attend at an additional cost (also covered by most employer benefits).
How does payment for Thrive work and how do I access the course?
Thrive is accessed through the sales page online at www.mrgcounselling.com. On this sales page, participants are given three payment options:
1. Pay the upfront cost of $2999 + HST via e-transfer, debit, or credit card
and receive immediate access to course content.
2. Pay three equal monthly payments of $1000 + HST via debit or credit
card and receive immediate access to course content.
3. Pay no up-front cost and sign “The Authorization and Commitment
Contract” in which you provide your credit card information for pre-
authorization purposes only. Prior to each group session, you complete
an e-transfer for that session and promptly following that group session,
a receipt is provided to you to claim with your insurance provider.
(Note: if a participant selects this option and fails to attend any group sessions after receiving access to the course content, their credit card will be charged the cost of the course).
What if I already have a therapist?
Thrive is not designed to support an on-going clinician-participant relationship.
At the conclusion of the course, there is no further therapeutic relationship between the participant and Michaela Gage. Participants who are already in a therapeutic relationship are welcome to continue their regular sessions with their therapist during the course. The decision to participate in Thrive should be one that is made
in collaboration between the participant and their clinician. Thrive is not a crises-support tool. In the event of any mental health crises, participants should reach out to their local crises line or 911.
Contact Us
For any other questions, please reach out to Michaela at
[email protected] or 613-291-7363.
LET'S GET Started
