Group therapy is a successful way to make long-term psychological change. In small groups of up to six people, each participant benefits from peer support and motivation, while also developing a close relationship with the facilitating psychologist.

Psychology Consultants runs several small group programs:

• Group Psychotherapy - therapy to gain insight into long-term relationship problems
• FRIENDS - build child resilience skills
• Mind Over Matter - weight loss and management
• Towards Better Sleep - evidenced-based techniques for insomnia.

New groups start regularly, so enquire now about the next group.

GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY

How is group therapy different from individual therapy?
Group therapy works by exploring moment by moment interactions between group members. These interactions can provide valuable insights into problems that occur in other important relationships. Group therapy also provides valuable social support and a safe way to practice new social skills. 

Who will benefit from group therapy?
Many of the problems that people experience in their lives involve how they relate to others. We generally learn how to relate to others from our families. Sometimes, these skills no longer serve us well in the world at large.

People who would benefit the most from group therapy are those who have noticed that the same patterns in their relationships (either with friends or loved ones) keep happening, yet they have so far been unable to change the pattern. Because these are long-term patterns, group therapy best suits people who are looking for longer-term treatment. 

Group therapy can suit people with a variety of presenting problems including anger management, self esteem, social anxiety, assertiveness, depression, as well as personality issues.

How many people in a group?
Group therapy will be capped at eight. This is a large enough group to enable many different perspectives on each other's problems, but not too large so that anyone feels anonymous.

How much does it cost?
Each session will cost $40. This lower price means that people who are more likely to benefit from longer-term therapy are able to attend for a longer period rather than being restriction to twelve sessions through Medicare.

Do I receive a Medicare or private insurance rebate?
Many private health funds rebate on group therapy. You will need to check with your fund. At this stage, group sessions will not be able to be claimed under Medicare as it is set up for brief therapy only.

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FRIENDS

Anxiety is the most common form of psychological distress reported by children and adolescents. All children experience anxiety as a part of their normal development. But one in six children suffer from anxiety severe enough to interfere with their family life, school work, or social functioning. Inherited traits or individual life experiences can contribute to this anxiety.

Research shows that if left untreated, children with high anxiety are likely to become anxious adults. More recent research has shown that anxiety in children tends to precede depression.

FRIENDS is an innovative 10-session group program for children aged seven to 12 who are showing signs of anxiety which may interfere with their daily lives.

FRIENDS teaches children important coping and problem-solving skills that they can use in their daily lives. These skills build emotional resilience to help them cope confidently with stress and change.

FRIENDS teaches skills in the following three areas:

Mind skills

• Identifying inner thoughts
• Using positive self-talk
• Techniques for challenging negative self-talk
• Rewarding yourself
• Expecting good things to happen
• Evaluating performance in terms of partial success

Body skills

• Awareness of body clues
• Deep-breathing exercises
• Relaxation techniques

Behaviour skills

• Problem-solving skills
• Coping skills
• Gradual exposure to fear
• Rewards for brave behaviour
• Choosing positive role models
• Peer support
• Finding fun in activities

Who should attend?

FRIENDS is designed for children aged 6 to 12 (grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) who have shown some signs of anxiety.

does your child ...

• Set extremely high standards of perfection for themselves?
• Express a negative opinion of themselves?
• Lack confidence in their ability?
• See the worst in situations?
• Get overwhelmed with worry?
• Have worries or fears that may not be usual for their age?
• Make excuses to avoid taking part in certain activities?
• Have unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, tummy upsets, or sleep problems?
• Seem particularly shy in social situations?
• Get distressed easily?
• Seem concerned with failure and what others may be thinking?
• Have behavioural concerns such as anger aggression, or rudeness which you feel may relate to fears?

If you answered yes to one or more of these, your child may benefit from the FRIENDS program.

How much does it cost?

The 10-session program runs over a school term and costs $650. An initial consultation is also necessary to ensure the child is suitable for the program.

Medicare and private health funds rebates are available. Check with your GP, and your health fund to find out your entitlement.

Make an Enquiry

Mind Over Matter

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Australia. More than 67.5% of men and 52.1% of women are overweight or obese (BMI > 25.0, MJA, May 2004). These people can experience:

• health problems - diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or arthritis;
• psychological problems - depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and low self-esteem; and
• social problems - relationship difficulties or poor body image.
  

mind over matter is an innovative seven-session group program designed for people wanting to lose weight. It is based on the psychological approach called cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).

The CBT strategies used in the program have been used in managing other addictive behaviours for many years. It is now emerging as a front-line treatment for weight loss and weight management.

No matter what your individual goals, the program is designed to help you make long-term change in the thoughts and behaviours that lead to weight gain. The program will help identify and change what triggers you to overeat. It will also help you understand energy in food and its relationship to weight gain.

mind over matter covers the following topics:

• Enhancing motivation and learning about the process of behaviour change;
• Explaining why dieting is difficult;
• Changing perceptions about calorie intake, exercise, and eating habits;
• Providing practical tips and strategies on food storage, shopping, eating out, socialising, and dealing with difficult situations;
• Highlighting dangerous ways of thinking, the importance of positive self talk, and managing difficult emotions;
• Building self-esteem and developing support; and
• Preventing and managing relapse.
• Weekly goal setting, self-monitoring, and structured practical homework exercises will help you to change your thinking and implement the strategies in your daily.

Who should attend?

mind over matter is designed for men and women over 18 who are medically overweight or obese (BMI > 25.0), and who are motivated to make lasting change.

have you ...

• started a diet only to give up after indulging in chocolates or other forbidden foods?
• snacked when you are bored?
• found you eat large quantities of food labelled ‘97% fat free'?
• felt that your eating or weight gain is getting out of control?
• tried to increase your exercise but are still not losing weight?
• found you are gaining one to two kilograms per year?
• found that you buy snackfood at the supermarket on impulse or because it's ‘on special'?
• got a health problem that is related to your weight?
• found you keep eating until you are very full?
• become less active but still eat the same amount?

If you answered ‘yes' to one or more of these questions, you may benefit significantly from the program.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

Your BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared.

.......... kg / .......... m² = ............... BMI

eg. Jenny is 84 kg and 1.7 m tall. Her BMI is 29.06. Jenny is overweight.

84 kg / (1.7m x 1.7m) = 29.06 BMI

Normal 18.5 - 24.9 BMI

Overweight 25.0 - 29.9 BMI

Obese >30.0 BMI

How much does it cost?

The seven-session program runs over 10 weeks and costs $455. Most private health funds pay rebates for psychological services, provided you have 'extras' cover. Check with your fund to find out your refund entitlement.

Make an Enquiry

 Towards Better Sleep

Towards Better Sleep is proven four session-program assisting people who suffer from insomnia and other sleep related problems. It is administered by our Newmarket office and group sessions take place at New Farm Clinic. Conducted by consultant psychiatrist, Dr Curt Gray and clinical psychologist, Kathryn Smith, the four sessions run over six weeks and provide participants with all the successful evidence-based techniques that psychologists and psychiatrists know of to treat insomnia. The program costs $300 and participants require a referral to Dr Curt Gray to obtain a rebate through Medicare.  

New program begin on demand. For further information or to register your interest, please contact our Newmarket office or enquire using the button below.

Make an Enquiry