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GROUP CLASSES

We offer different seminars, workshops and group psychology programs at our Brookvale Office in the Northern Beaches

Group classes have many benefits. They offer an affordable treatment option and can also act as a useful adjuct to individual sessions, as key psychology skills are explained and well practiced. Clients often recognise they are not alone in what they are experiencing and feel supported and validated by other group members. Medicare rebate is available with some programs. Spaces are limited so be sure to contact us to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION CLASSES

Group Size: 10 to 15 people
Facilitator: Kristy Attwooll & Marija Naumoska Clinical Psychologists
Meditation Sessions:

MONDAY LUNCHTIME 12:30pm to 1.00pm &

TUESDAY MORNING 8:30am to 9:00am.
Cost: $15 per class
Class involves?
Mindfulness Meditation is a great way to start the day whether you work in a busy office environment, juggle a family, are currently studying or simply need a good start to your day. This class offers you a time to slow down, to pause, and to observe and reflect on your internal world. It is likely to promote better concentration, greater productivity, and a calmer state of mind that will carry through the rest of your day.

Each 30 minute class offers a brief introduction to, and explanation about what Mindfulness Meditation is, followed by participation in a mindfulness meditation exercise led by the group facilitator. There is opportunity to debrief about the exercise before the conclusion of the class.

​Who is the class suited for?
Adults and adolescents who are interested in developing a formal and regular practice of meditation. In particular, those eager to reap benefits in the areas of stress reduction, psychological resilience, emotional awareness, and better overall physical health, mental health and quality of life.

LEARNING TO REDUCE THE RICK OF RELAPSE INTO DEPRESSION:
An 8-week course of Minfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a clinically-proven 8-session program that aims to help individuals learn how to identify and disengage from self-perpetuating negative thinking patterns. The therapy was developed to meet the need of individuals for whom traditional Cognitive Therapy could only provide short-term results. MBCT focusses on helping individuals who suffer from recurrent episodes of depression develop strategies to enhance recovery from depression and minimise the risk of a relapse. 

Group Size: 8 to 10 people
Facilitator: Marija Naumoska, Clinical Psychologist
Group Sessions: Each session runs for two hours on Monday mornings for 8 consecutive weeks. Group starts promptly at 10am. Group starting date to be confirmed,
Medicare Rebate: Referral from GP will allow Medicare rebate of $31.65 per group session.

Program Cost: 8 week course cost in total is $752.00, with possible Medicare rebate of $253.20 (out of pocket expense for clients is $498.80).
Who is the group suited to?
This group is open to individuals aged 18+. Whilst MBCT has been shown to be effective for individuals with recurrent episodes of depression, it can accommodate for those who have had mixed episodes of depression and anxiety.  For people who are currently quite unwell, suffering from a recent psychotic or manic episode, have unresolved trauma and for those with an intellectual disability we would suggest other forms of support would be more suitable.

The course covers:

  • How to gather and maintain one’s attention on a particular focal point whilst reducing the habit of thinking that leads to dispersed/fragmented attention and thinking

  • Instruction on maintaining full awareness (mindfulness) of thoughts, emotions/feelings, and bodily sensations and, thus, improving one’s ability to identify unhealthy patterns of thinking

  • How to be fully present in the moment

  • Skills to help detach from unhealthy habits of thinking, such as, obsessive reflections on the past and worry about the future

  • Developing a mindset of acceptance or non-reactivity to unpleasant thoughts and feelings that allows for the cultivation of kindness towards oneself.

  • Training the mind in the process of ‘letting-go’ of the habit of having the mind wander into unhealthy thinking patterns and becoming engrossed in attempts to fight against unpleasant thoughts.

  • Bringing awareness to a stressful event by how it affects the body and, therefore, improving mind-body connection.

STOP STRUGGLING WITH EMOTIONS & LEARN HOW TO LIVE MORE MEANINGFULLY:
A 5-week introductory course on ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)

This brief 5 week program caters to a range of individuals eager to learn more about ACT.In particular, those wanting to develop a skillset to help them cope better with their emotions so they can start to live a more satisfying life. Research studies have shown that ACT is a highly effective treatment for depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, psychosis, post traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, and health conditions such as diabetes. It also offers a valuable model for life and executive coaching. Some research studies show positive effects even after a few hours of ACT treatment.

Group Size: 8 to 10 people
Facilitator: Kristy Attwooll, Clinical Psychologist
Group Sessions: Each session runs for two hours on Thursday evenings for 5 consecutive weeks. Group starts promptly at 4pm. Group starting date to be confirmed.
Medicare Rebate: Referral from GP will allow Medicare rebate of $31.65 per group session.

Program Cost: 5 week course cost in total is $470, with possible Medicare rebate of $158.25 (out of pocket expense for clients is $311.75).
Who is the group suited to?
This group is open to individuals aged 18+. Given ACT has been shown to assist individuals with various psychological difficulties this group is open to a wide and diverse audience. For people who are currently quite unwell, suffering from a psychotic or mania episode, have unresolved trauma and for those with an intellectual disability we would suggest other forms of support would be more suitable.

The course covers:

  • An understanding of ACT and how this treatment approach can help you deal more effectively with psychological difficulties and improve your overall mental health.

  • The benefits of being willing to feel one’s emotions rather than cope by avoiding.

  • Learning about mindfulness and how being present, observing and accepting of your internal experiences can help you hold problems more lightly and cope more effectively with stress and other difficult emotions.

  • Skills that help people disentangle and unhook from unhelpful thinking.

  • Introduces individuals to the importance of regular practice of mindfulness meditation.

  • Helps individuals work out what is truly important to them and what they most value

  • How to commit to taking action towards your most important goals, in spite of fears and psychological obstacles.

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