Group Therapy

We offer comprehensive individually tailored therapy programs to meet every patient's individual needs, which may entail psychoeducation, exercise, nutrition and counselling supported by comprehensive evidence based Day Programs. Each patient has an individual treatment plan determined by the treating Psychiatrist and in consultation with the treating team.

Experienced mental health professionals, with expertise in their field, facilitate our day and evening patient programs. A Doctor or treating Psychiatrist referral is required.

What to Expect in Group Therapy

Group therapy, which is frequently overlooked as a therapeutic option, presents as a setting in which individuals are able to interact with a trained Therapist or Psychologist, with other people experiencing similar targeted problems.

Group therapy can be used as treatment for a variety of disorders ranging from anxiety to trauma and grief. As a less expensive option, group therapy may be used as an alternative to individual therapy, or as a supplemental treatment.

In the group setting, individuals are able to share experiences and receive feedback from the group. For this reason, group therapy offers a unique sense of support and accountability that individual therapy might not be able to. Therapists leading group therapy sessions can use a variety of methods stemming from humanistic, cognitive behavioral, and/or psychoanalytic approaches.

Within the group therapy setting, you will try to replace your old behaviour with newer, more productive ways. Interaction and discussion within the group is encouraged, and you will also undertake specific activities to address your fears and concerns.

Mental Health Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of group therapy is helping you realise that you are not alone. That others have similar problems or concerns.

Group therapy can help you develop new skills, to relate to others. The dynamics of a group often mirror those of society in general, and learning how to interact with other group members can help with your relationships outside the group.

Group members who have the same problems can support you. They may offer suggestions to dealing with a particular problem that you may not have considered.

Inpatient Programs

Our inpatient group therapy programs support recovery of patients with a wide range of mental health needs. The Central Coast Clinic has programs designed to meet the needs of that patient population. To ensure that your time at hospital is productive, we expect you to attend group sessions throughout your stay.

Our inpatient programs:

• Encourage a sense of empowerment by recognising your internal strength
• Promote skill building to help you plan for the future, improve your relationships, work more effectively and better function in day-to-day life
• Maintain or improve your physical wellbeing during your hospital stay

Program types:

• Exercise, health and wellbeing
• Psychoeducation
• Community access
• Introduction to different therapies, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Day, Evening and Follow-Up Programs

Our Day, Evening and follow up programs are available to patients after hospital admission, and patients who have not had an inpatient stay at The Central Coast before. You will have an assessment with one of our treating Psychiatrists before starting a program.

These programs are designed to work on the skills you need to recover and stay well, and include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Addictive Disorders
• Project Art, Music, Movement
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• R.E.A.C.H Depression & Bipolar (Developed by The Black Dog Institute)
• Older Persons Mental Health
• Trauma and Dissociation
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Veterans and Emergency Services
• Young at Heart

To view our full range of Day Programs and the diagnosis they treat please access our Program Specialties.