Group Therapy
Recovery from a mental health illness ideally involves a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Group therapy gives you the tools to manage your illness, and continue to stay well.
Experienced mental health professionals, with expertise in their field, facilitate our day and evening patient programs. A doctor or treating psychiatrist referral is required.
Our day and evening programs are available to patients after hospital admission, and patients who have not had an inpatient stay at the Marian Centre before. You will have an assessment with one of our therapists and Registrar before starting a program.
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 in treatment of 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 and 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.
Other benefits:
- Medications can be viewed as the cornerstone of treatment for most mental illnesses, we acknowledge they are not sufficient in themselves to lead people to recovery - and not everyone will access medication as a viable option
- Attendance offers a great deal of therapy in a short space of time. This can lead to a smoother recovery and easier transitions which promotes better outcomes
- Peer support and feedback can allow multiple perspectives and promote a better understanding around one's issues
- Psycho-education helps to educate and empower you with the knowledge and skills to cope better with your specific situation
- Development of social skills and interpersonal learnings
- Preventive measures for the onset of mental health issues
- Relapse prevention if you're recovering from a mental illness
- Sharing of thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, can promote healing and personal wellbeing
- Instills a sense of hope and creates a feeling of optimism
Who would benefit?
Marian Centre programs are designed to enhance and empower people to improve their own emotional and mental health wellbeing. As a group member you will learn and develop skills and strategies proven to assist in helping people cope better.
There are a variety of issues and concerns that can impact a person's mental health and ability to cope well. These include:
- anxiety
- depression
- self esteem issues
- coping with trauma and loss
- helping parents cope better with their young persons
- family related issues
- improving communication
- work related stress
- relationship difficulties including separation and divorce
- helping to build better support networks
- problems with sleeping
- implementing a mindful approach to life.
- social skills development
Our programs cater for a wide range of severity. We routinely help those who benefit from a preventive approach to their mental health, in line with resilience building and personal growth. Our programs also assist those who are recovering from their mental health illness(s) and attend as part of their relapse prevention treatment plan.
Access inpatient program information.
Access day patient program information.