2010

Group Therapy:

Psychologist:

Do you fear:

• public speaking

• acting assertively

• meeting new people

• initiating and/or participating in conversations

• job interviews

• dealing with authority figures

• eating in public

• writing in public

• performing ( e.g. singing, acting, playing a musical instrument)

Catherine Madigan is a Melbourne Clinical psychologist who specialises in the treatment of social anxiety. She is offering a group cognitive behavioural therapy program for social anxiety sufferers. Catherine has been offering this group program for over 8 years and has conducted these groups for both the public mental health system and as part of her private practice. The Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service & job placement agencies have referred clients to ‘Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety’.

Catherine’s work with social anxiety sufferers has been featured in publications such as ‘The Age’, The Herald Sun’, ‘New Idea’, ‘For Me’ & ‘Women’s Health & Fitness’ magazine. Click here to read an article about Catherine's work.

The ‘Overcoming Shyness & Social Anxiety’ program teaches cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques (e.g. slow breathing, isometric relaxation) and provides the opportunity for participants to role play their feared social situations (exposure therapy).

N.B. People who do not wish to role play can opt out.

The program also covers the roles: medication, exercise, nutrition & lifestyle factors can play in alleviating social anxiety. There is a strong emphasis on increasing participants self esteem.

There is homework given after each session and the homework involves: reading, practising relaxation techniques learnt in the group and completing sheets & workbooks.

The major advantages of a group program is that it (1) provides participants with the opportunity to role play feared social situations in a friendly, supportive environment, (2) allows sufferers to see that others face similar difficulties in life and (3) can provide an avenue for making new friends.

The number of participants is limited to 8 to ensure everyone receives adequate attention so book early to avoid disappointment.

Individual sessions are also available for people who do not wish to do a group.

Please ring to arrange an individual session prior to booking for the group. This is to ensure that group therapy is appropriate for you and to obtain information about the difficulties you are experiencing.

Location:

Hawthorn Community House
32 Henry Street, Hawthorn

Dates & Times:

• Monday 8th February — Monday 12 th April
• Monday 3rd May — Monday 21st June
• Monday 5th July — Monday 23rd August
• Monday 6th September — Monday 25th October
• Monday 8th November — 20th December (7 sessions only*)

Note: Groups run over 8 weeks from 7.00 — 9.30pm
Groups are not held on public holidays.

Cost:

$600 or $300 for health care card holders
$525 for group starting Monday 8th November.
N.B. private health fund rebates may apply if you have extras cover.
So check whether you are covered for group therapy.

Note: Fee includes:

• 8 x 2.5 hour group sessions

• a comprehensive manual and booklist.

Phone (03) 9819 3671 for further enquiries