Group Counselling (OPEN)

The Parramatta Psychology Clinic has regular group counselling for Depression and Anxiety, Drug and Alcohol Misuse and Body Dissatisfaction. Each group runs for 6 weeks, 1 hour per week and is run on site at the clinic. The cost is $10 per week if you have a referral from your GP and a current Mental Health Treatment Plan under the Medicare Better Access Scheme.

Combined Anxiety and Depression Group Counselling

Saturdays at 11am
Next course starts: To be advised. Please register your interest here!

This course has been designed by Forensic Psychologist Larissa Engel who has extensive experience working with clients with anxiety and depression. The course provides participants with practical and evidenced-based coping strategies to manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which one person can suffer from (and this is quite common). The course is broken into the following modules:

Week 1– Psycho-education on depressive disorders including behavioural, physical and psychological symptoms. Psycho-education on anxiety disorders including behavioural, physical and psychological symptoms.
Week 2– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Why we use it, its limitations, detailed and practical explanation of the model for modification of symptoms.
Week 3– Managing what your mind says. Understanding automatic thoughts: types, identification of different types of thoughts. Cognitive restructuring: identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts. Thought monitoring diary.
Week 4-Strategies for managing depression: sleep hygiene, relaxation strategies
Week 5– Strengthening your communication and assertiveness
Week 6– Behavioural activation: setting goals, planning for setbacks, support networks.

Alcohol and Drug Misuse Group Counselling

Saturdays at 12pm
Next course starts: To be advised. Please register your interest here!

This course has been designed by Forensic Psychologist Larissa Engel who has extensive experience assisting individuals who suffer from alcohol or drug misuse (pattern of binging) or dependency (using every day). The course provides practical and evidence based strategies to assist participants to modify their alcohol or drug use. The course is broken in to the following components:

Week 1– information and education on drug types including alcohol.
Week 2– Understanding urges and cravings, and how to respond to them.
Week 3– Understanding lapses vs relapses. Creating a realistic framework for “slip ups”.
Week 4- Mood management skills: mindfulness. distraction and delay techniques.
Week 5– Drug refusal skills: learning how to say no with assertiveness skills.
Week 6– Planning for success: managing high risk situations and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Body Dissatisfaction Group Counselling

Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Next course starts: To be advised. Please register your interest here!

This course is designed for individuals whose dissatisfaction with their bodies is causing distress, leading to the avoidance of activities (e.g. going to the beach, wearing singlets) and impacting on relationships. Participants will learn practical strategies to manage intrusive thoughts about body image and increase satisfaction with self through hands on exercises.

This course is the perfect complement to diet management plans whether through a dietician or personal trainer.

This course has been designed by Susan Paxton and Beth Shelton who are industry leaders in treating eating disorders.

Terms & Conditions

– Medicare require group counselling to have minimum 6 and maximum 10 participants to run.

– Cost is $60 per course with a referral from your GP and a current mental health treatment plan.

– Fees must be paid in full at time of registering for the course.

– Cancellation fee: 7 days notice is required to receive a full refund on the course cost. If less than 1 week is provided a 50% refund will be provided or elect to participate in the next course.

Please click here to register.