Group therapy

What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy is a treatment modality that goes beyond simply symptom management, exploring how individuals can improve their overall quality of life, develop stronger and healthier relationships, and find a sense of autonomy and competence in their lives. It is typically a longer-term therapy modality that focuses treating psychological challenges through, cognitive, behaviour, and emotional corrective experiences. To date Schema Therapy has strong evidence with complex psychological problems that have had little response to other forms of treatment.

Why do Group Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders?
Research has found that while Cognitive behaviour Therapy is the most commonly utilised treatment for eating disorders, there are high relapse rates. Further, those who have eating disorders often experience other comorbid mental health conditions as well as complex personality traits. Group therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a number of psychological problems and disorders. There are many benefits of group therapy that cannot be achieved in individual therapy. Individuals who have had a history of developmental trauma, sometimes encounter problems in relationships which may include a lack of trust, increased conflict, and feelings of not belonging or a sense of isolation in their mental health difficulties. Group therapy addresses these areas in a way that individual therapy cannot. Many people who have completed group therapy, namely Group Schema Therapy, reflect on how they felt a sense of belonging, normalisation and trust in communicating their emotional needs and opinions with others that had previously been very difficult.

What does the program actually entail?
The Group Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders program at the Schema Therapy Institute Australia, is an adaptation of Group Schema Therapy for Eating Disorders, that was developed by Susan Simpson. The group treatment program integrates psychoeducation on the development of Schemas & Modes and how they relate to psychological problems and symptoms, emotional awareness training, distress management/coping skills and improved relationships.

The current group program involves 20 group sessions that are 90 minutes in duration and held during business hours at our Essendon Location. Individual sessions with one of the group facilitators (weekly/fortnightly) is an option for individuals who do not have an individual therapist and in need of additional support. However, it is highly recommended that whilst you are engaged in the program you continue to engage with your individual therapist.

How much does it cost?
The cost per session for group is $120. Participants who are in financial hardship can discuss a reduced fee during intake. Participants will be provided with a workbook and relevant handouts on a session by session basis. There is no initial assessment for the program, however it is expected that participants complete a detailed acceptance package that includes a life history questionnaire and an attachment questionnaire. Medicare rebates can apply to group for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Participants may also be asked to attend a feedback session.

Is there a Pre-requisite?
Our Group DBT Skills Training is designed to be a one-off group, however, it is also an essential pre-requisite group for all individuals who wish to complete Group Schema Therapy at Schema Therapy Institute Australia. We recommend this as a pre-requisite as based on information from previous Group Schema Therapy participants, we have found that it is essential to learn effective and adaptive coping skills prior to completing the course.

What will be asked of me?
You will be required to complete an assessment package that will be sent to you upon acceptance to the group to ensure the program is a right fit for your individual needs. Participants are expected to attend all 80% sessions across the 20 weeks. Participants are also expected to do all in between session tasks that are set week to week.

When does it start?
Please contact group@stia.com.au for the next scheduled start date or to express interest.

How do I register?
Please register your interest by emailing: group@schematherapyinstitute.com.au or filling out the form below; Ms Jessica Alabakis is responsible for group intake and co-ordination and will handle your inquiry.

Who runs the Group Program?
The program is run by registered psychologists, the team of Group Schema Therapists include Ms Jessica Alabakis and Dr Suzy Redston.

What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy is a treatment modality that goes beyond simply symptom management, exploring how individuals can improve their overall quality of life, develop stronger and healthier relationships, and find a sense of autonomy and competence in their lives. It is typically a longer-term therapy modality that focuses treating psychological challenges through, cognitive, behaviour, and emotional corrective experiences. To date Schema Therapy has strong evidence with complex psychological problems that have had little response to other forms of treatment.

What is Group Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder?
The Group Schema Therapy program at the Schema Therapy Institute Australia, is an adaptation of Group Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, that was developed by Professor Joan Farrell & Ms Ida Shaw. The group treatment program integrates psychoeducation on the development of Schemas & Modes and how they relate to psychological problems and symptoms, emotional awareness training, distress management/coping skills and improved relationships.

We have recently introduced a six week pre-GST DBT skills group to be completed first. The group co-ordinator will discuss this with you.

What does the program actually entail?
The group treatment program integrates psychoeducation on the development of Schemas & Modes and how they relate to psychological problems and symptoms, emotional awareness training, distress management/coping skills and improved relationships.

The current group program involves 20 group sessions that are 90 minutes in duration and held during business hours at our Essendon Location. Individual sessions with one of the group facilitators (weekly/fortnightly) is an option for individuals who do not have an individual therapist and in need of additional support. However, it is highly recommended that whilst you are engaged in the program you continue to engage with your individual therapist.

How much does it cost?
The total cost of group is $2,400 for the 20 sessions. Participants will be required to pay 50% of the total cost ($1,200) prior to commencing the first session and the remaining cost at week 10. Cost breakdown per session for group is $120. Participants will be emailed a PDF with relevant handouts on a session-by-session basis. There is no initial assessment for the program, however it is expected that participants complete a detailed acceptance package that includes a life history questionnaire and an attachment questionnaire. Medicare rebates can apply to group for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Participants may also be asked to attend a feedback session.

Is there a Pre-requisite?
Our Group DBT Skills Training is designed to be a one-off group, however, it is also an essential pre-requisite group for all individuals who wish to complete Group Schema Therapy at Schema Therapy Institute Australia. We recommend this as a pre-requisite as based on information from previous Group Schema Therapy participants, we have found that it is essential to learn effective and adaptive coping skills prior to completing the course.

What will be asked of me?
You will be required to complete an assessment package that will be sent to you upon acceptance to the group to ensure the program is a right fit for your individual needs. Participants are expected to attend all 80% sessions across the 20 weeks. Participants are also expected to do all in between session tasks that are set week to week.

When does it start?
Please contact group@stia.com.au to express interest in in this program and find out start dates.

How do I register?
Please register your interest by emailing: group@stia.com.au or complete the form below; Ms Jessica Alabakis is responsible for group intake and co-ordination and will handle your inquiry.

Who runs the Group Program?
The program is run by various members of the team at Schema Therapy Institute.

What is Schema Therapy?
Unlike other approaches that focus on skill acquisition, Schema Therapy goes beyond symptom management and helps individuals improve their overall quality of life, have healthier relationships and to have a sense of confidence and empowerment in their lives. Through focusing on deeper psychological issues, Schema Therapy has proven to be effective with complex psychological problems, including Personality Disorders, Complex/Developmental Trauma, Chronic Mood Disturbance and interpersonal problems that have not responded to other treatments.

Why do Group Schema Therapy?
Group therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a number of psychological problems and disorders. There are many benefits of group therapy that can not be achieved in individual therapy. Individuals who have had a history of developmental trauma, sometimes encounter problems in relationships which may include a lack of trust, increased conflict, and feelings of not belonging or a sense of isolation in their mental health difficulties. Group therapy addresses these areas in a way that individual therapy cannot. Many people who have completed group therapy, namely Group Schema Therapy, reflect on how they felt a sense of belonging, normalisation and trust in communicating their emotional needs and opinions with others that had previously been very difficult.

What does the program actually entail?
The Group Schema Therapy program at the Schema Therapy Institute Australia, is an adaptation of Group Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, that was developed by Professor Joan Farrell & Ms Ida Shaw. The group treatment program integrates psychoeducation on the development of Schemas & Modes and how they relate to psychological problems and symptoms, emotional awareness training, distress management/coping skills and improved relationships.

We have recently introduced a six week pre-GST DBT skills group to be completed first. The group co-ordinator will discuss this with you.

How much does it cost?

The total cost of group is $2,400 for the 20 sessions. Participants will be required to pay 50% of the total cost ($1,200) prior to commencing the first session and the remaining cost at week 10. Cost breakdown per session for group is $120. Participants will be emailed a PDF with relevant handouts on a session-by-session basis. There is no initial assessment for the program, however it is expected that participants complete a detailed acceptance package that includes a life history questionnaire and an attachment questionnaire. Medicare rebates can apply to group for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Participants may also be asked to attend a feedback session.

Is there a Pre-requisite?
Our Group DBT Skills Training is designed to be a one-off group, however, it is also an essential pre-requisite group for all individuals who wish to complete Group Schema Therapy at Schema Therapy Institute Australia. We recommend this as a pre-requisite as based on information from previous Group Schema Therapy participants, we have found that it is essential to learn effective and adaptive coping skills prior to completing the course.

What will be asked of me?
You will be required to complete an assessment package that will be sent to you upon acceptance to the group to ensure the program is a right fit for your individual needs. Participants are expected to attend all sessions across the 20 weeks. Participants are also expected to do all in between session tasks that are set week to week.

When does it start?
Please contact group@stia.com.au to express interest or enquire about start dates.

Who runs the Group Program?
Various practitioners in the team run groups at Schema Therapy Institute, depending on specific group.

How do I register?
Please register your interest by emailing: group@stia.com.au or completing the form below; Ms Jessica Alabakis is responsible for group intake and co-ordination and will handle your inquiry.

What is DBT and DBT skills?
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy is a long-term intensive treatment designed on the basis of dialectical and biosocial theory of psychological disorders, originally developed as treatment for individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, or chronical suicidality. The view of DBT is that emotions are brief, involuntary, and patterned responses to an individuals internal and external world. DBT skills differ from standard DBT as the aim of DBT Skills Training is to utilise the skills component of DBT to assist individuals to create changes emotionally, cognitively, behaviourally and interpersonally. The skills are designed to aid in impulse control, emotion regulation, self-image, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

Why do DBT Skills Training?
Group therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a number of psychological problems and disorders. DBT Skills Training differs to many other group therapies as it is not a process group that focuses on processing ones feelings. Rather, group DBT Skills Training is designed to provide individuals an opportunity to learn new more adaptive skills and ways of coping, utilising skills that have been taught. Think of it as a skills lab, where you are provided with techniques and tools to practice adaptive coping in your everyday life. Although DBT was originally created as a treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, the research on DBT has grown significantly, with evidence indicating that DBT can be useful for a vast range of mental health disorders including anxiety and depression, as well as disorders that are characterised by impulse control.

What does the program actually entail?
The DBT Skills Training group at Schema Therapy Institute Australia, is an adaption of DBT Skills Training, that was developed by Marsha Linehan. The DBT Skills Training group runs for 12 weeks, integrating skills from the 4 key modules (Mindfulness, Interpersonal effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance). The aim of the 12 weeks is to focus on key skills/techniques for each module to assist group members to develop emotional awareness, as well as more adaptive coping skills. Individuals from 15 years old are eligible to be considered for the program.

Our Group DBT Skills Training is designed to be a one-off group, however, it is also an essential pre-requisite group for all individuals who wish to complete Group Schema Therapy at Schema Therapy Institute Australia. We recommend this as a pre-requisite as based on information from previous Group Schema Therapy participants, we have found that it is essential to learn effective and adaptive coping skills prior to completing the course.

The current DBT Skills Training group is a 12-week course that involves one session per week that is 120 (90 minutes if online) minutes in duration. The face to face sessions are generally held on a Saturday and it is recommended that participants be engaged in their own individual therapy (although this is not essential; where available Provisional Psychologists on placement can provide individual supportive therapy as an adjunct to the group program). This group is also being offered online, please inform the group coordinator whether you prefer online or face to face.

How much does it cost?
The total cost for the 12-week program is $1,440. Participants will be required to pay 50% of the total cost ($720) prior to commencing the first session and the remaining cost at week 6. Cost breakdown for group is $120 per week for the 120-minute sessions. Participants will be emailed a PDF with relevant handouts on a session-by-session basis. There is no initial assessment for the program, however it is expected that participants complete a detailed acceptance package that includes a life history questionnaire and an attachment questionnaire. Medicare rebates can apply to group for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Participants may also be asked to attend a feedback session.

What will be asked of me?
You will be required to complete an assessment package that will be sent to you upon acceptance to the group to ensure the program is a right fit for your individual needs. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants are also expected to do all in between session tasks that are set week to week.

When does it start?
The DBT program is run 2- 3 times a year. Please contact the group coordinator at group@stia.com.au for more information.

Who runs the Group Program?
The program is run by experienced team members from Schema Therapy Institute Australia.

How do I register?
Please register your interest by completing the form below or emailing: group@stia.com.au; Ms Jessica Alabakis is responsible for group intake and co-ordination and will handle your inquiry.

What is the ADHD strategies group?

The adult ADHD strategies group is a program that is neuro-affirming and designed to assist adults with ADHD. The program is based on a neuro-affirming approach that is designed to provide psychoeducation and teach core strategies that target some of the main challenges associated with ADHD. The aim of the program is to assist individuals to obtain support for their challenges and create changes emotionally, cognitively, behaviourally, and interpersonally. The strategies focus on; attention, memory, organisation and time management, impulsivity, problem solving, interpersonal relationships, sleep, and mood/anxiety difficulties that are often comorbid with ADHD.

Why do Adult ADHD strategies Training?

Group therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a number of psychological problems and disorders. Adult ADHD strategies differs to many other group therapies as it is not a process group that focuses on processing one’s feelings. Rather, the program is designed to provide individuals an opportunity to learn new more adaptive skills and ways of coping, utilising skills that have been taught. Think of it as a skills lab, where you are provided with techniques and tools to practice adaptive coping in your everyday life. The program is based off of evidence-based research that utilises the cognitive behaviour therapy framework and behavioural principles.

What does the program actually entail?

The Adult ADHD strategies group runs for 13 weeks, integrating strategies for attention, memory, time management, organisation, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships. The program will also look at mood and anxiety disorders, anger, and addiction. The aim of the 13 weeks is to focus on key skills/techniques for ADHD that enable them to identify where their main challenges are and implement new more adaptive ways to manage their symptoms. Individuals from 15 years old are eligible to be considered for the program.

The current Adult ADHD strategies group is a 13-week course that involves one session per week that is 90 minutes in duration. The face-to-face sessions are generally held on a weekday, and it is recommended that participants be engaged in their own individual therapy (although this is not essential).

How much does it cost?

The total cost for the 13-week program is $1,560. Participants will be required to pay 50% of the total cost ($780) prior to commencing the first session and the remaining cost at week 6. Cost breakdown for group is $120 per week for the 90-minute sessions. Participants will be emailed a PDF with relevant handouts on a session-by-session basis. There is no initial assessment for the program, however it is expected that participants complete a detailed acceptance package that includes a life history questionnaire. Medicare rebates can apply to group for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Participants may also be asked to attend a feedback session.

What will be asked of me?

You will be required to complete an assessment package that will be sent to you upon acceptance to the group to ensure the program is a right fit for your individual needs. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants are also expected to do all in between session tasks that are set week to week.

When does it start?

The ADHD program is run 2- 3 times a year. Please contact the group coordinator at group@stia.com.au for more information.

Who runs the Group Program?

The program is run by experienced team members from Schema Therapy Institute Australia.

How do I register?

Please register your interest by completing the form below or emailing: group@stia.com.au; Ms Jessica Alabakis is responsible for group intake and co-ordination and will handle your inquiry.