This is a 7-week course aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of the recovery approach and the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) model. It is hoped that you will build increased understanding of your mental health difficulties by starting to notice and learn about the interaction between thoughts, behaviour, mood/emotion and physical reactions. The importance of change and goal-setting are recognised.
The course is aimed at understanding mental health from a psychological perspective and recognising your own contribution to recovery. The expectation of this group is to be able to attend for the whole course. Participation in group discussion is encouraged, but is not compulsory, apart from introducing yourself.
This is a 20-week course for those who have completed the ‘Recovery Awareness Group’. It aims to help you develop a toolbox of strategies to increase psychological awareness, learn and build alternative responses to emotional triggers and to improve general mental health and daily functioning. It is expected that you will practice new skills during the programme to facilitate change and increased coping in your everyday life. Mindful approaches to building awareness are a feature throughout.
The Recovery Skills Group is made up of 5 modules. These are designed to build on the CBT knowledge from the Recovery Awareness Group, and include problem solving and mindfulness skills. There are modules specifically on managing anxiety, depression and communication skills. Participation is an expectation of this group, to identify goals to work on and feed back to the group on your progress. Also included are group discussions and exercises.
Creative groups offered are:- ‘Exploring Art’, ‘Exploring Clay’ and ‘Exploring Horticulture’. These are offered for a maximum of eight weeks, providing an opportunity to develop creative skills, knowledge and self-expression. These groups can help with increasing concentration, confidence, motivation, and social skills through group interaction. Creative groups can be a helpful way of getting used to being in a group setting. Attendance at creative groups will be based on individual goals that you identified at your intital appointment, such as reducing social anxiety.
This is an 8-week group aimed at increasing self-compassionate thoughts, behaviours and attitudes. We use approaches such as imagery, mindfulness, and psycho-education. We will explore benefits of self-compassion to mental and physical wellbeing, but also barriers such as our life experiences and beliefs. You will be encouraged to explore self-soothing and nurturing activities. Weekly homework tasks are required throughout to reinforce your learning.
This group is usually for people aged over 65. The focus is on improving mood, self-esteem, and using life’s experiences and achievements to reflect on one’s strengths and values. Awareness of living healthily and having a good quality of life is emphasised. It is hoped that the skills and knowledge learnt throughout the group will improve and maintain your wellbeing whilst going through the ageing process. This is a 16-week rolling programme: Staying Well for Older Adults which consist of workshops up to 2 ½ hours in duration. Please note that if you are referred in to the Older Adult Pathway, we will try to accommodate any sensory impairments, complex physical health needs, or preferences for learning.
