How to Overcome Social Phobias? (e.g. Public Speaking) With Group Therapy

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)

The Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety Group Therapy program covers the roles medication, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle factors can play in alleviating social anxiety disorder. There is a strong emphasis on increasing participants self esteem. Homework exercises designed to consolidate the lessons learnt in each session are provided. These involve some reading, practicing relaxation techniques learnt in the group and completing sheets and workbooks.   The major advantages of an overcoming shyness and social phobia group program include:

1. provides participants with the opportunity to role play feared interpersonal or performance scenarios 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 8-10 to ensure everyone receives adequate attention. Individual sessions are also available for people who do not wish to join 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. Note: People who do not wish to role play can opt out.

2018 Schedule for Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness

Note: Groups run over 8 weeks from 7.10 — 9.30pm

Groups are not held on public holidays

• Thursday from 3rd July to Thursday 21st August
• Tuesday from 26th July to 13th September
• Thursday from 28th August to 16th October
• Tuesday from 20th September to Tuesday 8th November
• Tuesday from 30th October to Tuesday 18th December
• Thursday from 15th November to Thursday 20th December (6 sessions only)

Intensive course Schedule

TBD

Location

Hawthorn Community House 32 Henry Street, Hawthorn

Cost

$650   Concession may be available for eligible health care card holders Note: Private health fund rebates may apply if you have extras cover. You will need to check whether you are covered for group therapy. Medicare rebates are now available for the Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety group therapy so please consult your G.P for a Mental Health Care Plan as it may entitle you to a rebate of $253.00. N.B. you cannot claim both your Medicare rebate and your private health fund rebate for any given psychology session Fee includes:

• 8 x 2.5 hour group sessions

Registration

Phone (03) 9819 3671 or 0429 88 3671 for further information or to register for group therapy sessions.   Note: There are no refunds for non-attendance at sessions or for people who cancel  within 5 working days of the course they booked for commencing.

Clinical Psychologist

Catherine Madigan (B.A. Hons., M.A. (Clinical Psychology), M.A.P.S. Catherine Madigan is a Melbourne Clinical psychologist who has substantial experience in the treatment of social anxiety disorder and can show you how to conquer your fears. Catherine has  been teaching people  how to overcome shyness for approximately 20 years and has conducted these groups for both the public mental health system and as part of her private practice. The Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service and job placement agencies have referred clients to ‘Overcoming Shyness and Social Anxiety’. Catherine’s work with sufferers has been featured in publications such as The Age, The Herald Sun, New Idea, For Me, Women’s Health & Fitness magazine and War Cry. 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 interpersonal and performance scenarios (exposure therapy). There is the opportunity for participants to receive video feedback if they wish.