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:
- provides participants with the opportunity to role play feared interpersonal or performance scenarios in a friendly, supportive environment
- allows sufferers to see that others face similar difficulties in life, and
- 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
- Monday February 5th, 2018 to Monday 9th April, 2018
- Thursday February 1st, 2018 to Thursday 22nd March, 2018
- Tuesday April 17th to Tuesday 5th June 2018
- Thursday 26th April to Thursday 14th June 2018
- Tuesday 12th June to Tuesday 31st July 2018
- Thursday 21st June to Thursday 9th August 2018
- Thursday 16th August to Thursday 4th October 2018
- Thursday 11th October to Thursday 29th November 2018
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 rebatefor 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.
Cinical 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 aproximately 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.