Kirsty Furness and Kay Mathewson at Massey University’s Centre for Psychology.
High demand from Auckland anxiety sufferers looking to get help using group therapy has seen a second programme open up at Massey University’s Centre for Psychology in Albany.
Group facilitator and intern clinical psychologist Kirsty Furness says the response to the initial Wednesday night programme was so overwhelming that it was clear opening up another group session was necessary.
The groups are based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which provides a practical approach to help manage and overcome problems, and are supervised by senior clinical psychologist Kay Mathewson.
“CBT has been very well-researched, and is a short-term, skills-focused therapy that enables participants to learn new strategies for coping with anxiety,” she says. “Group therapy can be extremely helpful because you get more support in a group environment. Everyone gets together to find a solution.”
The programme, one of a range of community programmes provided by Centre for Psychology staff, is available to people aged 18 and over with a maximum of eight participants per group. There is an initial $70 assessment fee, and sessions cost $40 per session, or $280 plus the assessment fee if paid in advance.
The new programme will begin on Tuesday September 11, and run from 5.30 to 7pm, for an eight-week period. All the sessions will be held at the Centre for Psychology on Level 3 of the North Shore Library Building, 29 State Highway 17, Albany Village, Albany.
The centre also offers clinical expertise for a wide range of needs, including children with emotional, learning or behavioural difficulties; individuals or couples with relationship problems; older adults suffering anxiety, grief or depression; people with work-related difficulties; and new migrants struggling with adjusting to a new culture and customs.
For more information, please contact Helen McMaster: h.mcmaster@massey.ac.nz or call 09 441 8175. People interested in therapy do not need a GP referral but will be assessed by the centre first.
Created: 29/08/2012 | Last updated: 29/08/2012