Who is the program for?

The Anxiety and Depression Management program is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based program designed for individuals who have a diagnosis of anxiety or depression or both. The program is suitable for community referrals and also for patients who have recently been discharged from The Melbourne Clinic inpatient program.

How will it help me?

The Anxiety and Depression Management program offers participants a variety of psycho-educational modules each month that provide information and skills training to manage symptoms. Interpersonal therapy is included in each session which is an opportunity for participants to share the challenges and triumphs of skills application through lived personal experience. Participants also develop skills in regular mindfulness practice which includes building openness, awareness and focus to the present moment. The benefits of mindfulness include improved self-awareness which enables participants to “unhook” from difficult thoughts and feelings while developing self-acceptance and self-compassion.

It is anticipated that participation in the program will reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and reduce symptomatic relapse by prolonging periods of effective management and healthy wellbeing.

When does it run?

This program runs on Mondays from 9:20am-3:00pm. Participants can start the program straight away following a suitable day programs assessment.

Please click HERE to see an up-to-date Day Program Schedule, with a summary of group topics and dates.

Who is the program for?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Foundations is a program designed for adults with a range of mental health diagnoses and symptoms which could include depression and anxiety.

How will it help me?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that has nearly 40 years of science behind it. ACT is based on a simple idea: Life can be difficult, and we all experience things we don't like or want to avoid. Rather than struggling to eliminate these uncomfortable feelings or trying to control everything, ACT teaches us to accept what we can't change and focus on what really matters.

This program is designed to help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or just feeling stuck, ACT can provide the tools to make lasting changes.

Throughout this group, we’ll introduce you to six core skills that make up the ACT model:

1. Cognitive Defusion – Learning how to "unhook" from the thoughts that hold us back, so they don’t control our actions.
2. Acceptance – Embracing uncomfortable emotions and thoughts instead of avoiding or pushing them away.
3. Present Moment Awareness – Bringing our attention to the here and now, helping us to be fully engaged with life rather than getting caught up in past regrets or future worries.
4. The Noticing Self – Recognizing that we are more than our thoughts and feelings. We can observe them without being defined by them.
5. Values Clarification – Understanding what truly matters to you in life, so you can make decisions that are aligned with your values, not just what’s easy or comfortable.
6. Committed Action – Setting realistic goals and taking consistent, purposeful action to move toward what’s important, even if it’s difficult.

The goal is not to make all your problems go away, but to help you live your life more fully, no matter what challenges you face.

Who is the program for?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT Creatively mirrors the ACT Foundations program however includes the key component of creative expression through art. This program is for people who want to use the model of ACT in their lives. No artistic ability is required, just a willingness to use the creative process as a method of exploring thoughts and emotions in the framework of ACT. The group is run by both an ACT therapist and an art therapist.

How will it help me?

Often art is a medium that transcends other forms of communication and language. Some people find that using art expression enables a deeper insight. ACT Creatively covers all six core processes which consist of mindfulness, values, acceptance, committing to action, de-fusion or ‘unhooking’ from thoughts and developing self-awareness.

When does it run?

This 10 week program is run one day per week from 9:20am-3pm.

Who is this program for?

ACT proceeds from a foundation level towards a higher level of competency and skills through the ACT in Practice, and then onto ACT Graduates programs. These programs are designed for individuals who have completed ACT Foundations and who want to continue to practice and apply the skills they have put into practice to create ongoing change in their lives.

How will it help me?

ACT in Practice – Deepening Your Skills

ACT in Practice is a weekly group designed for those who have completed ACT Foundations and want to strengthen their ability to apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in daily life. This group builds on the six core ACT skills of mindfulness, values, acceptance, committing to action, de-fusion or ‘unhooking’ from thoughts and developing self-awareness, offering ongoing guidance and practical exercises to help you integrate them into real-world situations.

Through group discussions, experiential exercises, and shared reflections, you’ll develop greater flexibility in handling challenges, staying present, and making choices that align with what truly matters. This group also supports you in maintaining a consistent mindfulness practice while deepening your commitment to values-based action.

If you're ready to move beyond the foundations and continue developing ACT as a lifelong approach, ACT in Practice provides the structure and support to help you do just that.

ACT Graduates – Sustaining Growth & Connection

ACT Graduates is a fortnightly group for those who have completed ACT in Practice and want to continue refining and applying ACT skills in a supportive space. . Participants benefit from ongoing skills facilitation and encouragement from group members on a fortnightly basis. This group offers ongoing facilitation and encouragement, helping you stay engaged with mindfulness, self-compassion, and values-driven action as you navigate life’s challenges.

Whether you’re looking to sustain long-term change, deepen your understanding, or simply stay connected to a community of like-minded individuals, ACT Graduates provides a space for continued growth, reflection, and integration.

This group is also open to those who have completed ACT Creatively, offering an opportunity to explore ACT principles through an artistic lens while reinforcing the core skills that promote resilience and psychological flexibility.

When does it run?

ACT in practice is run one day per week from 9:20am-3pm, and for one evening per week from 5:30pm-8:45pm.

ACT Graduates is offered ongoing in fortnightly sessions in the evening from 5:30pm-8:45pm. These programs can be attended for up to 12 months depending upon group effectiveness.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for participants who want to maximise the key therapeutic practice of mindfulness in their lives. It is based upon the evidence-based approach known as Mindfulness-Based-Stress-Reduction (MBSR). It is for people who have already have some experience with formal mindfulness practice and who wish to deepen this more so.

How will it help me?

Deepening Mindfulness supports participants to continue to develop the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness that is the awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose to present-moment experiences in the mind and body (e.g., thoughts, sensations, emotions) without trying to hold onto them, resist them, judge them, or avoid them. Deepening mindfulness helps participants remain accepting, open, interested, and connected while developing a compassion for ourselves like that of a comforting friend.

When does it run?

This program is offered ongoing in fortnightly sessions in the evening from 5:30pm-8:45pm.

Who is the program for?

Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) is designed for people with a history of mood or anxiety disorders and difficulties stemming from low self-worth and self-critical thoughts.

How will it help me?

This is a ten-week program using mindfulness practices focused on the heart. Participants are supported to nourish a kinder relationship with themselves, tame their inner critic and work with the powerful emotion of shame.

Mindful Self Compassion assists participants to:

• Understand and cultivate self-compassion
• Practice mindfulness with a focus on emotions and the heart
• Meet difficult emotions (including shame) with a compassionate heart
• Connect with a compassionate rather than critical voice
• Explore connection, disconnection and compassion for others
• Cultivate gratitude and appreciation for the self.

When does it run?

This 10-weekprogram is run one evening per week from 5:30pm – 9:00pm.