Group Therapy

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    SHADES Group Therapy Program (for adults)
    SHADES-Y Group Therapy Program (for adolescents)

    Anxiety and depression affect approximately 1 in 5 Australians each year. The SHADES program is designed to help individuals who suffer from these conditions develop self-management skills to manage symptoms and prevent relapse.

    SHADES Adult Group Therapy

    We are now accepting referrals for the next SHADES program starting in first term 2026. Places are filling up fast! Give our friendly administration team a call for more information.

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    The next group will commence at the start of the school term 1, February 4th 2026. It will be held on Wednesday nights between 6 and 8 pm and facilitated by Caitlyn Rogers.

    At Growth Psychology Practice we are pleased to offer the very popular and well-known Self Help for Anxiety and Depression Education Sessions (SHADES) group therapy course.

    Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. Confidential group sessions with experienced facilitators. Supported weekly practice tasks to reinforce new skills.

    The program was developed and run successfully by the Barwon Health MindlinX Primary Mental Health Team in Geelong and surrounding areas for several years. 

    Why SHADES?

    • Develop practical skills to manage anxiety and depression
    • Confidential group setting with professional support
    • Medicare rebate available for eligible participants
    • Convenient and accessible location in Geelong

    SHADES is best suited to people experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

    Session Fees

    Cost: $130 per session

    Medicare Rebate: $50.25
    (with GP referral under a Mental Health Care Plan)

    Cost After Medicare Rebate: $79.75

    Program Details

    2-hour weekly sessions over an 8 week course
    Group Size:  6 and 10 participants.
    Date: Commencing 4th February 2026
    Session Time: 6pm-8pm
    Where: Growth Psychology Practice
    129 McKillop St Geelong

    Contact Details

    Please contact us for any enquiries. 

    Business Hours

    • Mon - Thurs | 8:45am – 5:30pm
    • Friday | 8:45am – 4:00pm

    More about SHADES

    Your General Practitioner may be aware of SHADES. Research conducted on SHADES has demonstrated its benefit to participants. Participants benefit after having completed the course, and these benefits seem to grow further as time passes. Group participants are generally surprised at how helpful the group is to them.

    The SHADES group therapy course offers education on symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as training in practical self-management strategies. The course runs over 8 weekly sessions, and the size of the group is usually between 6 and 10 people. Your progress is measured across the 8 sessions and feedback is provided to each group member at the conclusion of the group.

    Your General Practitioner may be able to assist with a referral to the SHADES group under a Medicare Mental Health Plan.

    For further information regarding SHADES please contact our friendly administration staff on (03) 5242 8637.

    SHADES Y Adolescent Group Therapy

    At Growth Psychology Practice we have designed a specialised group (SHADES-Y) for adolescent experiencing anxiety and depression based on the very popular and successful Self Help for Anxiety and Depression Education Sessions (SHADES) adult group therapy program.

    SHADES-Y was developed and trialled using adolescents experiencing anxiety.

    SHADES-Y combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) frameworks and interventions to help young people gain increased awareness into their anxiety and develop strategies to manage it.

    The progress of participants is measured across the 7 weekly sessions and feedback is provided to each group member at the conclusion of the group. Adolescents are surprised at how helpful and enjoyable they find the group. Outcome measures of anxiety and depression from SHADES-Y have shown demonstrated benefits to participants.

    Your General Practitioner may be able to assist with a referral to the SHADES-Y group under a Medicare Mental Health Plan.

    For further information regarding SHADES-Y please contact our friendly administration staff on (03) 5242 8637.

    • Develop practical skills to manage anxiety and depression
    • Confidential group setting with professional support
    • Medicare rebate available for eligible participants
    • Convenient and accessible location in Geelong

    The program is suitable for adolescents aged 14-17 years, who are experiencing and struggling with anxiety.

    Session Fees

    Cost: Details Coming Soon

    Program Details

    Suitable for:  Adolescents 14-17 years
    Course Length: 7 week course
    Group Size:  6 and 10 participants.
    Date: Details Coming Soon
    Where: Growth Psychology Practice
    129 McKillop St Geelong

    Contact Details

    Please contact us if you’re interested in participating in our Adolescent Group Therapy.

    Business Hours

    • Mon - Thurs | 8:45am – 5:30pm
    • Friday | 8:45am – 4:00pm