The therapists at Acorn Psychology are passionate about finding additional ways to support our clients and community, and group programs can be a great way to enhance individual therapy outcomes or to access psychological therapy services in an efficient and cost effective way for people unable to attend individual therapy services.
THE BENEFITS OF GROUP THERAPY
There are several benefits to psychological group therapy which include the following:
Group sessions are collaborative and participants often feel validated not only by the therapist but also by other group members
Group sessions at Acorn are psycho-educational, meaning we cover areas that support improved well-being and functioning through skill development
Group therapy can be a great adjunct to individual therapy, consolidating and extending growth
Group therapy is a more cost-effective option to access psychological support.
Our Group Therapy Programs
Tuning in to Kids Parenting Program™
The Tuning in to Kids program helps parents nurture the development of emotional competence (sometimes called emotional intelligence) in their children.
The program is appropriate for parents of children and teens with demonstrated emotional difficulties, and for those parents who would like to improve family relationships or support their children in developing strong emotion regulation and interpersonal skills. Further information can be found at the Tuning in to Kids website: www.tuningintokids.org.au
Boosting Confidence and Navigating Friendships:
A Group Program for Girls
This bespoke program is designed to help teenage girls build confidence, navigate friendships, and strengthen their self-esteem in a fun, supportive group setting. Through engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and creative exercises, participants will explore their core values, develop strategies for managing peer pressure, and learn how to foster positive relationships. Each session will offer opportunities for self-reflection and practical skill-building, focusing on resilience, authenticity, and navigating social dynamics with confidence. The program is evidence-based, rooted in promoting healthy self-esteem and social connections, and facilitated by experienced professionals.
Study Smarter Program
Designed for secondary students in years nine to twelve, Study Smarter is a two-week small group program targeting executive function skills such as task initiation, planning, organisation, and improving focus. The program supports students to improve their learning and study habits, to help them work smarter not harder and maximise their academic outcomes and potential.
Feelings Explorers: A Group Program for 5-7 years olds
Feelings Explorers is a fun and interactive program designed to help young children understand and manage their emotions. Over two engaging sessions, children aged 5 to 7 explore feelings of frustration and worry through stories, creative and playful activities. Guided by experienced facilitators in a supportive environment, this program encourages self-awareness, emotional regulation, and practical coping strategies tailored to little explorers. With plenty of fun and discovery, Feelings Explorers is the perfect opportunity for children to build confidence in managing their big feelings.
Thinking for Wellness
Thinking for Wellness is a five-week, small group program designed to support participants to recognise patterns of thinking that are contributing to emotional distress or behavioural dysregulation. It’s based on Cognitive Therapy and supports the development of not only increased awareness, but also skills to be able to challenge and modify unhelpful or unrealistic thinking patterns. Thinking for Wellness can be attended either as a stand-alone process or is a great adjunct to individual therapy.
“Parents who speak with their children about their feelings have children who develop emotional intelligence and can understand their own and other people’s feelings more fully”