Group Therapy
Group therapy and group counselling can be one of the most powerful steps you take toward feeling better, and one of the most human.
At Conscious Calm Psychology, our small, closed groups of 4–10 participants are facilitated by Bridget and Sarah, psychologists in Cheltenham with extensive experience in CBT, ACT, and DBT.
It's a space where you can build skills, connect with others who genuinely understand what you're going through, and take a supported step toward better mental health without having to do it alone.
If you're curious about joining a group, we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest below or email us at admin@consciouscalmpsychology.com.au with any questions.
Current Group Programs
Regulate Together - Nervous System Regulation Group for Parents and Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children
Regulate Together is a supportive, confidential group for caregivers of autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent children. The program helps caregivers care for their own nervous systems so they can respond to their children with greater understanding and connection to decrease any further stress in the family system.
Parenting a neurodivergent child can be meaningful and deeply rewarding, while also bringing exhaustion, advocacy fatigue, uncertainty and burnout. Caregivers are often trying to meet a child’s individual needs while managing family life, school expectations and their own emotional load. This group offers a neuroaffirming space where caregivers do not have to justify their experience or present themselves as coping perfectly.
Sarah combines trauma-informed, neuroaffirming psychological knowledge with practical regulation strategies. The emphasis is not on changing a child’s neurodivergence. The focus is on helping caregivers understand nervous-system responses, recognise what may sit beneath behaviour, strengthen their own capacity and support co-regulation within the family.
The group explores
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How the nervous system works and how stress changes our capacity to respond
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Why regulation matters for both parents and children
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How to recognise overwhelm, escalation, shutdown and reduced capacity
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Practical co-regulation strategies for everyday family life
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Ways to reduce parental exhaustion, guilt and overwhelm
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How connection and repair can support a family after difficult moments
Each session includes
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Accessible psychoeducation
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Guided regulation exercises
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Practical strategies to try at home
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Group discussion, reflection and support
Who the group is for
Caregivers of children with autism, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental profiles. The group supports the caregiver and is not a child therapy or diagnostic program.
Facilitator and rebates
The group is facilitated by Sarah Newstead, Clinical Psychologist, EMDR practitioner, Circle of Security facilitator and AHPRA Board-approved supervisor.
Sarah has more than 15 years of experience and brings a compassionate, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming approach to supporting parents and families. Sarah is a trained Circle of Security Facilitator and draws on this evidence based attachment program to inform her groups and care.
Medicare rebates may be available with a valid GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan. Caregivers can also attend as private, self-funded participants.
Eligibility and current group details should be confirmed with the practice before registration.
Benefits of Closed Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions are different to individual therapy, and for many people, they're exactly what they need. The research on the benefits of closed group therapy is clear:
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You realise you're not alone. Hearing others share similar struggles can be one of the most relieving experiences in therapy
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It's a chance to find your voice in a safe, supported environment
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Skills learned during group sessions can be practised with others in real time, which deepens the learning
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It offers genuine connection and the opportunity to meet people who understand
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Each group is built on a foundation of respect, confidentiality, privacy, safety, and trust
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Medicare rebates are available, separate from your individual therapy entitlement
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More accessible than individual therapy for those managing cost
What to expect
Each therapy group runs for 4–8 sessions of 60 minutes each. Most group sessions include a mindfulness exercise, skill practice, and group discussion, with tea and water provided throughout. Participation is encouraged, but if you'd prefer to observe at times, that's completely okay. Make it your own.
Please contact us for information on upcoming group therapy topics and dates.
FAQs
What is group therapy?
Group therapy and group counselling involves working alongside peers with similar struggles. It can be a less intimidating start to therapy, a chance to realise you're not alone, an opportunity to find your voice, and a space to practise the skills you build throughout the program. For many people it's also a meaningful chance to connect with others in a way that individual therapy can't replicate.
What’s the difference between group and individual therapy?
Group therapy sessions take place with others in a shared space, while individual therapy is just between you and your therapist. Both have real benefits, and at Conscious Calm Psychology in Cheltenham you can access both under Medicare in the same year.
Who will run the groups?
Bridget and Sarah are both psychologists in Cheltenham with extensive training in group therapy facilitation and modalities including CBT, ACT, and DBT. For more about their backgrounds, visit our team page.
What can I expect?
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Depending on the topic, the number of sessions can range from 4 - 8.
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The number of participants in each group will be a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 10. Most sessions will be 60 minutes, unless specifically stated.
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Each group is based on some simple principles; respect, confidentiality, privacy, safety, and trust.
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Each session will have a different focus and will build on previous sessions. Sessions will tend to include a mindfulness exercise, practice opportunities, discussion, and tea/water will be available throughout. We encourage participation, but also understand that some people prefer to observe - that's okay, make it your own!
How many people are in a group?
Our closed group therapy sessions have between 4 and 10 participants, creating an intimate environment that supports trust and genuine connection.
What's the difference between 'open' and 'closed' groups?
An open group means you can attend one or all of the sessions. A closed group means you commit to the entire series, which creates a more consistent, trusting environment for everyone involved. Our therapy group sessions are closed groups.
How long does group therapy go for?
Group therapy programs run for 4–8 sessions of 60 minutes each, held at our Cheltenham practice or via telehealth.
Is this subsidised by Medicare?
You can pay privately or you can visit your GP to receive a referral for a mental health care plan. This will entitle you to 10 group therapy sessions each calendar year (in addition to 10 individual therapy sessions each calendar year) which are subsidised by Medicare. As of June 2025, you will receive a $36.85 rebate per session.
If you're not sure how to get a Mental Health Care Plan, your GP can walk you through it.
Do I need to pre-pay?
For closed groups, pre-payment is required and we'll process your Medicare rebates on the day of each group session. If you don't attend a session, you won't be entitled to your rebate for that day.
How can I register my interest?
You can register your interest using the form below or email us at admin@consciouscalmpsychology.com.au. We'll get back to you with an intake form and any additional information you need.
Where to find us
Conscious Calm Psychology is located at 275 Bay Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192. Whether you're looking for a psychologist in Cheltenham or a therapist across Bayside Melbourne, you don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out - we're here to help you find your way.
We're proud to serve the Bayside Melbourne community including Mentone, Parkdale, Mordialloc, Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Bentleigh, Black Rock and Beaumaris.