Self-help, support and skills for recovery

ARCVic Recovery Programs - General Information

ARCVic's Recovery Programs are aimed at supporting participants to gain knowledge, skills and strategies that will assist them to recover from their anxiety disorder and achieve a better quality of life. The sessions combine cognitive-behaviour therapy, anxiety management skills, support and self-help techniques. Interventions and processes which are utilised in the programs include: education, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, exposure, attention training, social interaction exercises, large and small group discussions and exercises and sharing personal stories and experiences.

ARCVic provides four recovery programs:

and a support, skills and educational program for carers:

How may I benefit from attending a recovery program?

What can I expect to learn?

For more specific learning goals for each program, refer to the program information.

Important Note: These programs are focused on recovery rather than cure - that is they seek to provide people with skills, knowledge and support to assist their recovery, but participants should not expect to achieve full recovery or amelioration of symptoms from these programs alone. It is recommended that people with severe symptoms, or who have other major illnesses, mental health problems or other difficulties to cope with, should preferably attend this program as an adjunct to other on-going therapy.

Venue

Generally the programs will be held at ARCVic's premises - 42 High Street Road, Ashwood, Vic, 3149; however, programs may be run in other venues and metropolitan areas at various times.

Number of Places

Most of the recovery programs will take up to 10 people for each program. The OCD Recovery Program has a limit of 6 places for young people, and 12 places for parents/carers.

Assessment

The social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and OCD recovery programs are for people who have these conditions as their primary symptoms. All people who wish to participate must attend ARCVic for a pre-assessment interview with a psychologist. For the OCD Recovery Program, the young person and one or both parents are required for the interview. People will be offered places - or not, on the basis of the psychologist's recommendation following the assessment. If the psychologist's assessment indicates that the program would not be helpful for the person at this time, they will be offered appropriate referrals, and the opportunity to apply to a future program. The assessments are free. People who do participate and complete the program will also be required to complete some post-assessment questionnaires and evaluation forms which can be completed at home. A pre-assessment interview is not required for the Stress and Anxiety Management program. A telephone screening assessment is undertaken for the Family and Carer OCD Group program.

Fees

The fees cover the provision of a satchel, note book, pen, program notes and/or manual and exercise sheets, afternoon/morning teas or supper, and professional fees. Two concession places are available for each program. These places will be awarded to two participants on the recommendation of the psychologist who conducts the pre-assessment interview. People who are offered a place will be sent a registration form. Registration will require payment of full fees. Following registration, reimbursement of the full fee can only be provided if notice of withdrawal is given up to 7 days before the commencement of the program. Withdrawal during the 7 days prior to program commencement will incur an administrative fee of 50% of the program fee. Following the commencement of the program no reimbursement of the fee can be provided.

Post Program Support Groups

If enough people from the recovery programs are interested, an on-going support group may be formed. Where possible, this group will be led by a trained facilitator, and will focus on continuing the work commenced in the program.

Time and Dates

The recovery programs are generally offered during the day, however some are run at times after business hours or on Saturday mornings. Commencement dates for most programs are set at the beginning of each year, however dates may vary based on whether there are sufficient participants for each program. Currently, the Social Anxiety Disorder Recovery Program is offered twice per year, the Stress and Anxiety Management Program runs 4 times per year, the Panic Disorder Recovery Program is available on demand, the Family & Carer OCD Group Program and the OCD Recovery Program are held once per year.

Your Rights

Following acceptance to the program, participants will be provided with an information and consent form, which includes details about the program and therapy approach, and information about ARCVic's policy regarding confidentiality, privacy, complaints and your rights.

Program Development, Evaluation and Facilitation

ARCVic Recovery Programs are facilitated by registered psychologists who have specialist expertise and knowledge in the area of anxiety disorders, and experience in group therapy. These programs are based on evidence-based research and therapy programs in these areas, and incorporate a strong cognitive-behavioural and skills based approach. The Recovery Programs for specific anxiety disorders require pre-assessment interviews, and the completion of pre and post program self-report questionnaires. At the end of each program an evaluation is undertaken, including both client satisfaction questionnaires and direct feedback from participants. Programs are regularly updated in response to evaluations, and to incorporate new and relevant information and strategies.

The programs have been developed by:

More information about the program facilitators.

The on-going development of these programs has been significantly assisted by carers and people with anxiety disorders, who work as volunteers at ARCVic or who have participated in the programs.

ARCVic Recovery Programs are not a service provided under our funding agreement with the Department of Human Services. The Programs are fully funded by participant fees, and through substantial contribution of professionals to the development and facilitation of the programs for minimal professional fees or on a voluntary basis.

More information

For more information on each of the programs please see individual program pages:

For further information contact ARCVic on:
Office Line - 9886 9233 or OCD & Anxiety HelpLine - 9886 9377,
or send in the Registration of Interest form (PDF).

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