Group therapy
By offering additional social support and motivation, group therapy can be an effective and cost-effective form of treatment for some people.
At Lawson’s, we are big supporters of group psychology programs. Not only are groups more cost-effective for clients (as the fee per therapy hour is much lower than for individual sessions), making mental health care more accessible, but research shows that group treatment can be as effective as individual treatment for a range of psychological concerns.
Group therapy can also provide the opportunity to meet others who are experiencing similar difficulties and to learn that you are not alone. Courage can be contagious and being in a supportive group can also give us a motivation boost to help us make changes in our lives. You may even inspire someone else in the group to make changes as well!
In short, group programs can be a wonderful addition to (or in some cases, alternative to) individual psychological therapy.
Strong Foundations for OCD Therapy Group
This three week psychoeducational group is designed to give you a comprehensive orientation to the current gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (‘ERP’).
It will cover key information, ideas, and skills you would usually learn in the first phase of this therapy approach. Our aim is to help you feel empowered and set up for success once you continue into individual OCD therapy or our ‘Break Free from OCD’ with ERP group.
Suitable for clients 17 years and over
Time and location: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, West Perth
Upcoming:
Group Starts: Monday, 24th April 2023
Group Starts: Tuesday 18th July 2023
Group Starts: Monday 9th October 2023
Download our Information Sheet Here flyer
We are accepting referrals for our group commencing in February 2023 – Express your interest.
Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.
Break Free from OCD with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) for adults
This therapy group will provide a dedicated space for you to practice ERP with the support of clinicians experienced in treating OCD, and encouragement from fellow group members. The group will run in 5-week blocks, with new members having the opportunity to join at the start of each new block. We encourage members to attend at least two consecutive blocks as research suggests that 12-20 weekly sessions of ERP therapy are required to effectively treat OCD in many cases.
- Group type: Therapy, Adults
- Time and location: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, West Perth
- Dates: various commencing in March, April, May, June, August, September, and October
We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.
Teen Break Free from OCD Group
This 10-week program for 13-15 year olds is an evidence-based approach using cognitive behavioural therapy techniques for OCD, including exposure and response prevention strategies. Teens will learn how completing compulsions in response to intrusive thoughts and worries keeps OCD going. They will develop skills to gradually face anxiety-provoking thoughts, objects, or situations, and resist completing compulsions, and will practice these in a supportive environment.
- Group type: Therapy, Teens
- Times and location: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm, West Perth
- Dates: Thurs 27th Apr to 29th June; Thurs 5th Oct to 7th Dec
We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.
Overcome Overthinking and Worry
This six week program is intended to help you learn skills to manage persistent worry and rumination, which often plays a role in keeping low mood and anxiety going. You will learn about the vicious cycles that underlie the overthinking spiral, skills to recognise and unhook from these spirals, and helpful strategies for coping with worry and negative thoughts.
- Group type: Therapy, Adults
- Times and location: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm, West Perth
- Dates: Tues 28th Feb to 4th Apr; Mon 17th Jul to 21st Aug
We are currently accepting referrals for our next group. Rebates may apply through Private Health Funds or Medicare.
Other group programs
Additional group dates, times, and programs may be made available throughout the year if there is sufficient demand. Other group programs available at our practice include:
- Skills for managing exam stress and preparation for high school and university students
- Introduction to mindfulness for adults
- Body-Mind Unwind Mindfulness and Yoga-based program for teens
- Supporting a partner or family member with OCD
- Distress tolerance and emotional regulation skills group
If you are interested in any of the groups listed in this calendar, but cannot see a date or time that would suit you, please contact groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au to register your interest.
Cost and rebates
Group fees
1.5 hour group = $120 per session (Gap after rebate = $74.50)
2 hour group = $160 per session (Gap after rebate = $98.15)
If you have a GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral to the group, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate (subject to at least 3 participants attending the group session) for the first 10 group sessions you attend in a calendar year.
Some private health insurance funds may offer rebates for group clinical psychology services. Consult your health fund for further information.
Please note that if you are not a current client of Lawson Clinical Psychology, you will need to attend an initial 50-minute assessment with one of our psychologists to confirm suitability of the group before enrolment (cost as per usual individual session fees).
Where are groups held?
Group therapy is held at our West Perth Clinic, 6 Outram Street.
Contact Details
For more information, please contact 6143 4499 or groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au.
Who can assist me?

Melissa Mulcahy
BPsych (Hons), PhD (Clinical Clinical), Clinical Psychologist
Ready to book?
Please use the button below to enquire into our group therapy programs or direct queries to groups@lawsonpsychology.com.au

Contact
Ph: (08) 6143 4499
Fax: (08) 9200 5696
Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9 am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 2:30pm
Locations
6 Outram Street
West Perth, 6005 WA
36 St Quentin Avenue
Claremont, 6010 WA
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