Overcoming Depression and Low Mood one step at a time with a
Behavioural Activation (BA) Group
What is a BA group?
BAis a form of therapy that has been found to be particularly helpful to people who are experiencing low mood and depression. This is a structured group with a strong focus on the here and now. In the group we will be looking at how to change some of the behaviour patterns that might be maintaining your depression and low mood.
The group is run by experienced CBT therapists who will ensure that the group is a safe and supportive experience. No one will be expected to disclose information if they do not feel comfortable.Previous group members have really valued the opportunity to share and learn with and from each other. We hope that you will too.
Venue:
Outpatients Department
Priory Medical Centre
Priory Health Park
Glastonbury Road
Wells
BA5 1XJ
Dates and Times:
Session 1 / 02.05.17 / 10.30-12.30Session 2 / 09.05.17 / 10.30-12.30
Session 3 / 16.05.17 / 10.30-12.30
Session 4 / 23.05.17 / 10.30-12.30
Session 5 / 06.06.17 / 10:30 – 12:30
Session 6 / 13.06.17 / 10:30 – 12:30
Session 7 / 20.06.17 / 10:30 – 12:30
Group Facilitators: Caroline Stacey and Judy Candy
Contact number:01749 836705
Therapist Information Leaflet
Group Aims
To offer a way of overcoming low mood and depression using behavioural activation.Evidence from clinical trials suggests that Behavioural Activation (BA) therapy (on which this group is based) is at least as effective in helping people with low mood and depression, as the most widely used approach (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Furthermore, being in a group brings added benefits, including the chance to give and receive support, to learn from other people’s experience, and to feel less alone in facing depression.
This is a structured group with a strong focus on the here and now. In the group we will be looking at how to change some of the behaviour patterns that might be maintaining depression and low mood.
It is an experiential group, were group members will be active participants, whilst facilitators will be introducing some ideas each week and asking the group to think about them in relation to their own lives and then to try out new ways of doing things.
The content has been designed by Exeter University’s Mood Clinic, and has been piloted by Somerset Talking Therapies service (at the time Right Steps) in 2012.
Group Details
All clients referred to the BA group will be offered an individual telephone orientation session by one of the facilitators prior to the group starting. This will entail an introduction into the TRAP model underpinning the BA group, a general discussion around the client’s current difficulties, clarify any issues/concerns raised by clients about the group and ascertain suitability for the group. If deemed unsuitable at the orientation stage an alternative course of action will be discussed with clients. This may mean signposting/referral to other agencies, or offered more suitable interventions provided by Somerset Partnership Talking Therapies.
The next BA group will start onTuesday 2nd May between 10:30 and 12:30 at Outpatients Department, Priory Health Park, Wellsandwill befacilitated by Caroline Stacey and Judy Candy. The groupis based on the BA model for depression. It will be run on a weekly basis for2hours per session over a 7 week period.
Group Content
Week 1: Introductions, depression and self-monitoring
Week 2: Identifying and working with avoidance patterns
Week 3: Taking action by choosing alternative behaviours and breaking down
challenges
Week 4: Working with rumination and “how” and “why” thinking
Week 5: Using absorbing activities and working with the present
Week 6: Learning self-compassion
Week 7: Developing resilience and a valued life
Those who may benefit
1)Anyone with mild, moderate or severe symptoms of depression, whose primary problem is that of low mood or depression.
2) Clients who are motivated to carry out tasks between sessions. Clients will be expected to experiment with new ways of doing things during the week as a way of learning new skills.
3) Clients who are able to commit to 7 weekly sessions (sickness/holidays permitting).
Performance measurements
Weekly MDS
PEQ post-treatment
A specific group evaluation form after group completion
To Refer to the BA Group:
Please move clients you wish to refer to the group down the IAPTUS care pathway to Step 3 WL HI Group Therapy. Also please add clients onto the Step 3 BA Group within the Group Section of IAPTUS (already loaded).
Please add clients onto the group and not on the waiting list. If the group is full, please add the client to the next group. If spaces become available through clients not being suitable or no longer requiring our service we will contact clients on the next group and offer a space.
Please send a letter following triage assessment, this letter is currently being added to templates on iaptus called ‘Post Triage: BA Group Wells’