Group dates: 26 May – 28 July
Mondays 2:00pm
Hopetoun MCH Centre
220 Racecourse Road
Flemington
Group interpersonal
therapy for depression
Some comments from
past group members:
Information flyer
“The group was an excellent resource, of
much benefit and greatly appreciated.”
“I’ve never gotten along with my partner as
well as I do now.”
“I feel this group therapy was the first
stepping stone in improving if not
overcoming my PND. I am no longer on
the medication and at present my life is
going great.”
“It has been great having the support of
other mothers and to know that others are
experiencing similar feelings.”
PND Research Study
03 9919 2334
Welcome to the Interpersonal therapy group
Becoming a parent is a period of major role
transition, involving many physical, emotional and
social changes. It is common for new parents to
experience bewilderment, loss and changes in
their moods, however, a significant proportion of
mothers experience persistent depression. The
arrival of a baby can disrupt the mother’s
relationship with her partner, family and friends.
Conflicts can arise over roles and responsibilities,
which can further strain relationships. Sometimes
the mother finds herself in unhelpful patterns of
relating to her partner, family and friends that
result in increasing feelings of frustration,
loneliness and despair.
Research has shown that focusing on improving a
mother’s key relationships during this period is an
effective treatment for postnatal depression.
Interpersonal therapy works by emphasising the
development of strategies to reduce the symptoms
of depression, improve relationships and
strengthen social support networks
What happens in group therapy?
Group therapy is one way that mothers can
explore and discuss their problems in a
confidential and supportive setting with trained
professionals. The therapists assist the members
of the group to identify helpful and unhelpful
patterns in their relationships, express their
feelings and explore effective solutions.
The group offers an opportunity to safely
experiment with new ways of relating to others and
resolving conflicts. A typical group will begin with
each member .“checking in.” their progress since
the last group. The therapist will then give each
group member the opportunity to discuss their
particular relationship issues with the other
members of the group. Potential solutions to
problems may be discussed within the group. Over
time you may feel less isolated, benefiting from the
support and genuine feedback. You will also find
that as others deal with their problems you will
learn more about your own.
What is the role of the therapist and
participants?
A trained psychologist facilitates the group. The
therapist ensures the group runs smoothly and
each member is given enough opportunity to
address their issues. The therapist will provide
the group with some structure and a way of
understanding how changes in mood occur.
With the help of the therapist, the group
members are expected to discuss the
important relationship issues that may be
associated with their depression.
Although no homework is set, participants will
be expected to work actively on their
relationship issues outside of the therapy
sessions. Experience has shown that groups
run smoothly when agreements are adhered to.
Firstly, being prompt and reliable in attending
the groups will ensure that you get the most out
of the group therapy. Lateness or
nonattendance means there is less time for the
group processes. Secondly, when in the group,
individuals will need to stick to the focus or
topic of the group. Interpersonal therapy
focuses largely on relationship issues; the
therapist and participants will need to work
actively to stay focused on these
topics.
How will we measure your
individual progress
and the effectiveness of the group?
You will be given further
questionnaires and videotape
measures to complete to help us
measure your health and well being.
These questionnaires will need to be
completed on two more occasions:
when the group completes, and three
months after the group finishes.
The questionnaires are also very
important in helping us to evaluate the
effectiveness of the group with each
individual, your rate of change and the
areas of life that group participants
improve in. If you have any difficulties
completing these questionnaires
please do not hesitate to contact us.
03 9919 2334
Carolyn: carolyn.deans@vu.edu.au
Melanie: melanie.quinn@vu.edu.au
Anne: a.buist@unimelb.edu.au
We look forward to seeing
you at the group