Adult psychology service groups
Who we are and what we do
We are a small, experienced team consisting of clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, assistant psychologists, mental health practitioners, specialist therapists and trainee clinical psychologists.
We provide a service to working-age adults who have been assessed and accepted by the Adult Psychology Service in secondary care (Community Mental Health Teams).
Courses are run via online groups and on an individual basis if clinical need indicates this.
For more information on who we are and what we do, watch this orientation video that explains in more detail.
How to contact us
Tel: 01305 361700 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Email us at dhc.adultpsychology.groups@nhs.net
Courses provided
Understanding and Managing Trauma
An eight week course designed to promote safety and resilience. This is part of the phased-based approach to trauma focused therapy. It provides psycho-education about PTSD and Complex-PTSD and teaches coping strategies within a safe, therapeutic environment.
Outcome measures to complete
Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS)
International Trauma Questionnaire
Resources
Trauma stabilisation workbook - will be posted to participants.
Audio
Coping with anxiety
A six week CBT based course that provides psycho-education for anxiety based disorders and teaches coping strategies within a safe, therapeutic environment. It is suitable for people with a primary or secondary diagnosis of anxiety disorders and/ or panic disorder.
Outcome measures to complete
Core 10
Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS)
GAD
Resources
Coping with anxiety workbook - will be posted to participants
Pre recorded course video sessions
Audio
Understanding unusual experiences
A six week Social Recovery Oriented CBT course for all those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychosis. It provides an opportunity to learn more about unusual experiences from a psychological perspective and to develop coping skills to help manage these.
This course can be access via the Recovery Education Centre.
Resources
Understand unusual experiences coursebook - will be posted to participants
Audio
Compassionate mind group
A 12 week group that is helpful for people who experience self-criticism and shame associated with depression and/or trauma. The intention is for participants to develop their ability to regulate their emotional experience and cultivate a more compassionate response towards themselves and their difficulties.
Outcome measures to complete
Core10
Work and Social Adjsutment Scale (WSAS)
Fears of Commpassion Scale (FCS)
Self-criticising/attacking and Self-reassuring Scale (FSCRS)
Resources
Compassionate mind booklet – will be posted to participants
Audio
SRB/Safe place/ Comp other medley
Mindfulness group
Keeping Practice in Mind Group
This is a six-week course designed to support you in practising the skills learnt on the APS courses. Each session will contain one guided practice followed by enquiry/reflections on the practice.
Audio
Session 1: Soothing Breathing Rhythm
Session 3: Mindful Imagery practice
Behavioural Activation Group
An eight week course suitable for people who experience symptoms of depression, such as low mood, lack of enjoyment in activities and difficulties with motivation, energy and negative thoughts.
The course involves understanding the factors that can help maintain depression, and helping to make changes to improve mood, energy, motivation and enjoyment. The course takes place online and can be offered in a group or individual format.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group
This is a twelve week group focusing on supporting you to live more satisfying, engaged and personally valued lives, regardless of the symptoms you experience.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that is used to increase psychological flexibility. The group handbook will be sent to participants.
Have your say
On completion of a course we would be grateful if you could provide anonymous course feedback. This will help us to know what we are doing well and what we need to develop.
For compliments and suggestions: Dorset HealthCare Patient experience
For concerns and complaints: Dorset HealthCare Concerns and complaints