Social anxiety can affect people of all ages and the nature of it can make it difficult to get the right support in place to navigate it. The new online course is designed to provide accessible help and support from the comfort of participants’ preferred environment.
Senior Clinical Psychologist and facilitator of the programme, Dr Kirsty Furness, says the free online course is a way for Albany Psychology Clinic to support the community.
“Participants will receive guided help through the programme Just a Thought, an evidence-based online course that uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). At the end of the seven-week programme, individuals will have a better understanding of social anxiety, as well as the chance to develop new skills and a plan to overcome setbacks.”
The programme involves an initial online meeting with the team and others in the group to provide an overview of the content that will be provided over the following six weeks. The Just a Thought course is made up of six modules to be completed one module a week, with online flexibility allowing participants to fit it into their weekly schedule.
Intern Psychologist and co-facilitator Regan Burt says online therapy is a convenient way to access affordable support while having the benefit of connecting with others.
“We know from research that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) delivered online and facilitated by a professional is an approach that really works and can have excellent benefits.”
Psychological support facilitators will be on hand with weekly email or phone check-ups to provide additional support.
The course is due to start mid-May, with the exact date to be confirmed once participant interest is reviewed. Registration closes Friday 5 May.
For more information or to register your interest in joining the course, email massey.clinic.albany@massey.ac.nz or phone 09 213 6095.
Albany Psychology Clinic also offers clinical expertise for a wide range of needs, including life changes and adjustments, low mood and depression, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, sleeping issues, stress, work-related problems, chronic pain and illness difficulties and post-traumatic stress and trauma.
Related news
Opinion: “Are you ok?"
Wellbeing is something that is worthy of putting effort and time into each day, but events like Mental Health Awareness Week remind us of the importance of taking stock and asking ourselves and others "Are you ok?"
New research finds virtual reality could help treat anxiety
Virtual reality has been found to be an effective treatment method for anxiety, according to a new study led by Computer Science Senior Lecturer Dr Nilufar Baghaei and co-authored by PhD student Vibhav Chitale.
Does our approach to mental health need to be re-written?
For the last episode of Conversations That Count - Ngā Kōrero Whai Take we explore NZ's current approach to mental health and well being and question whether it's time to re-think how services are provided.
