Length
8 weekly sessions, 2 hours each
Format/Description
An interactive skills-based group that focuses on a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach to manage anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, stress and more. Learn how thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours are connected to your moods, physical experiences and events in your everyday life.
The group is a space for building new skills together, with a focus on learning rather than sharing personal stories to help maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Who should attend this group?
This voluntary group is intended for adults (18+) with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
Not suitable for anyone experiencing a life crisis or requiring urgent mental health service.
Requirements/Expectations
There is a required textbook,“Mind Over Mood – 2nd Edition” by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky, which can be purchased at Indigo or Amazon, borrowed from your local library (print or electronic copies) or borrowed from our organization (print copies only). If you need to borrow a book from the Thames Valley Family Health Team, please contact [email protected].
Patients are expected to:
- Come prepared to actively participate in the group. For virtual groups, please ensure you have working audio/video on your device. Participants must be on camera for the duration of the 2-hour group.
- Complete confidential assessments at beginning and end of 8-week group.
- Commit to attend all sessions.
- Complete homework between sessions, which includes reading, reflection, trying new strategies, etc.
Benefits/Take-aways
Over the 8 weeks, you will learn to think about yourself and situations in more helpful ways, and to change your thinking patterns and behaviours that keep you stuck in distressing moods. Coping strategies will include mindfulness, breathing techniques, journaling, gratitude, affirmations, goal setting, action plans, and thought records.
At the beginning and end of this 8-week group, participants complete the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). These scales are designed to assess severity of anxiety, severity of depression, and individual stress levels, respectively.
86.8% of respondents have seen improved scores across the 3 scales (described above) after participating in the 8-week group. (November 2024)
Participant Feedback
“This couple of weeks have really turned my life around. The impact of the group is evident in my mood, my daily activities and my social life.” (July 2025)
“It’s given me the tools and self-awareness to see beyond my feelings and thoughts. To better understand what I am going through and how to interpret them, break them down, to have better control.” (June 2025)
“I now have the ability to cope with stressful issues in an organized confident way. This is the beginning for me. I feel confident that I will cope with problems that arise in the future.” (June 2025)
Resources
https://www.mindovermood.com/
“A website for the public. Skills to improve your life. Skills to change how you feel.”