Mind Mode FREE Psycho-educational Workshop

Mind Mode would like to introduce our free PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS that will run from 1-3pm every Monday (excluding public holidays). Each of these workshops are standalone topics and the intention is to run them on a cycle all year. Please follow Mind Mode on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MindModePsychology) where updates & further information will be posted.

Who are these workshops for?

These workshops are designed to be as accessible as possible and are therefore free and will not require a referral. These workshops are designed to be psychoeducational (provide general information and basic skills) rather than group therapy. If you are 16 years of age and over and are interested in attending Book Now!

Please be aware that as these workshops are run by provisional psychologists and volunteer psychology students who are supervised by senior clinicians, the workshops ARE NOT THERAPY and the self-disclosure during the workshops will be minimal. This also means the workshops are not recommended for people requiring therapeutic support for high needs (for example, substance use, high risk, or significant cognitive impacts).

If you are wanting to improve your mental health, your emotional skills, or are looking for a jump start on learning the fundamentals so you can focus on the bigger stuff in your individual therapy sessions, these workshops could be just what you are looking for.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

1. The CBT Cycle  

This 2-hour workshop on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will provide an introduction to the core concepts of CBT, focusing on the cognitive cycle: how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are interconnected. Participants will learn how distorted thinking patterns can lead to negative emotions and unhelpful behaviours, and how restructuring these thoughts can break the cycle, leading to more positive outcomes. Through interactive exercises and group discussions, attendees will gain practical tools to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, promoting healthier emotional responses and behaviour changes.

2. Behavioural Activation 

This 2-hour workshop on Behavioural Activation will focus on helping participants understand how engaging in positive, meaningful activities can combat feelings of depression or low mood. By learning to identify avoidance behaviours and develop strategies to increase engagement in daily activities, attendees will gain tools to boost their motivation, improve mood, and break the cycle of inactivity. Interactive exercises will provide practical ways to incorporate new behaviours into daily life, reinforcing positive change.

3. Cognitive Reframing and Changing Beliefs 

This workshop introduces participants to the practice of cognitive reframing, helping them understand how to shift unhelpful thoughts and deeply held beliefs that contribute to distress. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn how to identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with more realistic, empowering perspectives. The goal is to foster mental flexibility and create lasting changes in thought patterns and belief systems.

4. Value Identification & Committed Action

In this 2-hour workshop, participants will dive into the process of identifying core personal values and using those values to guide committed, purposeful actions. Attendees will engage in reflective exercises to clarify what truly matters to them and learn how aligning daily actions with these values can enhance overall well-being and fulfillment. This workshop is designed to help individuals bridge the gap between intention and action, leading to a more meaningful life.

5. Goal Setting & Motivation 

This workshop will equip participants with the skills to set realistic, meaningful goals and maintain the motivation needed to achieve them. Through a structured process, attendees will learn to break down larger goals into manageable steps, identify potential obstacles, and create personalised strategies for staying on track. The session emphasises the importance of motivation and perseverance, offering practical tools to sustain progress toward long-term goals.

6. Mindfulness 

This 2-hour workshop introduces participants to mindfulness, a practice centred around being fully present in the moment without judgment. Through guided meditation, breathwork, and experiential exercises, attendees will learn how to cultivate mindfulness to reduce stress, increase emotional awareness, and improve focus. This session will highlight how mindfulness can be integrated into everyday life, promoting mental clarity and emotional resilience.

7. Self-Compassion 

This workshop focuses on the transformative power of self-compassion in fostering emotional resilience and mental well-being. Participants will learn how to treat themselves with kindness, particularly in moments of struggle or self-criticism. The session includes metaphor & guided exercises in self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity, providing practical tools for building a more compassionate relationship with oneself, ultimately reducing anxiety and promoting inner peace.

8. Defusion & Radical Acceptance (2nd June)

This workshop introduces the concepts of cognitive defusion and radical acceptance as powerful tools for managing distress and overwhelming thoughts. Participants will learn how to distance themselves from unhelpful thoughts and emotions through defusion techniques and practice accepting difficult realities without judgment. The session includes practical exercises designed to help attendees reduce emotional suffering and cultivate greater mental flexibility and resilience.

9. Boundary Setting & Assertive Communication

This 2-hour workshop equips participants with the skills to establish healthy boundaries and communicate assertively. Through discussion and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to clearly express their needs and limits, foster respect in relationships, and navigate difficult conversations. By the end of the session, participants will have practical tools to create stronger, healthier interpersonal relationships and build confidence in their communication style.

10. Gottman Sound Relationship House & Magic 6 Hours

This workshop is based on the Gottman Institute’s research into what makes relationships thrive. Participants will learn about the Sound Relationship House model, which includes foundational principles like trust and commitment, and the "Magic 6 Hours" concept, which focuses on intentional, positive connection. The session will help participants build stronger relationships by fostering intimacy, managing conflict, and increasing emotional connection.

11. Emotional Regulation and the Window of Tolerance

In this workshop, participants will learn how to recognize their own emotional responses and stay within their "window of tolerance"—the optimal zone for coping with stress. Through practical exercises and self-awareness techniques, attendees will discover how to regulate intense emotions, prevent overwhelm, and maintain balance in challenging situations. The session focuses on tools for managing emotional highs and lows, helping participants enhance emotional resilience.

12. Your Diet and Mental Health (by our Dietitian)

This workshop, led by our dietitian, will explore the connection between diet and mental health, providing insights into how nutrition impacts mood, cognition, and overall well-being. Participants will learn about foods that support brain health and emotional balance, as well as how dietary choices can influence stress, anxiety, and depression. The session includes practical dietary tips to promote mental wellness through mindful eating and balanced nutrition.