Depression Support Groups in Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC

A group program to teach you the tools to support you to better manage stress, anxiety and work with the challenges of life and relationships by becoming more self aware, calm and at ease through meditation practices as well as cognitive behavioral and somatic approaches which are taught through practical instruction and guidance as well as opportunities for discussion, connecting with others and reflection.
Photo of Virginia Golding - Bridge, Psychotherapist, MA, AMHSW
Hosted by Virginia Golding - Bridge
Psychotherapist, MA, AMHSW
Group meets in Fairfield, VIC 3078
A group program to teach you the tools to support you to better manage stress, anxiety and work with the challenges of life and relationships by becoming more self aware, calm and at ease through meditation practices as well as cognitive behavioral and somatic approaches which are taught through practical instruction and guidance as well as opportunities for discussion, connecting with others and reflection.
(03) 7003 2568 View (03) 7003 2568
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based, user-friendly program that brings the principles of mindfulness meditation into everyday life by teaching specific skills and practices to help break cycles of anxiety, stress, unhappiness and exhaustion.
Photo of Ingrid Jolley - Ingrid Jolley - IFS Therapist, Social Worker, AASW
Hosted by Ingrid Jolley - IFS Therapist
Social Worker, AASW
Group meets in Thornbury, VIC 3071
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based, user-friendly program that brings the principles of mindfulness meditation into everyday life by teaching specific skills and practices to help break cycles of anxiety, stress, unhappiness and exhaustion.
(03) 7037 8335 View (03) 7037 8335
Learn to manage difficulty with more ease and kindness..... MSC is the evidence based program developed by Chris Germer and Kristen Neff. Research on self compassion has shown that it boosts happiness and wellbeing, and is effective in reducing anxiety, depression, self criticism and shame. Learn to: Befriend your inner critic; Develop skills of self compassion to manage difficult emotions including shame; and Foster goodwill towards yourself and others. Online via Zoom Wednesdays, 6.30pm - 9.00pm AEDT . For more information contact Claire at: http://www.rawortherapy.com.au/msc.html
Photo of Claire Raworth - Claire Raworth Counselling & Supervision, Social Worker, AMHSW
Hosted by Claire Raworth Counselling & Supervision
Social Worker, AMHSW
Group meets in Coburg, VIC 3058
Learn to manage difficulty with more ease and kindness..... MSC is the evidence based program developed by Chris Germer and Kristen Neff. Research on self compassion has shown that it boosts happiness and wellbeing, and is effective in reducing anxiety, depression, self criticism and shame. Learn to: Befriend your inner critic; Develop skills of self compassion to manage difficult emotions including shame; and Foster goodwill towards yourself and others. Online via Zoom Wednesdays, 6.30pm - 9.00pm AEDT . For more information contact Claire at: http://www.rawortherapy.com.au/msc.html
(03) 8338 4975 View (03) 8338 4975
I found my passion and deep interest to help people through my inbuilt therapeutic counselling ability, more than two decades ago. I am a qualified Counsellor and Family Therapist. I work with individuals who struggling living lives without fear and stress. My therapeutic sessions are based on various effective therapeutic tools and theories which help finding solutions together by removing the mental agony and sufferings, those may have due to PTSD or past trauma. The safe and nurturing atmosphere created here, helps individuals to be at ease that leads to organic solutions through quality coaching and counselling.
Photo of Shagufta Chaudhary, Counsellor, MC, AAFT
Hosted by Shagufta Chaudhary
Counsellor, MC, AAFT
Group meets in Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107
I found my passion and deep interest to help people through my inbuilt therapeutic counselling ability, more than two decades ago. I am a qualified Counsellor and Family Therapist. I work with individuals who struggling living lives without fear and stress. My therapeutic sessions are based on various effective therapeutic tools and theories which help finding solutions together by removing the mental agony and sufferings, those may have due to PTSD or past trauma. The safe and nurturing atmosphere created here, helps individuals to be at ease that leads to organic solutions through quality coaching and counselling.
(03) 8771 4686 View (03) 8771 4686

Online Groups

A group of private practitioners who support each other in a professional sense.
Photo of Mark Roper - Ballarat online Counselling, Social Worker, AMHSW
Hosted by Ballarat online Counselling
Social Worker, AMHSW
Group meets in Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression, anxiety or trauma.
A group of private practitioners who support each other in a professional sense.
(03) 4327 9601 View (03) 4327 9601
Losing a loved one or experiencing a major life change can be overwhelming and challenging to cope with. At Perpetual Wellness Counselling Service, we understand the difficulties that come with grief and loss. That's why we offer a support a support group to help individuals process their emotions and find comfort in a safe supportive environment. Our grief and loss support group is open to anyone who has experienced a significant loss or life transition. This includes the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a major illness. We offer a safe space to express your grief.
Photo of Fiona Dickie - Perpetual Wellness Counselling Service , Social Worker, AMHSW
Hosted by Perpetual Wellness Counselling Service
Social Worker, AMHSW
Group meets in Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
For depression and anxiety or trauma related issues.
Losing a loved one or experiencing a major life change can be overwhelming and challenging to cope with. At Perpetual Wellness Counselling Service, we understand the difficulties that come with grief and loss. That's why we offer a support a support group to help individuals process their emotions and find comfort in a safe supportive environment. Our grief and loss support group is open to anyone who has experienced a significant loss or life transition. This includes the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or a major illness. We offer a safe space to express your grief.
(03) 5905 7894 View (03) 5905 7894
This is a group for women supporting women after experiencing Family or Domestic Violence, Psycho educational, empowering group, developing a stronger sense of self, healthy and unhealthy relationships, anger management, calming the limbic system, strategies to improve coping skills, Emotion Focused Therapy, grounding and calming techniques and an audio support tool box for you to collect over your time in the group. This is a non judgemental group and everything we discuss in the group is confidential. Please don't hesitate to call for more information. We look forward travelling alongside you through the healing journey.
Photo of Kay Wise, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Hosted by Kay Wise
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Group meets in Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
This is a group for women supporting women after experiencing Family or Domestic Violence, Psycho educational, empowering group, developing a stronger sense of self, healthy and unhealthy relationships, anger management, calming the limbic system, strategies to improve coping skills, Emotion Focused Therapy, grounding and calming techniques and an audio support tool box for you to collect over your time in the group. This is a non judgemental group and everything we discuss in the group is confidential. Please don't hesitate to call for more information. We look forward travelling alongside you through the healing journey.
(03) 5907 5000 View (03) 5907 5000
Experience the unique healing power of Horses. Please contact for Session details
Photo of Larissa Judd - Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness, Counsellor, PACFA
Hosted by Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness
Counsellor, PACFA
Group meets in Fish Creek, VIC 3959
Experience the unique healing power of Horses. Please contact for Session details
(03) 5614 6629 View (03) 5614 6629
The aims of the group course is to put you in touch with your own thoughts, feelings & capacities. To foster in you a richer, deeper insight into what's important for your life now & into the future. To help you gain a greater understand & take responsibility for your feelings, actions & interactions with yourself, your life & other people. To help you appreciate & engage in your life's direction in a self assured & more satisfying way. The course operates in a structured way offering tips, tools & strategies to allow participants to engage, practice & test ways of being individually & in a group setting.
Photo of Brad Sprigg, Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
Hosted by Brad Sprigg
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
Group meets in Highton, VIC 3216
The aims of the group course is to put you in touch with your own thoughts, feelings & capacities. To foster in you a richer, deeper insight into what's important for your life now & into the future. To help you gain a greater understand & take responsibility for your feelings, actions & interactions with yourself, your life & other people. To help you appreciate & engage in your life's direction in a self assured & more satisfying way. The course operates in a structured way offering tips, tools & strategies to allow participants to engage, practice & test ways of being individually & in a group setting.
(03) 8372 0518 View (03) 8372 0518
Do you have an inner critic that can be harsh, blaming, critical or shaming, especially during times of struggle or perceived inadequacy? How do we create a different, kinder, relationship with ourselves and ease our suffering? This Self-Compassion workshop will focus on how to tame the inner-critic and learn skills to sooth and ease toxic inner criticisms while promoting confidence and inner strength. The workshop consists of guided meditations, visualisations, experiential exercises, self-reflective writing and strategies. For more info visit www.samsolly.com.au
Photo of Sam Solly, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hosted by Sam Solly
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Group meets in Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
Do you have an inner critic that can be harsh, blaming, critical or shaming, especially during times of struggle or perceived inadequacy? How do we create a different, kinder, relationship with ourselves and ease our suffering? This Self-Compassion workshop will focus on how to tame the inner-critic and learn skills to sooth and ease toxic inner criticisms while promoting confidence and inner strength. The workshop consists of guided meditations, visualisations, experiential exercises, self-reflective writing and strategies. For more info visit www.samsolly.com.au
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After completing the Complex Trauma/cPTSD Basics to Recovery, or a similar program, you might want to attend the advanced program for further monitoring and support to make your road to recovery even shorter and smoother. As you will have made some necessary changes for your health and well-being to emerge, your world will start to be different, especially because your relationships with people will improve or fall away if they were too unhealthy to fix. You will learn what to look out for, how to navigate these changes in future and you will be supported on the way.
Photo of Esther Sammut - Esther Sammut Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hosted by Esther Sammut Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Group meets in Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
After completing the Complex Trauma/cPTSD Basics to Recovery, or a similar program, you might want to attend the advanced program for further monitoring and support to make your road to recovery even shorter and smoother. As you will have made some necessary changes for your health and well-being to emerge, your world will start to be different, especially because your relationships with people will improve or fall away if they were too unhealthy to fix. You will learn what to look out for, how to navigate these changes in future and you will be supported on the way.
(03) 7003 2840 View (03) 7003 2840
If you are struggling to access Mental Health Support or just don't know who to turn to, these sessions are designed for pre-teens, teens and young adults struggling with feeling OK (accompanied by a Primary Carer where possible). The sessions are by donation, so whatever you can afford. See our facebook page (Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness) or our website www.stableandnook.com.au for session details.
Photo of Larissa Judd - Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness, Counsellor, PACFA
Hosted by Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness
Counsellor, PACFA
Group meets in Fish Creek, VIC 3959
If you are struggling to access Mental Health Support or just don't know who to turn to, these sessions are designed for pre-teens, teens and young adults struggling with feeling OK (accompanied by a Primary Carer where possible). The sessions are by donation, so whatever you can afford. See our facebook page (Stable & Nook - Counselling and Wellness) or our website www.stableandnook.com.au for session details.
(03) 5614 6629 View (03) 5614 6629
Gold standard treatment for personality disorders as well as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, anger management and so much more.
Hosted by Succoris Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Group meets in Bendigo, VIC 3550
Gold standard treatment for personality disorders as well as anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, anger management and so much more.
(03) 9007 0490 View (03) 9007 0490
A monthly experiential group for wellbeing, connection and resilience building. Come preferred sessions or join them all! This group journey is grounded in nervous system science (Polyvagal theory), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and EMDR principles. Supported by nature and horses at liberty, a different theme is explored each month, offering a gentle, paced space to slow down, reconnect, embody awareness and cultivate meaning. (*This is a wellbeing and personal development group, not psychotherapy or equine-assisted therapy. No trauma processing or treatment is provided. Participation is choice based, with encouragement to maintain external therapeutic support if needed)
Photo of Clàudia Paretilla Guardi, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Hosted by Clàudia Paretilla Guardi
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Group meets in Maldon, VIC 3463
A monthly experiential group for wellbeing, connection and resilience building. Come preferred sessions or join them all! This group journey is grounded in nervous system science (Polyvagal theory), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and EMDR principles. Supported by nature and horses at liberty, a different theme is explored each month, offering a gentle, paced space to slow down, reconnect, embody awareness and cultivate meaning. (*This is a wellbeing and personal development group, not psychotherapy or equine-assisted therapy. No trauma processing or treatment is provided. Participation is choice based, with encouragement to maintain external therapeutic support if needed)
(03) 4421 6686 View (03) 4421 6686
Our unique stress, resilience, wellbeing and welfare workshop is tailored specifically for people living with disabilities. Navigating the demands of of the NDIS and facing health challenges can be difficult and that is why learning to manage your own wellbeing is important. This program goes beyond conventional training, delving into the intricacies of personal wellbeing, aiming to foster a holistic approach to caring for yourself. Participants can expect to gain insights into stress relief techniques, resilience-building strategies and methods to enhance personal productivity. This program can be funded by the NDIS and falls under capacity building support for participants.
Photo of Dayle Johnson - Calm Minds Clinic, Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Hosted by Calm Minds Clinic
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Group meets in Geelong, VIC 3220
Our unique stress, resilience, wellbeing and welfare workshop is tailored specifically for people living with disabilities. Navigating the demands of of the NDIS and facing health challenges can be difficult and that is why learning to manage your own wellbeing is important. This program goes beyond conventional training, delving into the intricacies of personal wellbeing, aiming to foster a holistic approach to caring for yourself. Participants can expect to gain insights into stress relief techniques, resilience-building strategies and methods to enhance personal productivity. This program can be funded by the NDIS and falls under capacity building support for participants.
(03) 4233 6470 View (03) 4233 6470

See more therapy options for Greater Melbourne (Metropolitan)

Depression Support Groups
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.