Limavady has become the first community in the West to be able to access the Western Health Trust’s new “Stress Control” programme.
The programme is a six session class provided free of charge and delivered by experienced qualified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapists.
The sessions will run in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady from Thursday next, 6 March to Thursday, 10 April 2014 from 11.00am – 12.30pm.
Barry McGale, from the Western Trust’s Family Liaison Service, and who will be helping to deliver the programme said the programme, devised by clinical psychologist Dr Jim White, was now used across the world.
He added: “I would encourage anyone who wishes to learn some great ways to control common problems such as anxiety, depression, panic, poor sleep, burnout, loss of confidence or low self-esteem, in other words, ‘stress’ to come along and give it a go – it’s amazing what you will take home with you from it.”
Trevor Millar, Director of Mental Health and Disability Services with the Trust said the sessions would teach people to “become their own therapist” so they were encouraged to work hard at practicing the skills they learned in each session.
He added: “I might even go along myself!”
Each session builds together like pieces of a jigsaw to enable people to deal with their individual difficulties.
Booklets, relaxation CDs and general information leaflets will be provided.
Mr Millar added: “Although it is best to start at session one, you can join a class at any time and sessions are open to everyone regardless of age.
“Please inform anyone who you feel would benefit from attending these and invite them to come along.
“People can bring along friends or carers.
There is no referral system, just turn up, take a seat, then sit back and learn some great ways to control stress.”
He concluded: “It is a very relaxed informal setting and people can come and go as they need.”
For further information on the sessions, contact Mavis on 028 7132 0143 or Katrina on 028 7186 5204.
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