SARC counsellors run a number of group programs at the SARC office based in Subiaco. Information about the different groups are listed below.
Clients already seeing a counsellor at SARC can ask their counsellor to be referred to one of the groups.
People not seeing a SARC counsellor who are interested in attending a group, or simply finding out more information about a group, can contact the SARC office on 6458 1828. In most cases, the group coordinator will telephone you and arrange to meet with you in person to ensure that the group is going to meet your needs.
The Power Within
SARC provides a therapeutic group program for survivors of child sexual abuse called ‘The Power Within’. This empowering group provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their feelings and thoughts, gain a deeper understanding of their trauma experiences without self-blame and shame, and share strategies in order to reclaim their lives.
The group meets on a Tuesday morning in Subiaco over 7 weeks, and generally runs twice each year.
The group is suitable for people who are:
- Female
- Aged 21 years or older
- A survivor of child sexual abuse
- Have seen a counsellor, either at SARC or elsewhere, and have access to the counsellor if needed
- Able to commit to a 7 week group and attend all sessions
- Considered to be suitable for the group after meeting with the group coordinator
What previous participants have said:
‘Thank you. This group has helped me feel valued and less shameful, more connected’.
(Group participant).
‘Fantastic – changed my whole outlook on who I am, how I think/feel and behave, how I relate to others, how I view the world’
(Group participant).
‘I believe this has been a good stepping stone to feeling less a victim and more in control of my life’.
(Group participant).
‘Enjoying the Power’ skills group
This group is a follow-on from ‘The Power Within’ group. It is designed for participants to build life skills.
The group meets on a Tuesday morning in Subiaco over 7 weeks, and generally runs twice each year. Participants must have completed ‘The Power Within’ program to access this group.
Topics covered in the group include:
- Coping with the effects of trauma
- Developing self-respect
- Increasing self-confidence
- Building self esteem
- Developing effective communication skills
- Managing anger
- Creating positive relationships
- Using assertiveness
Men’s group
This is an interpersonal group for men. The group provides participants with an opportunity to benefit from connecting with others as well as share their stories and experiences with other men.
The group meets on a Wednesday afternoon in Subiaco and runs over 10 weeks. It generally runs three times a year. Participants are free to come along to as many or as few group sessions as they like.
Aims of the group include:
- Learn more about yourself and others
- Learn how to connect with others
- Learn from other men who have experienced similar difficulties
The group is suitable for people who are:
- Male
- Aged 21 years or older
- Have experienced sexual assault or child sexual abuse
- Have seen a counsellor, either at SARC or elsewhere, and have access to the counsellor if needed
Mindfulness group
The mindfulness course runs for 8 weeks and offers a practical introduction to living more mindfully with trauma. Being mindful means being present and non-judgemental as you experience life. With practice, this translates to experiencing less anxiety and having a greater sense of connection to self and others. Classes are experiential and include guided meditation practice and group discussion. There is an expectation that group members will also commit to engaging in regular, supported home practice to enhance their skill learning within the group.
The group meets on Thursday mornings in Subiaco for 1.5 hours. We aim to run the course at least twice throughout the year.
Sessions include:
- Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
- Some gentle stretching exercises
- Group reflection
- Home practice worksheets.
The group is suitable for people who have a history of sexual assault and / or childhood sexual abuse and:
- are currently accessing or willing to access counselling through SARC or another professional support network for the duration of the course.
- have an interest in learning about mindfulness skills and are able to commit fully to the 8 week program.
- can attend a pre-group interview with a group facilitator to assess current needs in relation to the group program.