R.E.A.C.H Program
About R.E.A.C.H Program
The R.E.A.C.H Day Program has been developed by the Black Dog Institute for people living with Depression or Bipolar Disorder. It runs once a week for six weeks and is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology and Mindfulness. It is designed to help individuals manage their illness and stay well.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You would like to be able to identify and better manage your early warning signs and triggers.
- You have Depression or Bipolar Disorder and would like to learn to manage your illness more effectively.
- You would like to learn gratitude, expressive writing, mood monitoring and mindfulness skills and apply these regularly.
- You would like to develop and nurture your strengths and healthy support networks.
- You recognise the importance of managing vulnerability factors, grief and stress.
Program content
- Introduction to R.E.A.C.H, Well-Being Plans, strengths and core skills weekly skills (Gratitude, Mindfulness, Mood Charting and Expressive Writing
- Happiness and well-being, Gratitude journalling and letter, Grief, loss and challenges
- Relapse signature and contextualising your illness, ABC model and thought challenging, Triggers, early warning signs and braking actions
- Problem solving, medication and well-being, exercise and stress management
- Healthy eating and sleep, Spirituality, self-esteem, substances and mood, support networks
- Preparing for setbacks, developing a Well-Being Plan, enhancing pleasure and meaning, reflection.
What you will experience
You will have the opportunity to learn theory and skills from facilitated discussion, the manual and peer learning from other program participants. Each session focuses on different concepts and skills to manage your illness. You will have the opportunity to complete follow-up activities between sessions and bring what you have learnt and experienced to each group for group feedback and input.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Responsibility: Individuals are responsible for their own well-being, developing and utilising coping and relapse prevention strategies and maintaining treatment plans as appropriate.
Objective 2
Education: Individuals are encouraged to learn as much as they can about their illness and principles of staying well.
Objective 3
Acceptance: Develop willingness to accept they have an illness, and recognise the need to adopt staying well strategies to manage their symptoms.
Objective 4
Connection: The group offers space to meet others individuals with similar struggles and realise you are not alone.
Objective 5
Hope: Individuals learn to foster realistic hope which is a key element to empowerment and moving forward.
What's included
Education
To develop or refine new skills and strategies.
Workbooks
To guide you though education, reflection and exercises designed to tackle your symptoms.
Action Plans
Step-by-step activities to help you put new skills into practice
Progress Tracking
Questionnaires to help you monitor your symptoms and/or progress.
Extra Resources
Tools to help you overcome common challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will find this program helpful?
Those with Depression or Bipolar Disorder who would like to help manage their illness and stay well.
When does this treatment start, and how long does it take?
The R.E.A.C.H Day Program runs on Tuesdays for six weeks from 9:15am to 3:00pm. Morning tea and lunch is provided.
How much does it cost?
Patients are admitted as a Day Patient and as such can claim their attendance via their health fund. We ask that patients confirm any applicable out-of-pocket excess or gap costs directly with Belmont Private Hospital Day Therapy Programs on (07) 3398 0270s
