What is group therapy?
Therapy can be provided on a one-to-one basis, or in a small group with at least two children. Group therapy sessions can be run by therapists and/or Allied Health Assistants (AHAs). Group members will be carefully selected, to make sure that they are all working at a similar skill level and towards similar goals. Groups can target a wide range of therapy goals, eg handwriting, literacy, social skills and self care skills.
Our hope is that by offering more group programs, we can work towards offering a higher volume of therapy services which support and balance the needs of our current clients and supporting the wider community.
What are the benefits to my child?
Research tells us that children benefit from peer-modelling, and that it can support the learning of new skills. Group programs also give your child the chance to make new friends, and feel supported by knowing other children are working on the same skills, or experience similar difficulties.
Group programs provide your child with a supported environment to practice, strengthen and consolidate skills. This practice is often required before expecting your child to be able to demonstrate these skills in their everyday life.
What are the benefits to me?
Where possible, our groups will offer a parent information session in the first and/or last week of each group. Some groups may also offer parent learning opportunities at the same time that your child attends the group. This gives you the chance to learn strategies and activities that you can use at home to help your child strengthen their skills. You will also get the chance to meet the caregivers of other group members, and build your network of parent support.
What happens after the group program ends?
Your child will remain on our waitlist to access individual therapy assessment and support.
Safety and duty of care
Please note, that your child remains under your duty of care at all times during sessions. This means we require you to stay on site while your child is in a session. There is a waiting room where you can sit during the session, and coffee/tea amenities.
There may be times where we have to cancel, reshedule or postpone a group or session, eg if the other group members are unwell and cannot attend. We will try to give you as much notice as possible if this happens. We ask that you do not bring your child to the session if they are unwell.
Cost of group therapy and workshops
The sessions will generally cost less than one-on-one therapy, and can be an effective way to help stretch out your child’s NDIS funding, or access more regular therapy blocks. The costs of groups will depend on mutliple factors (eg length of sessions, number of members), but the standard costs of groups sessions are:
Typical group costs (these may differ, based on the length and content of the group)
Please speak with your private health fund about whether they will provide rebates for group sessions. Medicare plans cannot be used for group sessions.
How often will groups be offered?
We will be offering clinic and school-based therapy groups throughout the year. Group programs will be regularly updated after child and family feedback, and may be repeated throughout the year.
How can I find out about group programs being offered?
In 2023, all future groups will be advertised on our website: https://www.nextchallenge.com.au/groups.html
You can also keep up to date with our group therapy schedule on social media (Facebook, Instagram).