Groups and Individual Programmes for Adults

Programmes are based on, but not limited to cognitive behavioural theory (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI) and strengths perspective. Programmes are primarily delivered from our premises located at 67-69 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch and Community House, Timaru.
We also provide some individual programmes in Rangiora and Ashburton.

Group Programmes

Group programmes are a preferred method of programme delivery, as they develop a culture where family violence is openly explored and not "kept behind closed doors". Group programmes are delivered in the evenings, once a week over a timeframe of 10 to 15 weeks. All participants attend an initial assessment to determine their suitability for the group setting. Participants are expected to attend all of the agreed sessions in order to complete the programme.

Individual Programmes

Some clients are unsuitable for a group programme due to various factors such as:

• Mental health
• Work commitments
• Language and literacy issues
• Intellectual disability
• Sexual orientation
• Alcohol and drug dependency

When any of these factors are a barrier to attending a group programme, we can provide individual programmes and brief interventions which consist of an assessment and up to 12 one hour weekly sessions.

Topics explored in both individual and group programmes include:

• Core beliefs
• Conflict resolution and communication skills
• Developing healthy coping strategies by using time-out and safety planning
• The effects of violence on children
• Relapse prevention
• Developing support structures in order to maintain a non-violence life style
• Victim impact and empathy
• Understanding the historical context of family violence
• Alcohol and other drugs
• Mental health
• Power and control tactics
• Emotional regulation