Stress control classes in Carrickfergus, Rathcoole and Monkstown

The Psychological Therapies Service, in partnership with Monkstown Village Initiatives, has been successfully delivering a community stress-management programme for the past year. ‘Stress Control’ is a six week, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help course consisting of six 90 minute presentations. Although aimed at people experiencing mild/moderate anxiety or depression, anyone who is suffering with stress, knows someone who is, or just wants to be better equipped, is welcome.

Over 240 people of all ages, including many men; have attended. Most attenders reported learning a range of beneficial new skills to help them manage stress. Those who completed Stress Control reported that the course improved their understanding of why they felt like they did and praised the quality of the teaching provided e.g. “the course is delivered in a way that respects my ability to apply the techniques myself”. The classes are free of charge and flexible; individuals can choose a daytime/evening class and can attend different classes each week to work best around their schedule.

Heather attended all six classes and said this about Stress Control:

“The classes were delivered at a really good pace. The handouts and homework were brilliant; you didn’t go home and forget about it. It’s a process but the more work you put into it, the more benefit you get from it. After every lesson I genuinely learned something. It was simple things you could implement in your life and was of great benefit to me. Keeping the journal of the vicious circle was really important as putting thoughts on paper can help you to change things. The sleeping tips really helped me as well as learning to pull back the blinkers and take time to let things happen rather than trying to assume what could happen. Not only did I benefit from it, but my family members did as well and said they could see a visible difference in my wellbeing. It is scheduled self-help that is free, local and in the community. I really enjoyed it!”

A new set of classes will commence in February 2015 with a choice of three different classes. Classes begin in Monkstown Village Centre, Newtownabbey on Tuesday evenings at 7pm-8.30pm from 3 February – 10 March; Oakfield Community Centre, Carrickfergus on Wednesday evenings at 7pm-8.30pm from 4 February – 11 March & Dunanney Centre, Rathcoole on Thursday mornings at 10.30am – 12pm from 5 February – 12 of March.

Stress Control is open to anyone living in the Northern Trust area.

To register your interest please contact Rosie Donnelly by telephone on 028 9086 0090.

9th January 2015