Anxious? Worried? Panicked?  Stressed?

The calming anxiety group is a therapeutic group for members of the GLBTQ community, presented by VAC/GMHC's Counselling Services.

Download a flyer about this group (PDF 102 KB).

Anxiety is a basic emotion and a normal response to threat. However, some people can experience more anxiety than is helpful.

You are not alone if you experience anxiety.

Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in society. Anxiety, fear and worry can stop people from living the life they want, achieving the goals they have set themselves, and stop them from feeling comfortable within themselves and with others.

Do you relate to any of the following? If so, then this group may be helpful.

  • Anxiety stops me from living the life I want to live.
  • Anxiety stops me from achieving my goals.
  • Anxiety makes me feel really uncomfortable with myself and with others.
  • I think about the same old stuff over and over again.
  • I avoid social situations because I am so anxious.
  • I use alcohol or drugs to reduce my inhibitions and increase my confidence.
  • I find it difficult to make decisions.
  • I am really critical of myself and others.

Our calming anxiety group is a six-week therapeutic group for members of the GLBTQ community who experience anxiety. 

The group is facilitated by professional counsellors and aims to provide a respectful safe environment to talk with others and share effective ways to overcome fears and help you to live a more fulfilling and productive life.

What can you expect from this group?

  • Fun!
  • Information, new thoughts, skills, ideas and approaches to help you manage life better.
  • Great shared experience with people just like you who are dealing with some degree of anxiety.
  • A safe space where you can discuss your concerns, get a better grasp on what’s going on and what you can do to have more control over your anxiety.
  • Boost in confidence.
  • Realise that you are not alone.

If the very thought of being in a group makes you anxious that is precisely why this group may be of benefit to you. You’ll be able to meet others who share similar experiences as you in a supportive environment.

So if you would like to explore, understand and transform your anxiety give us a call today. Places limited so don’t delay!

When: Tuesdays
Dates: 28 February – 3 April
Where: Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre, 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra (Close to South Yarra Station Trams 8, 78, 79).

Cost: A sliding scale fee applies and is assessed according to your annual income.

Find out more

Contact the VAC/GMHC Counselling Services Duty Worker on 03 9865 6700 between 2pm and 4pm (excluding public holidays) or email Julia Byford at julia_byford@vicaids.asn.au or Chantelle Fernando at chantelle_fernando@vicaids.asn.au

VAC/GMHC Counselling Services also provide counselling for individuals or couples and referrals. Contact the Duty Worker on the above number for more details.