Wellness Centre

Since 2001, the Mater Wellness Centre (MWC) has been delivering effective programs for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our program offers a holistic approach to managing and healing post-trauma experiences in a confidential and safe environment. Our aim is to assist people with PTSD to reclaim their lives, create greater control over their lifestyle choices, and improve their overall quality of life.
 

Objectives of the program:

The program aims to improve the quality of life of participants by addressing the following issues:

• Education on PTSD and health-related issues
• Learning how to manage depression, anxiety, anger, stress, sleeping difficulties, alcohol use, and other avoidant behaviours
• Processing traumatic events, grief/loss, guilt, and other difficult emotions
• Education and practical strategies for improving interpersonal relationships
• Group recreation activities to encourage social engagement within the community
• Yoga, Tai Chi, Massage and Meditation to improve relaxation

The program is conducted in a group format (of 5 to 8 participants) and facilitated by experienced practitioners. Participants also attend weekly individual counselling sessions with an assigned Psychologist or Social Worker who works at our program.
 

Program dates for 2019:

• February 6 – March 28
• June 26 - August 15
• October 16 – December 5
   

Eligibility:

All participants require a diagnosis of PTSD prior to being referred to this program.

Current-serving military members can be referred by their Medical Officer (MO).  Ex-serving military members can self-refer with written evidence of their diagnosis, or they can be referred by a GP or other health professional.

Individuals with an Active WorkCover Claim for PTSD can be referred by their GP or psychiatrist.
 

Duration of program:

The PTSD program runs over an 8-week period from 9am to 4.15pm (2 days/week for the first two weeks; four days/week for the next four weeks; and 2 days/week for the last two weeks).

Half-day follow-up sessions are conducted at the three-month and nine-month period after the program is completed.

Our Mood Disorders program is designed to provide individuals with a range of tools to reduce the effects of depression and improve quality of life. 

Objectives of the program:

The program aims to improve the quality of life of participants by addressing the following issues:

• Raise self-awareness
• Increase awareness of irrational thought processes and how these influence our emotions and behaviour
• Develop effective thinking skills
• Improve motivation and involvement in activities
• Develop appropriate coping skills
• Improve interpersonal interactions and assertive communication
• Overall symptom management

The program is conducted in a group format (of 5 to 10 participants) and facilitated by experienced practitioners.

Program dates for 2019:

The program occurs one day a week for 6 weeks. The 2019 program dates occur:

• May 16 - June 20
• August 26 - September 30

Half-day follow-up sessions are conducted at the two-month and four-month period after the program is completed. 

Eligibility:

All participants require a diagnosis of depression prior to being referred to this program.

Current-serving military members can be referred by their Medical Officer (MO).  Ex-serving military members can self-refer with written evidence of their PTSD diagnosis, or they can be referred by a GP or other health professional.

Individuals with an Active WorkCover Claim for PTSD can be referred by their GP or psychiatrist.