Upcoming Course Dates and Descriptions
We currently offer the following courses
If you have any questions about any of the courses and their content; please ask any of the course facilitators who run the sessions.
Courses can either be booked over the phone or via our website. Our admin team are available weekdays, 9am-5pm and will be happy to assist you in booking on to your chosen course and answer any questions you may have.
Anger Awareness
This free, four-week course is aimed towards people who wish to learn about the triggers to anger and ways to handle their angry feelings. It aims to help you stay in charge of your actions by managing strong feelings in a positive way. It will include some relaxation techniques.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding anger
- Ways to help manage unhelpful behaviour
- Managing difficult thoughts, expectations and triggers
- Developing helpful behaviours to deal with the causes of anger
Please note that we recommend attending the Stress and Mood Management course before beginning this course.
Bereavement Support Group
This free, six-week course aims to provide an introduction to bereavement to help understand the emotional and practical difficulties as well as some helpful ways to begin coping.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding the natural responses to bereavement
- Introduction to some helpful techniques in adjusting to life without the person who has died
- Some helpful ideas on managing difficult and sometimes overwhelming emotions
Although you may feel you need support after your recent bereavement, please note that this particular course is aimed towards people who have been bereaved after a period of six months or longer. This is because often the feelings are still very raw and strong during the early weeks. Support is available through Cruse Bereavement Care or you can make an appointment to see one of our Practitioners at your GP surgery during this period.
Please note also this course is intended for those who are grieving the loss of human life and is not suitable for other kinds of loss e.g. pets. Support for grieving for the loss of pets is available through Blue Cross Bereavement Support.
Boosting Self Esteem
This free, four-week course aims to help you understand how low self-esteem is maintained and teaches ways to break the cycle.
Topics covered include:
- Introduction to self-esteem
- Understanding how our beliefs and expectations impact self-esteem
- Managing difficult thoughts
- Developing self-compassion
- Managing social anxiety
- Helpful ways to move forward
Please note that we recommend attending the Stress and Mood Management course before beginning this course.
Building Confidence
This free course looks at what confidence is and offers ideas and opportunities to practice skills which will help develop it.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding what confidence is
- Developing strategies to help build confidence
- Overcoming some of the barriers to confidence
- Helpful ways to move forward
Please note that we recommend attending the Stress and Mood Management course before beginning this course.
CALM: An Introduction to Mindfulness
CALM stands for Cultivating Awareness and Living Mindfully. This free, four-week course introduces you to a range of techniques for relaxing the body, calming the mind and living more fully in the present moment. We can often live our lives on “auto-pilot” and react habitually to situations in unhelpful ways. Mindfulness allows us to be more flexible in our response to the stresses of life, to be less driven and distressed by our thoughts and emotions, and to appreciate each moment of life more fully.
Topics covered include:
- The skills of mindfulness, concentration and relaxation
- Techniques for applying mindfulness to the breath, the body, thoughts, feelings and everyday life
- Practical tips for practicing mindfulness
- Dealing with difficulties that arise in practicing
Some of the practices are traditionally done lying down (though you can do them in a chair if you prefer) so it is a good idea to bring something comfortable to lie on. You are also advised to bring two or three cushions, and wear loose clothing.
Developing Assertiveness
This free course considers the reasons why we may struggle to say ‘no’, to give our true opinions or to receive criticism. It offers ideas and practice on interacting with others in an assertive way.
Topics covered include:
- Learn about different communication styles
- Understand how to turn aggression into assertiveness
- Learn simple assertiveness techniques to use in everyday life
- Improve communication in your relationships
- Practice asking for what you want
- Learn how to say ‘no’
The course is run in a group format and will be a mixture of taught input, discussion and practice in small groups, but people can participate as much or as little as they choose to.
Effective Relationships and Good Communication
This free course looks at how and why we feel misunderstood and what we can do to communicate better in all our relationships.
Topics covered include:
- Considering the importance of communicating our needs
- How and why communication varies across relationships
- Effective communication skills
- Barriers to communicating effectively
This is a taught course, run in a group format, and will be a mixture of taught input, discussion and practice in small groups, but people can participate as much or as little as they choose to.
Feel-Write Reading and Reflective Writing Group
Feel-Write Reading and Reflective Writing Group
A creative and reflective space for people who have used LIFT psychology.
- A space to be creative, be inspired & inspire others.
- An opportunity to reflect on words, images and self-help books that help you through your ups and downs.
- Meetings are monthly at Swindon Central Library (3rd Floor meeting room).
- Tea and Coffee provided.
Next dates are:
Tuesday 21st August
Tuesday 18th September. All sessions run from 1pm until 2.30pm
No need to book a space, just come along on the day.
For more information about the group contact Alice on 01793 836836 or lift.psychology@nhs.net
Healthy Habits for Body and Mind
Breaking habits and making positive lifestyle changes can be difficult, even at the best of times. This course aims to help motivate people to make changes and to teach techniques to overcome some of the common difficulties that can get in the way.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding change and building motivation
- Understanding what healthy, balanced eating really looks like
- Managing unhelpful thoughts and feelings
- Setting goals and ways to gain important support
- Understanding ‘head hunger’ and dealing with cravings
- Practical strategies for moving forward
Healthy Mind (16-19 year olds)
This free, six-week course introduces Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) and is aimed specifically at 16 – 19 year olds. It will teach skills that can be used to help reduce difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression and anger.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding anxiety and general stress (including exam stress)
- Techniques for managing difficult thoughts
- Managing the expectations we set ourselves and others
- Managing anger and techniques for communicating assertively
- Introduction to self-esteem
- Helpful ways to put techniques into practice
LIFT Your Voice
Have you received a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease or COPD? If so you’re are welcome to join our singing and wellbeing group – LIFT Your Voice.
Research shows that taking part in a singing group can have beneficial effects on health and wellbeing.
There are no requirements to be able to sing. No pressure, come along and give it a go. Informal and relaxed environment. The group will be run by a singing tutor who has experience working with health conditions, and a member of the LIFT Psychology team.
WHEN: Thursday 7th June, 10am -12pm taking place weekly for four weeks finishing on Thursday 28th June.
WHERE: LIFT Psychology, 2nd Floor, Old Town Surgery, Curie Avenue, Swindon, SN1 4GB.
To book on to attend please call 01793 835710.
If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone about the group please call LIFT Psychology on 01793 835710 and ask for Marianne.
Living Well After Stroke
This free, five-week course considers the impact of stroke on people’s emotional wellbeing and teaches techniques to improve quality of life. It will teach skills in relaxation, managing unhelpful thoughts, improving concentration and memory, and setting goals.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding stroke and its impact
- Prioritising, planning and pacing activities
- Dealing with difficult thoughts
- Communicating feelings and needs in helpful ways
Living Well with COPD
Dealing with breathlessness can be stressful and frustrating. This free course for people with COPD helps understand the things that can make it better and worse. It looks at ways to manage breathlessness and cope with the common difficult thoughts and feelings that can go with it. The course focuses on ways of remaining positive and maximising your wellbeing.
This is a taught course, run in a group format, so although there will be some group discussion it is up to you how much or how little you choose to take part.
We are currently able to offer this course to people registered with a Wiltshire GP. Please give us a call on 01793 835710/1 to book a place.
Living Well with Coronary Heart Disease
This free course is for people living with a cardiac condition (including people who have had a heart attack, angina, heart surgery, and heart failure). It will teach skills and techniques to adjust and better cope emotionally. This is based on a psychological approach called Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT), which has been shown to be helpful for many people with cardiac problems.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding the impact of physical health on emotional wellbeing
- The process of adjustment and acceptance
- Techniques for managing difficult thoughts
- Communication skills
- Helpful ways to move forward
This is a taught course, run in a group format, so although there will be some group discussion it is up to you how much or how little you choose to take part.
We are currently able to offer this course to people registered with a Wiltshire GP. Please give us a call on 01793 835710/1 to book a place.
Living Well with Diabetes
Diabetes can be a difficult condition to manage. This free, four-week course aims to help people understand more about the condition, including some common traps that people can fall into when living with it. The focus is on the helpful things that people can do to better manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications associated with it.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding diabetes and its impact
- Setting important and realistic goals
- Dealing with difficult thoughts
- Communicating feelings and needs in helpful ways
We are currently able to offer this course to people registered with a Wiltshire GP. Please give us a call on 01793 835710/1 to book a place.
Living Well with Fatigue
Experiencing chronic fatigue can be very frustrating and challenging to manage. This free, four-week course aims to help people understand more about chronic fatigue, including some of the common things that can make it worse. The main focus is on discussing techniques that enable people to better manage it and improve their emotional wellbeing.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding chronic fatigue and its impact
- Prioritising, pacing and planning activities
- Managing expectations
- Dealing with unhelpful thoughts
- Helpful ways to communicate feelings and needs
Living Well with Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be a confusing and difficult diagnosis for people to understand. This free, five-week course aims to help people understand more about it, including the things that can make it worse. It focuses on helping people learn and use techniques that can better manage it.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding fibromyalgia and its impact
- Prioritising, pacing and planning activities
- Managing expectations
- Dealing with difficult thoughts
Living Well with Long Term Pain
People can experience long term pain for many reasons and it can be very challenging to manage. This free, four-week course aims to help people understand more about long term pain, including some of the things that can make it worse. The focus is on the techniques that can help better manage the pain and improve quality of life.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding long term pain and its impact
- Prioritising, pacing and planning activities
- Managing expectations
- Dealing with unhelpful thoughts
- Helpful ways to communicate feelings and needs
Living Well with Parkinson's
This free 4-week course is for people who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
It will consider the impact of the condition on people’s emotional well-being, including ways to adjust and proactively cope. The skills and techniques discussed are based on the psychological approach Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
It is a taught course run in a group format – although there will be some group discussion it is up to you how much or how little you choose to take part.
Managing Multiple Sclerosis
This free 4 week course considers the impact of MS on people’s emotional wellbeing and teaches techniques to improve quality of life. It will teach skills in areas like how best to relax, manage unhelpful thoughts and set meaningful goals.
This is a taught course, run in a group format, so although there will be some group discussion it is up to you how much or how little your choose to take part.
Mindfulness Practice Group
Have you completed a CALM, MBCT or MARS course? Are you finding it a struggle to keep up the practices you learned on the course? We meet at Old Town Surgery for practice and discussion around any aspect of mindfulness and well-being. Please feel free to bring your own blankets, cushions and anything else you require.
Next dates are:
Thursday 27th September
Wednesday 31st October
Monday 10th December
All dates are 6.30pm – 8pm
Moving On from Separation and Divorce
This free, six-week course aims to help you understand the emotional processes you are experiencing after the initial crisis of a relationship ending. It will help you identify steps forward and will discuss how to prevent similar problems occurring in future relationships.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding difficult emotions
- Managing difficult changes and loss
- Helpful ways to move forward
Overcoming Low Mood and Depression
This free, four-week course looks at the nature of low mood and depression and demonstrates different methods of dealing with this difficult emotion.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding low mood and our experiences
- How our behaviours can impact low mood and depression
- How our thoughts and beliefs can sometimes contribute to low mood
- Developing self-compassion
- How to cope with our feelings using a range of relaxation and mindfulness techniques
Please note that we recommend attending the Stress and Mood Management course before beginning this course.
Overcoming Panic, Anxiety and Worry
This free, four-week course is aimed at people experiencing problems with anxiety in any form, including generalised anxiety, phobias, excessive worry and / or panic attacks.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding how and why anxiety problems develop and are maintained
- The meaning and causes of the physical symptoms of anxiety and how to cope with them using a range of relaxation and mindfulness techniques
- How our thoughts and beliefs can sometimes contribute to anxiety problems and how to reduce their impact
- How to turn unproductive worry into helpful problem-solving
- How to develop your own plan for overcoming anxiety in a step-by-step manner
Overcoming Sleep Difficulties
This free, four-week course aims to help people experiencing sleep difficulties (not sleeping enough / disrupted sleep / early morning waking), who are also experiencing any other condition, whether physical or emotional in nature. The course aims to help you understand your sleep difficulties and provide you with techniques which can help you cope with poor sleep.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding theories of sleep and what happens in the body when we sleep
- Understanding the relationship between sleep and other conditions
- Basic strategies for improving the quality of sleep
- Managing difficult thoughts and expectations
- Advanced strategies for improving the quality of sleep
Stress and Mood Management
This free, four-week course introduces Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT) as a method of effectively reducing difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression and anger.
Topics covered include:
- Understanding anxiety and general stress
- Techniques for managing difficult thoughts
- Managing the expectations we set ourselves and others
- Managing anger and techniques for communicating assertively
- Helpful ways to put techniques into practice
Stress Workshop for Men
This free course will run for four weekly sessions held on Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
We’ll cover:
- How life stresses can overload the brain’s coping mechanisms.
- How men are programmed to cope with stress, and how sometimes these instincts can lead to more trouble.
- How to recognise and manage feelings of depression, anger and anxiety.
- How to improve communication in relationships.
- The MAGIC 5: how to maintain your brain in good condition with regular servicing.
Please note this course is intended for male participants only.
Walking Group ‘Step by Step’
- Would you like to become more physically active?
- Do you enjoy being out in nature?
- Would you like to meet new people?
If you have used any part of LIFT Psychology before then you are eligible to come along to Step by Step, the LIFT walking group that meets every Tuesday morning (10:30 for first timers, 10:45 if you’ve been before).
The group go for a 40-60 min walk from our base at Old Town surgery (2nd floor), and come back to refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits) afterwards.
The group is led by Health Walk Leaders and will go ahead come rain or shine, so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
No need to book on, just turn up on the day! You don’t need to commit to a certain number of walks, you can just come along when you wish.
If you have any further questions, please call Ross Allen at LIFT Psychology on (01793) 836836.
Wellbeing After Baby
This free, four-week course explores how we can manage our own emotional and mental wellbeing after the birth of a child.
Topics covered include:
- Coping with difficult thoughts and feelings
- Setting goals and managing daily activities
- Helpful ways to reduce stress
- Useful techniques to communicate with others