Treatment programs and workshops

Open Arms offers a range of free group programs to assist the serving and ex-serving community, as well as their families live their best life. Call 1800 011 046 to speak with an Open Arms staff member for assistance in finding the right program for you.

Our range of group activities include group treatment programs, online groups, relationship retreats and suicide intervention education workshops.

  • alarm clock
    Group treatment program
    2 day program

    Sleeping better

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    A program to help you manage disturbed sleep

    • Develop an understanding of the sleep process and factors impacting on sleep.
    • Learn ways to reduce or eliminate factors detrimental to sleep and to introduce or enhance those beneficial to sleep.
    • Explore and understand the impact of sleep disturbances on mood, behaviour and relationships.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • man looking out into wilderness
    Group treatment program
    2 day or 6 week program

    Beating the blues

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    A program to help you understand and manage depression

    • Understand the signs and symptoms, situations and thinking patterns that contribute to depression.
    • Challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
    • Learn techniques to manage stress and depressed moods.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • Group treatment program
    2 day or 6 week program

    Doing anger differently

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    A program to help you understand anger and aggression

    • Manage thoughts and feelings that contribute to anger.
    • Learn how problematic anger develops and how to prevent aggressive behaviours.
    • Understand the warning signs of anger.
    • Develop skills to reduce heightened physical responses and anger.
    • Manage unhelpful thinking and develop skills to communicate more effectively to improve relationships.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • anxious lady
    Group treatment program
    2 day or 6 week program

    Understanding anxiety

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    A program that teaches you strategies and skills for managing anxiety

    • Understand the impact of military training and experiences on anxiety.
    • Learn strategies to challenge/change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
    • Discover lifestyle factors for managing anxiety.
    • Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • Lifestyle yoga
    Group treatment program
    5 day program or 2 weekends

    Residential lifestyle management

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    A program to help improve wellbeing and enhance relationships

    • Take time out from the daily routine and focus on a range of lifestyle subjects.
    • Take stock of issues in a relaxing venue to identify what is working well and areas that need change.
    • Consider the impact of military service and adjustment to civilian life on families.
    • Learn and reinforce skills in stress management, communication, building resilience and relationships.
    • Discover the importance of diet, motivation, problem solving and goal setting.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members and their partners.

  • man hanging up army uniform
    Education workshop
    2 day workshop

    Stepping out

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    A workshop that examines the civilian transition process in both practical and emotional terms

    • Discover key issues related to personal and social adjustment following discharge.
    • Receive knowledge, skills and resources to assist you in making the transition to civilian life.
    • ADF members attending the program will be considered ‘on duty at another location’.

    Who can attend: ADF members and their partners about to or recently in transition to civilian life. 

  • Self-harm image
    Group treatment program
    2 day or 6 week program

    Recovery from trauma

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    A program to help understand and manage the impact of trauma on you and your family

    • Identify and reduce heightened physical responses to trauma.
    • Manage avoidance behaviours and develop a strategy to safely confront fearful situations.
    • Learn how to modify unhelpful thinking.
    • Develop skills to improve relationships and meet healthy lifestyle goals.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • stress management
    Group treatment program
    1 day or 2 day program

    Relaxation and stress management

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    Practical skills that can be used in everyday life to de-stress

    • Discover mindfulness as a practice to shift focus from ‘what has happened in the past’ and ‘what may happen in the future’ to ‘what is happening right now’.
    • Learn strategies to alleviate a variety of conditions, including pain, stress and mild depression.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • Group treatment program
    2 day or 6 week program

    Managing pain

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    A program to help you learn about effective pain management strategies

    • Understand the link between physical and psychological aspects of pain.
    • Learn strategies to challenge/change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
    • Discover important lifestyle factors for managing pain.
    • Develop a Personal Pain Plan.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members, partners, adult children.

  • Better relationships man and women holding hands
    Educational program
    3 day program

    Building better relationships

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    A program to help you rediscover what's important in your relationship and to rebuild a relationship with your partner

    • Focus on what works well to strengthen your relationship.
    • Enhance the resilience of individual partners and the relationship.
    • Create shared meaning through values and rituals of connection.
    • Understand the emotions behind your partner's life dreams.
    • Manage conflict positively and adopt a positive perspective.

    Who can attend: Current and ex-serving ADF members and their partners. Adult children and their partners.