What is the GEARS Program?
The Group Emotional and Relationship Skills (GEARS) program is a 12-week psychoeducation and skills-based course, with sessions lasting two hours each week. It is specifically designed for current and former military and emergency service personnel.
Developed and facilitated by peers with service backgrounds, this program aims to enhance mood regulation, inteam tailored specifically for current and former serving military and emergency service personnel. Designed and delivered by lived experience peers with a service background, this program aims to improve mood regulation, interpersonal communication and relationship skills through the lens of what it means to be a serviceman or servicewoman.
Participants will learn to:
- Identify and analyse service-related thought patterns and their effects
- Become more aware and comfortable with their emotions
- Develop positive, healthy coping skills for distressing feelings
- Recognise unhealthy relationship patterns
- Build skills to improve relationships
- Enhance resilience and confidence.
All these skills are taught within the context of military and first responder culture, acknowledging the unique impacts of training, culture, and identity on managing stress and distress.
Eligibility requirements:
- Be a current or former military or emergency services member
- Have mental health/work stress symptoms that concern you
- Obtain a referral from your GP or mental health professional – Clinician Referral Form.
Please note the clinician referral is mandatory to participate.
For any enquiries, please contact us on (08) 7002 0880 or email [email protected].
Participant testimony:
“The structure and content of the program were spot on. Each week we were able to unpack things in the right order sequence. Also, having the workbook means that I can read in advance or reflect back on it when I am having difficulty processing what is happening in my world.”
“I thought the overall structure was very well conceived and delivered. The course presenters were approachable, engaging and discussed the course sections with clear communication and easy understanding.”
“If I had received this training a year or two ago, I am positive my marriage and life would be so much better off.’
