Dunedin-based GP Dr Zuzana Oravcova-Wheeler and health coach Jenny Malcolm have joined forces to create the evidence-based programme, which will mostly focus on lifestyle modifications and self-empowerment.
Dr Oravcova-Wheeler said participants the programme would learn about the body and mind processes that manifest as stress and anxiety, and would be taught practical tools to effectively manage it.
"We want to truly empower participants to take control of this potentially debilitating condition, without necessarily relying on medications or maladaptive behaviours," Dr Oravcova-Wheeler said.
"Both Jenny and myself often come across people experiencing anxiety in our practices, and have found that they are not that many effective interventions that work fast and have a long-standing effect."
Ms Malcolm said group programmes worked well, as participants were not only accessing the expertise of health professionals, but were also getting peer support.
"Hearing about others’ lived experiences is a very good way to learn — people can take on board things that have worked for others in the group," she said.
"When people really understand techniques, they are more likely to act and for it to have a long-lasting effect."
The programme will also be informed by the personal challenges faced by Dr Oravcova-Wheeler and Ms Malcolm, and the techniques they have learned to deal with them.
"Everything we will be teaching, we have been putting into practice in our own lives, and we are confident that these techniques can work," Ms Malcolm said.
The programme will include a mix of in-person and online sessions, and will involve 10 to 15 people.
Unfortunately, as the practitioners have not been able to secure funding for this first course, participants will have to cover the cost. They hope to secure funding in the future for future courses.
One free space is being offered for a person experiencing anxiety — to be considered, please write a short paragraph about why you want to take part and what success would look like for you.
An online information session will be held this Sunday. To read more, visit ziviohealth.com
