ACC Group Therapy
We have four therapy groups running in 2026. Brief information about the options is listed below. If you are an ACC client and interested in one of our groups, please talk with your ACC therapist so they can get in touch with us.
If you are an ACC therapist, please email office@riverpsychology.co.nz, to receive a flyer which has more information about inclusion/exclusion criteria, and how to request these services to ACC.
Arts Therapy for Being Present is a level one group for those who haven't done art therapy before. The focus in this group is to use art to explore emotions while using the senses to remain present and stay with what comes up.
When: 8 weekly sessions - Wednesdays 10am to 12pm
Term 1 (Start Date 11 February 2026; End Date 1 April 2026.)
Term 2 (Start Date 22 April 2026; End Date 1 July 2026.)
Term 3 - NO GROUPS
Term 4 (Start Date 14 October 2026; End Date 17 December 2026.)
Location: Soul Images Expressive Arts Studio, Room 8, E Block, 21 Ruakura Road, Hamilton East.
We will have groups of up to 10 participants. We are currently offering the group to women only. This includes those that identify as women (i.e. trans-women). The programme is aimed at individuals who have experienced trauma but have made a commitment to their recovery and are making reasonable progress toward their therapeutic goals.
Arts Therapy for Connecting with Self is a level two group for kiritaki who have some previous experience with Arts Therapy. This may be from a prior Arts Therapy group, or from engaging in Adjunct, or other Arts Therapy. This group uses a Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT) approach to explore identity, self-esteem, emotions and experiences through art making.
When: 8 weekly sessions - Thursdays 10am to 12pm
Term 1 (Start Date 12 February 2026; End Date 2 April 2026.)
Term 2 (Start Date 23 April 2026; End Date 2 July 2026.)
Term 3 - NO GROUPS
Term 4 (Start Date 15 October 2026; End Date 18 December 2026.)
Location: Soul Images Expressive Arts Studio, Room 8, E Block, 21 Ruakura Road, Hamilton East.
We will have groups of up to 10 participants. We are currently offering the group to women only. This includes those that identify as women (i.e. trans-women). The programme is aimed at individuals who have experienced trauma but have made a commitment to their recovery and are making reasonable progress toward their therapeutic goals
An 8-week, trauma-informed, psychoeducational group for survivors impacted by body-image concerns or disordered-eating patterns – no formal diagnosis required. Integrated trauma-informed care, the RAVES model of eating recovery, and SMART goal setting to promote healing in both body and mind, focusing on regulation and reconnecting with oneself through understanding and compassion.
When: 8 weekly sessions - Wednesdays 9am to 11am
Term 1 (Start Date 4 February 2026; End Date 25 March 2026.)
Term 2 (Start Date 29 April 2026; End Date 17 June 2026.)
Term 3 (Start Date 22 July 2026; End Date 9 September 2026.)
Term 4 (Start Date 14 October 2026; End Date 2 December 2026.)
Location: River Psychology, Room 1, E Block 21 Ruakura Road, Hamilton East
Inclusion Criteria:
Adults (18+); approved ACC Sensitive Claim; engaged with a Lead Service Provider
ANY current/historical disordered eating symptoms, regardless of formal diagnosis.
Able to regulate sufficiently to participate in a 2-hour group
Be in a relatively stable phase of trauma recovery
Committed to attending all sessions with no planned absences
An 8-week, in-person group in Hamilton East for ACC Sensitive Claims clients at any stage of recovery. Using gentle, cooperative board games we foster safety, connection, and nervous system regulation with no pressure to talk.
Who It’s For:
Anyone 18+ feeling isolated, burned out by therapy, or living with neurodivergence, dissociation, or trauma-related social anxiety.
Survivors seeking a safe, creative, and inclusive space for relational healing
We are an inclusive space: Rainbow community, neurodiversity & culturally inclusive
When: 8 weekly sessions - Tuesdays at either 10am to 12pm or 1pm to 3pm
Term 1 (Start Date 3 February 2026; End Date 24 March 2026.)
Term 2 (Start Date 28 April 2026; End Date 16 June 2026.)
Term 3 (Start Date 21 July 2026; End Date 8 September 2026.)
Term 4 (Start Date 13 October 2026; End Date 1 December 2026.)
Location: River Psychology, Room 1, E Block 21 Ruakura Road, Hamilton East
The Path Program: Poi Assisted Therapy
Trauma Aid Aotearoa are offering an online ACC Therapy Group, The Path Program: Poi Assisted Therapy, with River Psychology as the ACC supplier.
The Path Program is delivered in structured, eight-session online cohorts. It is an innovative, evidence-based therapy service that integrates EMDR and poi movement to support recovery from trauma.
Referrals can be made directly through the Trauma Aid Aotearoa website: www.traumaaid.org.nz/path.
Phone: 027 216 2096
Email: office@riverpsychology.co.nz
PO Box 14153, Five Cross Roads, Hamilton 3252
