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Headstart Program FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be the right sort of person for the program?

The program is flexible and welcomes people with a wide range of circumstances, issues and brain injuries. We meet with everyone on a one to one basis to talk about whether the group will suit them.

What will I get out of it?

  • Programs like these seem to make a big difference to people health and well being.
  • You will meet some great people
  • You will be contributing to making better programs for people with brain injuries

Is it a psychotherapy program?

  • We don’t think of the program as a therapy.  It is an add-on to rehabilitation and is designed to be collegial, practical and fun although most people report that it makes them feel better too.

Will the program be only about problems?

  • No not only.  Headstart is about building confidence and feeling connected.  However, we are there to deal with problems too.

Do I have to pay?

  • There will be no charge

Why involve the family?

  • A lot of research and feedback shows that involving families gives the best results for individuals
  • Our experienced facilitators ensure this is done in a positive way

Does my whole family have to come?

  • It is more usual for just one other person comes along but its up to you.  Everyone is welcome

Where is it and how do I join?

  • The program runs at the Clinical Psychology Centre, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill
  • The Headstart Clinical team: Grace Couchman, Helen Harrington, and Amber Kelly can be contacted on (03) 9548 7011
  • You can ring directly or ask a clinican/support person to do it for you

Frequently Asked Questions for Referrers

What are the eligibility criteria?

  • The program welcomes individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury (not alcohol or CVA related) between the ages of 17-80 years
  • They will need to have some contact with a family member, although they do not need to be residing together

Will I be kept informed?

  • We will be working closely with referring practitioners

How can I help my clients to take part?

  • The fact that the program is based on an evidence – based program with proven results is the main reason people will get involved
  • People feel more at ease if they understand it is natural to have questions and that the team can answer them
  • Practitioners’ own interest in the program and confidence in the Headstart team is very important
  • Clients can feel more comfortable if they know the Headstart team will contact them instead of having to call an unfamiliar service.

Will clients have to pay?

  • No – there is no charge

What is the referral process?

  1. Practitioners introduce their clients to the program where it is deemed useful and appropriate .  Brochures are available
  2. The practitioner then asks for client permission for the Headstart team to contact them to discuss the program
  3. Client contact details are passed on to the Headstart team on (03) 9548 7011 or by the fax of a referral form to (03) 9501 2535.

Is this an experimental program or just for research?

  • Headstart is first and foremost a clinical program. Multi-family groups have been used extensively for other health and mental health problems, and have been shown to be very beneficial for participants. However, as multi-family groups have not yet been used to help people with TBI and their families, there is need for an evaluation of the relative advantages and limitations. For this reason, participants will be required to fill out a questionnaire before and after the 12 sessions so that the Headstart team can see what has and hasn’t worked for families, and consider possible amendments and adjustments for future groups.