Learning and Sharing
Why we do what we do
At Centre Self Collective, we are deeply passionate about learning—a value that shapes everything we do. We believe in nurturing the growth of social work students and allied health professionals, equipping them with the practical skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in their careers.
We’re also passionate about supporting others in private practice, recognising that it can be an isolating journey. By mentoring students and creating opportunities for collaboration, we aim to foster connection, reduce isolation, and build a community of learning and support.
EMDR and Schema Therapy Clinical Skills Network
Through the Mental Health Practitioner Network these sessions bring together mental health practitioners who wish to deepen their skills in either EMDR or Schema Therapy, through two separate dedicated groups. Each group focuses specifically on one modality, so clinicians can engage in the approach most relevant to their training, interest, and current practice.
Both groups centre on deliberate practice, with collaborative, experiential, and peer-led sessions designed to strengthen confidence, refine technique, and support real growth in the therapy room. Members engage in skill practice, reflective discussion, and learning from guest speakers within a warm, supportive environment.
Sessions are rotated monthly, offered in a blend of in-person and online formats to ensure accessibility and cross-disciplinary connection.
Session dates and topics for 2026:
EMDR Groups – 4-5pm Thursdays
12th March - Unpacking the predictive Brain model
14th May - Managing abreactions
16th July - Integrating attachment focused/parts work into processing
17th Sep - Refining formulation
19th Nov - Transference and counter-transference
Schema Groups – 9:30am-11am Fridays
20th Feb – Guest facilitator Tena Davies on how to work with overcompensating modes
17th April – Imagery rescripting with antagonistic figures
19th June – Challenges and troubleshooting imagery rescripting
21st August – Working with narcissistic modes
16th Oct – TBC
How we can work with you
Our Partnership with RMIT University
Every semester, we welcome students from RMIT University as part of our tailored placement program. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice, empowering students to step into private practice with confidence.
Through this partnership, we:
Provide tailored training programs addressing the challenges of private practice.
Mentor students to develop the skills they need to navigate ethical tensions, client relationships, and professional sustainability.
Actively contribute to the Victorian University Field Education Network Group, collaborating with higher education providers and private practitioners to shape innovative guidelines for student placements in private practice.
CASE EXAMPLE – Aaron and Gil partnership
“During my placement CSC partnered with another private practitioner to hold an ADHD therapy group. I completed the intake conversations with the potential participants to assess their potential fit within the group therapy dynamics; this process allowed me to use skills such as motivational interviewing, rapport building, and empathetic engagement. The group then ran for 10 weeks, and I was established as co-facilitator. I was supported to practice drawing on group members to engage in discussions and later helped in adjusting the reading materials and presenting for multiple sessions.
When group members missed a group session, I provided a catch-up session. These were a great space to practice some of the modalities which I had been learning about throughout my time at CSC. I presented the content which had been assigned to the group for the missed week but also drew upon psychoeducation and skills from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help the clients to draw on their own values and create a plan to move forward.”
-Aaron
Guidelines for Social Work Placements in Private Practice
Interested in hosting a social work student but not sure where to start? Or are you a social work student curious about what a placement in private practice could look like?
The Victorian Universities Field Education Network (VUFEN), in collaboration with private practice social workers, including us here at CSC, and social work graduates, developed these guidelines to support private sector social workers, agencies and universities to provide quality social work student placements and build workforce capacity within this space.
These guidelines offer a framework for what a placement in private practice could entail.
Reducing Isolation & Enhancing Collaboration
Private practice can often feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. By mentoring students, offering collaborative learning opportunities, and creating spaces for shared growth, we aim to:
Build a sense of community and connection among professionals.
Provide ongoing learning and support for those stepping into or already in private practice.
Inspire collaboration and collective growth for a stronger, more connected profession.
Building a Better Future
We’re proud to support the next generation of social workers and allied health professionals. Through mentorship, tailored training, collaborative innovation, and research, we’re helping to shape a future where practitioners feel equipped, supported, and connected.
If you’re interested in learning more about our programs, research, or workshops, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Therapists
Our Locations & Telehealth
We offer in-person sessions in Brunswick, Melbourne and Daylesford, Victoria, as well as telehealth so you can access therapy wherever you are.
