A Group Therapy Program for Teenage Girls

Beyond the Mirror

Learn to Love Your Body for What it Does (Not How it Looks)

Beyond the Mirror is a 5-session well-being program designed to help adolescent females reconnect with their bodies and inner strength. Through a psychologically grounded approach, participants will learn to break free from body dissatisfaction, embrace body neutrality, and cultivate confidence, self-compassion, and full-body acceptance.

Many adolescent girls struggle with negative body image and low self-esteem, amplified by social media and unrealistic beauty standards. These pressures can increase anxiety, depression, and self-criticism, affecting daily life and well-being (Grogan, 2016).

Beyond the Mirror will help participants to:

Understanding the origins of body image beliefs
Exploring body neutrality and mindfulness-based embodiment
Challenging negative thoughts and building healthier self-talk
Learning self-care practices that promote well-being
Understanding and setting personal boundaries
Building self-compassion and emotional resilience

Beyond the Mirror group isn’t about “fixing” yourself but learning to love your body for what it does.

Age Range: 13–18 years (secondary school age)
Gender: Female-identifying participants
Group Size: 4–10 participants per group
This program is designed for female-identifying students who:
·       Experience body image concerns or dissatisfaction
·       Struggle with self-esteem or negative self-talk
·       Feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by appearance-based pressures
·       Are seeking practical tools and emotional support to improve their relationship with their body
The program is facilitated by a registered psychologist from Lakeside Rooms, with experience in adolescent development, body image, and trauma-informed practice. The psychologist leads all sessions and provides a safe, supportive environment for exploration and growth.
Sessions are delivered on campus or at Lakeside Rooms, depending on school preference and participant needs. The space is designed to be quiet, safe, and conducive to emotional reflection.
Duration and Session Frequency
Session Length: 1 hour
Program Duration: 5 sessions
Frequency: Weekly sessions with consistent format.
Structure:
·       Guided discussions, reflective exercises, and mindfulness practices.
·       Creative and experiential activities to support embodiment.
·       Take-home tools and journaling prompts.
·       Optional follow-up support or consultation.
·       Improved student well-being and body confidence
·       Early intervention for body image concerns and low self-esteem
·       Enhanced emotional regulation and self-awareness
·       Support for adolescent mental health in a structured, therapeutic format
·       Positive peer connection and shared empowerment journey
Beyond the Mirror complements school well-being frameworks and supports a proactive, strengths-based approach to girls’ mental health and self-image.
Participants may be referred via:
· School-initiated referral (teacher, wellbeing staff, leadership)
· Parent-initiated referral (via school or directly to Lakeside Rooms)
A brief screening process ensures appropriate group placement and readiness.
Under the Medicare Better Access initiative, group therapy is eligible for a Medicare rebate when provided under a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) with an appropriate referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
Under this initiative patients can claim up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year, separate from individual session limits.
The group must be focused on treating a diagnosed mental health condition and provided by an eligible practitioner.
Rebates for group sessions are generally lower than for individual sessions, and treatment must be clinically appropriate.
More details on eligibility and session limits are available from the Australian Government Department of Health.