Coordinator of the study, clinical psychologist, Dr Grace Couchman, says if the pilot proves successful, the technique will complement existing medical and psychological approaches to treating depression. The Bouverie Centre - part of La Trobe University's Faculty of Health Sciences - is a specialist mental health service that takes a family-orientated approach to research and therapy.
It is conducting the project in conjunction with local Community Health Centres and general practitioners, with funding from 'Beyond Blue', the National Depression Initiative.
Dr Couchman says while there has been increasing community awareness of depression, there is still insufficient recognition of its impact on families. 'Family members can end up feeling lost and helpless as they struggle to make sense of what is happening to their relatives, and how they can assist.'
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