Who developed the programmes?

All modules have been written and developed by a number of qualified psychiatrists and psychologists, some of whom are considered specialists in the subject matter of their module(s). The content matter of a module often undergoes peer review as a means of quality assurance.

What approach do the programmes adopt?

All of the modules take a CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) approach. This means that the resources provided in your module will focus on the modification of cognitions, assumptions, beliefs, and behaviours that may have a negative impact on your daily functioning and wellbeing. It is anticipated that this type of therapy will teach you the skills to recognise destructive beliefs and behaviours and, over time, replace them with more constructive ones.

Aim of the programmes

The programmes are not intended as a total replacement of personal contact with a suitably trained professional. It is expected that the programmes are used as one of the tools available to you and your Provider in the hope that it enhances total healthcare delivery.

How long have they been in use?

The development for Health Steps programs has been a continuous process which started in 2000. However, up until 2008 the programmes were still known as Recovery Road. Two of our modules have been used for research purposes, which provided us with valuable feedback on the success of the programmes in question, as well as some areas for improvement.

HealthSteps modules

HealthSteps is a web-based educational system that helps people understand their difficulties and develop strategies to better manage their situation. There are two distinct series of modules as listed below.

The first series of modules have a strong clinical focus and are typically provided over a longer time period than the second series of modules. All modules, except for Stress Management (6 weeks), continue for 12 months.

• Depression - Essential for those individuals who are currently feeling down and experiencing difficulties trying to find the energy and motivation to get going each day, completing tasks or gaining enjoyment from life.




• Chronic Depression - Essential for those individuals who are looking for a more in depth programme than the Depression module.




• Bipolar - Essential for individuals who would like to gain control over the fluctuations in mood associated with Bipolar Disorder and minimise life disruptions.




• Generalised Anxiety Disorder - Essential for those individuals who find themselves continually on edge, exhausted, tense and who are tired of the uncertainty in their lives caused by constant worry.




• Panic Disorder - Essential for those individuals who have experienced difficulties with panic attacks and who are fearful of future panic attacks. It is also for those people who find themselves avoiding particular situations or places and restricting their lifestyle due to these fears.




• Stress Management - Essential for those individuals who are currently experiencing difficulties associated with stress and/or are currently living a stressful lifestyle and looking to regain some life balance.




• CBT for Depression and Self Monitoring - These two modules are essential for those individuals who are currently living with depression and would like to enhance their understanding of their symptoms and monitor their well-being, as well as learn effective skills and strategies to manage their depression, ultimately maximising their control over staying well.

The second series of modules are designed to provide educational material in a corporate context. The subject matter is centred on issues that are frequently encountered in the workplace, although they can be utilised to benefit other areas of your life. The modules are provided over a shorter time period than the first series of modules, which makes them attractive in a working environment. These modules are presented over a 4 week period but the account can be accessed for up to 8 weeks for revision purposes.

• Banishing the Blues: Working through tough times - Designed for anyone who wants the knowledge and practical strategies to start feeling better about themselves, their world, and their future.




• Combating Stress: Easing the pressure and regaining balance - For anyone wishing to see improvements in their quality of life at home and at work, now, and in the long term. The tools in this program are essential for people who value their psychological and physical health.




• Conquering Anxiety - For those who experience troubling anxiety from time to time, and for people who wish they could ‘turn off' their worried thoughts. It is for those who like to feel calm, in control and confident in their various life roles.




• Effective Communication: Essential Skills for Work and Life - Essential for anyone who is interested in communicating effectively, efficiently, and in a way that promotes respect from others.



• Couples: A Roadmap for Happy, Resilient Relationships - This program provides strategies to feel more comfortable in a relationship, which can result in an improvement in mood, communication, and the behaviour of children and the ability of each partner to enjoy each other. The information and tools in this program are essential for those individuals trying to incorporate a fly-in fly-out employment situation into the relationship.


• Managing Conflict at Work - This programme is useful for employees at every level, because the skills provided facilitate positive outcomes in both work-related and personal conflict situations. It is for those who like to feel calm, in control and confident when confronted by ideas or interests that conflict with their own.



• Corporate Coaching - Is essential for managers and employees at any organisational level. The skills provided facilitate positive outcomes in both work settings and in the participant's personal life. It is for those who realise that investing a little time now to prepare for the future can reap significant and satisfying rewards

What do the programmes offer?

The programmes provide you with the knowledge, skills and strategies that are effective in managing or improving your particular situation. Each programme includes:

• Education about the important factors involved in the development and maintenance of your situation
• Skills and strategies to assist you to overcome your difficulties and improve your quality of life
• Ways to integrate skills into everyday life in order to enhance well-being and bring about positive behavioural change
• Monitoring measures to ensure you are aware of how you are progressing through the module.

Each programme delivers a combination of the following resources:

• Sessions - Sessions provide information to you about your situation, looking at why you are experiencing difficulties, how they developed, consequences, and strategies for management. They become available on a scheduled timetable, so you can use the information in a gradual manner to enable you to apply what you have learnt in your life. All Sessions from previous weeks are available at all times throughout your module for revision purposes. Some sessions are called CBT Sessions as these are heavily focused on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

• Questionnaires - Questionnaires are used to trace your progress throughout the programme by asking you about your experiences throughout the previous week. The questionnaires are the only resource that is presented on a strict time frame. A missed Questionnaire does not affect your access to other functions in your account. You will be notified by email when Questionnaires are available to you.

• Worksheets and exercises - Worksheets give you the opportunity to practice what you learn from your Session material, by applying it to your personal situation.

• Suggested Readings - These are texts offered to you informing you of different components of your situation. They generate a library of information, additional to that presented in your sessions. This wealth of information can be explored at a time that suits the user or as different situations or questions arise.

• Program Overview - These provide an introductory summary of what the module is about and what to expect in each session of the programme. Programme overviews are only available for the second series of modules as outlined above.

• Medication Information - Provides specific information about the medication you may be taking as part of your treatment for your situation, including possible side effects and when to consult your health professional.

• Treatment Information - This section provides you with information that will enable you to maximise the effectiveness of your treatment, especially the importance of seeking help if needed.

• Treatments & Strategies - This information deals with different treatment methods and therapies commonly used for your specific situation. Information includes definitions, use and success of each approach.

Which programme is right for me?

It is highly likely that you have come to this site on a recommendation from someone, perhaps even a psychologist or psychiatrist. In this case, you will either have been referred by this person to a specific module, or at least have a strong indication of which module to sign up for. For clinically based modules, it is preferable that you seek professional help to coincide with your development throughout the program.