Five weeks of clarity, support and connection
A small, private online coaching group for women who want to change their relationship with alcohol.
This is not a webinar and it is not recorded.
The October Group is limited to just six women, for coaching conversation, reflection and individual support within the group.
Is this for you?
The October Group is for you if you're looking to explore change in a calm, supportive and non-judgemental environment, while connecting and learning with other midlife women.
What we will explore as a group
Week 1
You will have the opportunity to reflect on when and why you drink, your beliefs about alcohol, what alcohol gives you in the short term, and what you would like to change over the five weeks. Sharing is optional, this work is personal and a workbook is provided.
We will also introduce a simple grounding practice to help you slow things down and create a little more space between thought, feeling and action.
Week 2
We will look at the moments that tend to trigger the desire for a drink, including stress, tiredness, reward, social situations and the transition from work into the evening.
You will begin creating your own trigger map and learn techniques that can be used when you notice tension or automatic habits beginning to take over.
Week 3
We will explore urges and cravings without treating them as something you simply need to fight. You will learn practical ways to respond differently, including the Day 1 PAUSE approach, mindful awareness and a simple urge-surfing exercise.
The aim is to build confidence in knowing that a craving can be noticed and responded to without automatically acting on it.
Week 4
Changing your drinking can sometimes feel straightforward at home and much harder around other people. We will explore dinners, weekends, work events, partners, friends and the questions people sometimes ask when you are not drinking.
You will develop your own responses and boundaries, alongside a short grounding practice to use before social occasions.
Week 5
The final week is about taking what you have learned and making it work in real life.
We will look at what begins to fill the space alcohol may previously have occupied, including rest, interests, relationships, wellbeing and new routines.
You will create your own practical plan for the future and we will celebrate our achievements from our time together!
Why a small group?
it is a powerful experience making a change alongside other women who understand why this can feel complicated. A small group creates space to listen, reflect and learn from other people's experiences without getting lost in a large online community.
The group is deliberately limited to six women so everyone can feel safe to be able to contribute. You will be asked to participate with your camera on, and agree to respecting the confidentiality and privacy of the other women in the group.
Is this the right level of support for me?
The October Group is a coaching and wellbeing programme.
It is not medical treatment, addiction treatment, counselling or therapy, and it is not suitable for anyone who may be physically dependent on alcohol or who may be at risk from stopping drinking suddenly.
Before joining, every participant will have a short private introductory conversation with Karen.
Karen Cairnduff, RN. Accredited Coach
