MI-PAASS is a structured, 10-week clinical psychologist-led group combining evidence-based psychoeducation, cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia, group EMDR, self-compassion therapy, and somatic sexology tools for navigating perimenopausal symptoms (including low mood, anxiety, rage, insomnia, and reduced sexual wellbeing). We cover what’s happening in your body and brain, why things can feel unexpectedly difficult, and most importantly, what helps. We discuss the research about hormone treatments in a balanced way, and you’ll be provided with a summary of the latest evidence about what is shown to work best for the mental health aspects of perimenopause.

The groups also address coping with distress of hot flushes using EMDR, strengthening personal boundaries, creating self-compassion, re-establishing who you are and what gives you meaning as a woman in midlife, and looking at how to author the next chapter of your life. In the later sessions, we explore sex and the perimenopause. We apply theories about the sexual response to your real world situation, and use somatic exercises to help you learn more about your body and pleasure in this life phase.

Just get in touch via the form on this page, or email to register your interest or ask a question. You can book a 20-minute suitability consultation to discuss whether the group will meet your needs. You can go ahead and book that here. Be sure to select the correct booking type - 20 min brief chat to discuss group therapy. In this phone consultation, we’ll discuss your presenting issues and whether the group will likely meet your needs.

The program is $70 per group session + $150 enrolment fee (which covers individual assessment session, administration, group manual).

The enrolment fee is due after the individual assessment session (this would likely be well in advance of the group commencement date) and the group session fees can be paid at the end of each group.

Yes, absolutely. While the group centres on the perimenopausal transition, many changes don’t neatly stop at menopause. Post-menopausal women who are still symptomatic (with low mood, hot flushes or sexual issues) would benefit from understanding what they’ve been through, what’s still unfolding, and how to support themselves moving forward.

Yes, of course! MHT can be incredibly beneficial for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms (life saving for some), but it’s not a complete solution on its own. This group complements medical treatment by addressing the psychological, emotional, relational, and nervous-system aspects of this stage of life.

Somatic sexology is an evidence-informed modality that supports women to understand and improve sexual wellbeing by working with both the mind and the body. Rather than viewing sexual concerns as purely cognitive or behavioural, it incorporates breath, sensation awareness, nervous system regulation, boundaries, communication, and embodied self-awareness.

In midlife, many women experience shifts in desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual comfort due to hormonal fluctuation, stress load, relationship dynamics, and body image changes. Others contend with longstanding sexual shame, avoidance patterns, or difficulty expressing needs.

Within the group program, somatic sexology principles are applied in a structured, psychologically safe format. This includes:

• Psychoeducation on hormonal change and sexual response

• Understanding desire (responsive vs spontaneous)

• Nervous system regulation and its impact on arousal

• Guided, clothed, non-contact awareness exercises (e.g., breath and body scanning)

• Communication frameworks for expressing sexual needs and boundaries

• Exploring and challenging unhelpful sexual beliefs

There is no nudity, touch, or group disclosure required. Group members can simply listen and learn if that is their comfort level.

The aim is to support women in developing a more compassionate, informed, and embodied relationship with their sexuality during a period of significant biological transition.

While the group is designed to be inclusive and supportive, it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who are currently at high risk, experiencing significant instability, or requiring intensive individual support may be better served by a different level of care. The group is not a replacement for individual therapy, does not offer crisis or emergency care, it’s not a substitute for seeing a medical practitioner, and is not a place to work through attachment issues or personality pathology.

This group is trauma-informed and grounded in choice. That said, this group includes open discussion about bodies, hormones, and sexuality. If you are currently feeling highly activated or easily triggered by conversations about bodies or sex, this may not be the right setting for you at this time.

Groups will be capped at a maximum of 8 participants. This keeps the space contained, supportive, and manageable, while still allowing for shared experience and connection.

You’re not mandated to share personal details, and there’s no pressure to speak before you’re ready. Listening counts, and many people take time to warm up. That said, this is a group space. While you won’t be forced to disclose anything deeply personal, some level of engagement and openness to discussion is part of the group process. If sharing in any form really isn’t for you at all, this group may not be the right fit for you, and that’s okay.

Absolutely. This group welcomes women with diverse bodies, histories, sexual attractions, and experiences of womanhood. There is no expectation that you fit a particular narrative or relate to your body in a specific way. Complexity is assumed and respected.

Nothing! We will have a group manual and welcome pack that we will send you the week before group starts. On the group evenings, just try and find a quiet space, and have a pen, paper, and a cup of tea with you. Dress however you are most comfy. Jammies, yoga pants, your work suit. Being an online group, you can wear your knickers and a t-shirt. You do you :)