Table 1.

Contents of the 10-week multi-modal treatment, comprising five cognitive behavioural therapy modules alternated with five Carers NSW Talk-Link group counselling sessions

Name of the CBT module	CBT module inclusions	Talk-Link session
Session One Psychoeducation: AMD education and introduction to CBT	Information regarding AMD Misconceptions regarding AMD Information regarding the therapeutic intervention, leading to goal setting and expectations	Introduction Go through group guidelines and structure to promote safety in the group Introduction, getting to know one another, sharing individual caring stories Identifying what members would like to gain from the group most
Session Two Stress response and mood	Education of stress response and mood Mindfulness, structured relaxation Relief of anxiety, stress, tension	Coping with stress Exploring how stress is individually manifested and discussion around individual coping strategies Encouraging the awareness of individual warning signals that point to the experience of stress Exploring the concept of mindfulness as a method of stress reduction
Session Three Sleep, general well-being and scheduling pleasant events	Basic information and tips regarding nutrition, exercise, socialising and sleep Specifically sleep education hygiene, routine Encouraging caregivers to take time to engage in enjoyable/pleasant activities Designating times to engage in pleasant events	Self-care Discussing the importance of self-care and individual self-care strategies Discussion of the importance of our mindset on sleep, relaxation, nutrition and exercise
Session Four Identifying and challenging negative thoughts	Negative thinking/cognitive distortions Identifying negative thoughts, feelings Thought recording Thought challenging	Loss, grief and gain Coping with difficult feelings related to the grief and loss experience and exploring what carers can ‘gain’ in the process Education about models of grief and loss and discussion of individual experiences Normalising feelings of anger and sadness Discussion of individual options for support Discussion of resilience as positive coping mechanism
Session Five Problem solving, resiliency and self-efficacy	Identifying the problem Identifying and evaluating potential solutions Problem solving strategy—identifying the best course of action Interpersonal and communication skills (ie, assertiveness) Immediate beliefs and rules Assumptions around caring Restructuring core beliefs Modelling	Communication Identifying different communication styles Communication within the caring role Discussion of what is going well and what are the difficulties within individual care circumstances Where to next—resources for further support

AMD, age-related macular degeneration; CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy.