group psychotherapy
Relationships form and define the way we see ourselves and our capacity to survive and thrive in a complicated world. We become ourselves precisely through the way we experience and relate to others - starting with our families, then play groups, school classes, social clubs, friendship groups, work teams, and so on. We develop within healthy and supportive relationships, grow in strength and confidence, and ultimately thrive.
In an increasingly fractured, demanding, and disconnected world however, connection becomes more strained, difficult, rare, and fragile. When we do not have enough security and belonging, we feel less safe and confident, more vulnerable, fragile, anxious, even lost, uncared for, alienated, and alone. This is a well documented phenomenon in both neuroscience and psychology research.
Group psychotherapy is a potent alternative to individual therapy in which the presence of others strengthens and enriches the therapeutic experience. Rather than simply talking about interactions and relationships in individual therapy, the group provides a safe, accepting, and carefully managed social environment. So that, with time, a deeper understanding may emerge of oneself and of how one relates to others, whilst actually practising new ways of being and relating. The experience of belonging to a group is also in itself healing. To be oneself and to have a sense of belonging are valuable achievements in a fractured and alienating world.
who & what is it for?
Group psychotherapy is suitable and effective for a wide range of people and problems. This is because it helps us to know ourselves more deeply, to feel more confident in our identity and secure in our relationships, and supports us in making constructive and meaningful changes in our lives. Some of the issues people bring include:
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depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health conditions
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body image and eating issues
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coping with painful and traumatic experiences
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coping with feelings of guilt, shame, and self-hatred
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discrimination and marginalisation
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self-confidence, self-esteem, and social anxiety
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difficulties arising from or related to neurodiversity
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managing difficult emotions, overwhelm, and dysregulation
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unhelpful, undermining or self-destructive patterns and behaviours
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addressing loneliness, social isolation and exclusion
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confusion about self and identity
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difficulties forming and maintaining healthy relationships
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coping with loss, change, and difficult life, family, or work circumstances
But, as renowned group analysis, Morris Nitsun (2001), famously noted: in group psychotherapy ’usually, the problem is helped - but what is gained is infinitely richer than mere symptom relief.’
format & structure
Groups meet at a set time, once a week, for 75 minutes. Sometimes the group ‘conductor’ will bring or suggest a focus or structure but it is always up to the group to decide how they wish to use the time. Just like in individual psychotherapy, people speak freely and spontaneously about whatever they wish. In comparison to individual therapy however, members tend to find groups less hierarchical, more able to generate ideas and different perspectives, and more liberating, spontaneous, and playful.
As a ‘slow-open’ group, the number of sessions is open-ended with members joining and leaving in their own time. This format models the organic nature of groups in real life, such as families, school, and work groups, where the membership gradually changes and evolves.
pre-group consultations
To ensure that groups are safe and effective, every member meets individually with the group psychotherapist prior to joining. This allows potential members to talk through concerns and discuss individual goals and needs, whilst the therapist considers whether the individual and group are a good ‘fit’ and if the group is able to meet their needs.
group guidelines & expectations
In order to get the most out of group psychotherapy, the following are considered essential requirements…
confidentiality
Whatever is shared in the group remains in the group. All group members are asked please to respect this. We also do not share surnames or addresses to preserve privacy. Group members do however get to know one another very deeply, becoming ‘intimate strangers’ and even ‘experts' on one another.
attendance
Committed and regular attendance is vital as group members depend on one another to develop and maintain a safe space and cohesive group. It is important to avoid missing sessions and, where possible, to arrange holidays to coincide with group break times.
If you are unable to attend a session for any reason, please inform the group as soon as possible.
commitment
Group psychotherapy is not a short-term treatment or quick fix. This is actually one of its considerable advantages over other more popular forms of therapy. It takes time to develop, explore, and deepen relationships - to trust and be trusted. In this way, group psychotherapy involves a developmental process leading to deep-seated growth and change. Group members are asked therefore to consider a commitment of at least 6 to12 months.
leaving the group
People come to group therapy for a variety of reasons (such as anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, etc.) and discover in the process a new way of understanding and relating to themselves and others. The aim is for group members to leave once they have made sufficient progress in their own lives that they are ready to embark on life without the group. Much like in individual therapy, members are strongly encouraged to share and discuss thoughts and plans of leaving. Although in this case, the group is a significant and valuable resource when it comes to deciding when and how best to manage the ending. This is in the interests of supporting and ensuring what is best for each individual as well as maintaining the safety and reliability of the group.
meeting outside
Group psychotherapy is not a social club and members are asked not to form relationships outside of the group. If contact does take place outside of sessions, members are asked to inform the group in the next meeting. This is in the interest of developing shared trust, safety and group cohesion.
openness & honesty
It is only natural to feel cautious about talking openly in a group about personal issues. Holding back and having ‘no-go’ areas however impede connection, group development, and therapeutic progress. The more open members are, the more connected they feel, the far more effective the group, and the greater the capacity for personal healing and change.
staying with the process
The experience of group psychotherapy is richly rewarding, often enjoyable, even fun. But, much like individual therapy, it can also be challenging and difficult at times. Members are encouraged to see these times as valuable opportunities which almost always relate to deeper issues needing to be recognised and worked through. Finding things difficult in a psychotherapy group is usually a reason to lean into and onto the group, rather than a reason for leaving it.
fees
Group members are required to pay £200, in advance, on the 1st of every month. This covers the costs of at least 40 sessions throughout the year. The number of sessions each month will vary. Automatic bank transfer by standing order is usually the easiest and most reliable way to manage payment.
Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to change.