The experience of group psychotherapy is profound and intensely moving, often creating a space for significant growth and change.  As a group Transactional Analyst,  my therapeutic influences are rooted in the groups power to facilitate change.

Open themed men’s group

Weekly on Wednesdays 8:00pm–9:30pm

Mixed therapy group

Weekly on Thursdays 9:30am-11:am

Being in a group 

Getting support from others in a group therapy setting can be very powerful. Being part of a group allows the rare opportunity to gain insight into how others affect us and how we affect them. Group therapy provides a unique chance to confront and challenge the way we see ourselves, improve our relationships and learn new ways of being in the world. Some people choose to work in a group as this offers them another context in which to explore and resolve their difficulties.

What to expect

Groups take the form of an open conversation with no pre-set topics. I invite group members to bring their own experiences to each meeting. As a group, you then find ways to work with these experiences, share thoughts and feelings in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality. As the group develops, it provides a way of revealing how past experiences influence the present, while offering some choice going forward.
This group offers space for up to 12 men, and you will be asked for a minimum commitment of 10 meetings. The fee is based on a sliding scale according to income.

Joining the group

You would have one or more individual meetings with me, to see whether the group would be helpful for you and, if so, to help you prepare to join it.
It is not uncommon for individuals to have spent time on their own personal therapy, before joining a group.

What can group therapy help with?

While group therapy can technically be applied to a variety of approaches and a variety of concerns, there are certain areas that may particularly benefit from a group dynamic. The following topics are examples:

Addiction

Having a strong support network is key when it comes to overcoming addiction. For some people, this kind of network isn’t available at home and they may benefit more from the support of others with an addiction. Hearing how others cope, learning interpersonal skills and uncovering how your behaviours can impact other people can all help you on your journey to overcoming addiction.

Anxiety

For people suffering with anxiety, getting out and interacting with those who understand can be helpful. Knowing you aren’t alone in your feelings and hearing how others manage their anxiety can be invaluable. You are also likely to develop better social skills, which can help if you suffer from social anxiety.

Depression

Those dealing with depression may find themselves feeling vulnerable and isolated. Getting out of the house and talking to others is always useful and in a group therapy session it can be even more so. Reaching out to others going through similar issues and discussing coping mechanisms can help you to help yourself. You may also find that imparting your own advice helps to boost your sense of self-esteem.

Eating disorders

For some people, the support network created by group therapy can aid recovery from an eating disorder. For others however, it can be counter productive. If you find that you are comparing yourself to others in the group (for example their weight/size) it may be worth seeking individual therapy instead.

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Being alone with your own thoughts during times of anxiety can trigger symptoms when you suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder. Speaking to others who understand your feelings and behaviours can help you understand your condition better. Together you can support one another and look to find ways of coping.

Relationship difficulties

If you find it difficult to forge and maintain relationships, attending group therapy could help. Being around other people on a regular basis can help you to develop interpersonal and social skills that you can go on to practice outside of your sessions.

Schizophrenia

Group therapy for those with schizophrenia can be beneficial, depending on the severity of the condition. It can be helpful to reach out to others who experience similar symptoms to yourself, and learning more about the disorder can help you understand your own thoughts better. If you find you are feeling unsafe or paranoid during group therapy sessions however, it is important to discuss your feelings with your therapist.

Self-harm

Meeting with others who struggle with self-harm can help you feel less alone. Hearing how others cope with their problems, including practical tips you may not have thought of, can also be incredibly helpful.