Is group therapy suitable for you?

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where clients with a common issue share their stories and get support from each other. Group Therapy is suitable for people that prefer to be part of a group, so they know that they are not alone in their experiences.

HOW DOES GROUP THERAPY WORK?

When I facilitate group therapies, I work with a maximum of 8 people. We usually meet in Central London, in a space dedicated to that purpose. It is a 2-hour session that focuses on specific topic (e.g. self-esteem issues, anxiety or relationship difficulties).

The group sessions are composed of 2 parts:

Theoretical interactive seminar where I introduce the topic using a Power Point presentation. The participants take notes, ask questions and engage in discussions. This is a good way for them to start reflecting on the topic and to get to know each other.

Practical part where the clients expose and explore their issues related to the topic. The approach that I use is Psychodynamic Therapy. This is an excellent method to facilitate group therapies because it focuses on active listening, reflection and discussion. It is also concerned with the past and the present and enables the participants to rethink certain aspects of their lives so they can build up a resistance and become more able to cope with potential problematic events and situations in the future. Each member’s participation in the group is essential to their own and other member’s treatment. Many people recognise themselves in the experiences of other people and realise that they are not the only ones that are facing difficulties and are looking for solutions. This can be a relief and creates an excellent dynamic where each participant learns from others and seek feedback and support. I lead the group and help the clients to build an understanding of each person’s point of view. The discussions are kept private and confidential.

IS GROUP THERAPY FOR EVERYONE?

Differently to individual therapy where the client works with the therapist 1:1 and the latter does not have any judgment about what the client could say, during the group session some people may feel criticised or misunderstood by the other participants. When you engage in group therapy, you need to take into account the point of view of the others even if you don’t agree with or you think that it is not correct. Group therapy is about sharing, reflecting and discussing where everyone exposes their own way of thinking.

You might also feel uncomfortable to talk about your issues in front of other individuals. Do not worry. This is normal. If it is the case for you, there is a range of other individual therapeutic approaches that I have described on this website such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, or Family Therapy. Feel free to contact me so we can choose the most appropriate approach for you.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GROUP THERAPY?

Group discussions are particularly useful for a person that wants to develop coping strategies for anxiety, relationship or social issues. Giving support and advice to others who are experiencing similar problems can be therapeutic in itself. Discovering than other people share the same feelings and experiences is positive and comforting, and offers new and unexplored ways of looking at issues.

Peer support can also be beneficial for your personal development. As you gain confidence and are able to express yourself more openly, group therapy provides you with the personal and social skills that you need to improve yourself and your everyday life.