Online group psychotherapy

Often when someone seeks therapy it is usually individual therapy that comes to mind first. However, group psychotherapy is also extremely valuable. Groups are helpful for those who struggle to be with others, or who tend to feel alone or anxious. Groups allow for support but also challenge, and benefit from the whole range of life experiences of each individual attendee.

Group-analytic psychotherapy has a long record as an effective form of therapy, but it may be something you havent considered before. Some people think it might be scary, but it is as helpful as, and in some cases more helpful than, individual therapy, particularly when social support and learning about interpersonal relationships are important objectives of the treatment.

Many individuals seeking therapy feel isolated and dissatisfied in their particular life situation. They may have difficulties establishing and maintaining close, mutually gratifying, and meaningful relationships with others. Frequently they are interested in learning more about how to relate to others.

Group-analytic psychotherapy offers an opportunity to:

Talk honestly and directly about feelings

Receive and offer support and feedback

Improve interpersonal relationships and communication

Experiment and develop social identities

Gain an understanding of other peoples' thoughts, feelings and behaviours

Improve self-confidence, self-image, and self-esteem

Group analytic psychotherapy can help with conditions and issues such as depression; anxiety; personality disorder; eating disorders; problems of sexuality and gender; loss and bereavement; stress, trauma and abuse; or perhaps even just a vague feeling of dissatisfaction with your life.

It can seem daunting the idea of sitting with a group of strangers talking about yourself and hearing others, but in my experience, this is its greatest value. We are all social beings first and foremost and we all live our lives within various social settings such as families or work. Being able to think about your experiences with others is a safe, confidential and contained space with a therapist allows for an in-depth exploration of how you relate to others. This process allows for new learning to occur that can be taken back out into your own life.

The online group is small (up to a maximum of eight people) and is held on the same day and time and in the same virtual room once a week - Thursdays 5.30pm-7pm. 

Group members are strongly discouraged from meeting socially so as to protect the space and maintain confidentiality. 

Although group-analytic psychotherapy is highly supportive, you will at times find it challenging. However, it is often within the challenge that we learn something new about ourselves.