What is Group Therapy?

Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves working with several people at the same time in groups of up to eight members together with a qualified groupwork specialist.

The prospect of joining a group may seem a bit daunting at first, however research shows that group therapy is at least as effective as individual therapy. We are often daunted by the prospect of speaking out but learning to share experience in the group context can deliver many benefits.

Groups are a particularly beneficial way to explore our inter-personal relationship styles, particularly how we interact and are perceived by others within a social context.

The principal advantages of group therapy include:

Group therapy allows people to receive the support and encouragement of the other members of the group. People participating in the group can see that others are going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone.
Group members can serve as role models for other members of the group. By observing someone successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope for recovery. As each person progresses, they can, in turn, serve as a role model and support figure for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment.
Group therapy is often very affordable. Instead of focusing on just one client at a time, the therapist can devote his or her time to a much larger group of people.
Group therapy offers a safe haven. The setting allows people to practice behaviours and actions within the safety and security of the group.
By working in a group, the therapist can see first-hand how each person responds to other people and behaves in social situations. Using this information, the therapist can provide valuable feedback to each client.

You can apply to join any of our analytic groups here.

What next?

At UK Counselling Network our qualified group therapists offer an ever expanding range of group experiences. Our Low Cost Groups are a great opportunity to receive high quality psychotherapy from trained practitioners at cost effective rates.

Our groups typically meet once a week, or more, for an hour or ninety minutes.

So what does a typical group therapy session look like? In many cases, the group will meet in a room where the chairs are arranged in a large circle so that each member can see every other person in the group.

A session might begin with members of the group introducing themselves and their reason for attending or the session may start when the first person starts to share their thoughts and feelings about their personal concerns or issues.

The precise manner in which the session is conducted depends largely on the goals of the group and the methods used by the therapist conducting the group.

Group analysis, for example, might encourage a more free-form style of dialogue, where each member participates as he or she sees fit. Other groups will perhaps have a specific plan for each session that might include having group members practice new skills with other members of the group in the session.

Types of Group

Group therapy can be categorized into different types depending on diverse needs. The most common types of group therapy at UK Conselling Network include:

Analytic groups focus on your interpersonal relationships and social interactions and encourage a free-flowing conversation where group members reflect on their life experiences and issues. The groups will look at the ways in which personal histories have been shaped by conscious and unconscious experiences and how unhelpful or difficult issues affecting present-day life can be tackled by new ways of thinking about oneself. Analytic groups at UK Counselling Network are ongoing throughout the year and operate on an open basis so that new members may join at any time and can remain in the group as long as they wish to continue.

Psychoeducational Groups focus on educating and exploring shared experience in a particular subject. These groups explore issues around positive change to enhance wellbeing and coping strategies. These groups are called closed groups because the membership is fixed at the start of the group. New members who cannot make the start date may join the next scheduled running of the group.

We are currently offering the following analytic groups:-

Group Analysis Group (date to be released)

This group would suit those experiencing any of the following:

Depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Relationship issues (home, family, work situations)
Stress and worry
Grief and loss