Why a group?

Although we may not naturally think of ourselves as “living in groups” , we intuitively know that groups are fundamental to our basic survival and success as a species. As individuals, we are embedded in a deep and varied network of human relationships that form the groups we live in.

Many of the problems that bring people to therapy can be thought of as problems of living well in groups. This can arise out of a tension between “a pull to belong and a push towards independence”.

This tension can be captured in everyday thoughts such as “I don’t fit in”….. “I am a failure…..”; “I feel alone….”; “I am jealous of”; “I can’t keep up”;  “I am never enough…”. 

When thoughts like this negatively influence personal, professional and/or family relationships you might consider joining a therapy group.

Group Analytic Therapy

Group Analytic Therapy offers a safe, and respectfully challenging setting for working together with others on both your individual and shared concerns. It offers a means of understanding interpersonal dynamics in the “here and now” communication of a group. The group work aims to develop your self-awareness and ability to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, moving towards a healthier, steadier and freer relationship with yourself and others. It is an effective form of treatment for problems such as depression, anxiety, anger management and, relationship difficulties. 

This type of therapy is based on the work of S.H. Foulkes, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. It supports the idea that many of our beliefs and actions are outside our conscious awareness. It emphasises the importance of group dynamics on individuals’ behaviours. It is assumed that the family is “the first group” and that early family life has a significant bearing on how we learn negotiate life’s challenges and opportunities.

What happens in a group?

Group therapy involves 6 or 7 people sitting in a circle together with the group therapist - also known as a conductor. The group meets weekly for an hour and a half on an ongoing basis. It is a place and space to bring difficult personal experiences and talk about them together. There is no set agenda.

Group members commit to attending all sessions on a weekly basis. This fosters conditions of mutual respect, stability, safety and trust.

Members limit their contact with each other to the group itself. This helps protect confidentiality and allows the members to get to know eachother in a mutually beneficial way. Confidentiality enables the group to function. The group conductor’s role is to ensure that the group is a safe space that can be experienced as both enriching and challenging for each individual and for the whole group to work to its full potential.

I am conducting this group as part of my training as a Group Analyst with the School of Psychotherapy in St. Vincent’s Hospital/University College Dublin.

How does it work?

By participating in a therapy group, with the help of fellow members and the therapist, we learn to see ourselves as others see us, not how we imagine that to be. By interacting with the group consistently over time, genuine connection with others can be achieved. Change and growth is possible when authentic and genuine communication can occur.

Ultimately group members learn to assume responsibility for their own difficulties and their resolution, while recognising and accepting that other people are needed to achieve this. In other words, the tension between “the pull to belong and the push towards independence” lessens.

Group analytic therapy can lead to improvements in relationships in all spheres of life and thus support the ongoing process of change , which in turn will help you to achieve self-acceptance and greater fulfilment. These effects can continue even after a member completes their therapy and decides they are ready to leave the group.

Is Group Therapy right for me?

Meaningful therapeutic work takes time and deserves time. If you think you would value participating in a group setting with others who are committed to taking the time to learn and grow together, group analytic therapy may be the right choice for you.

This group runs on a Wednesday evening at 7:15pm -8:45pm in the South Belfast area.

Individual preparatory sessions cost £80/hr. Group sessions cost £50/1.5hr

Enquiries are welcome from all. An explicit invitation is extended to those who identify as being in a minority group perhaps by reason of disability, social status, race, diagnosis, gender or sexuality.

If you are interested in Group Therapy please get in touch .