Counselling and Psychotherapy Supervision Group Therapy Groupwork Central London WC1 North London NW3 Hampstead Analytical and integrative Therapy
Group therapy and group analysis
Most of us want to belong to groups or communities where we feel understood, supported and can thrive. Groups can be anxiety-provoking as well as rewarding. Women and men often have differing experiences personal and socially. Being together in a mixed gender group, there is a unique opportunity to develop a deeper understanding for one another.It is important for our emotional wellbeing to be aware of how we relate to others in groups.
I am a Training Group Analyst and member of the Institute of Group Analysis.
I offer the following group programme:
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•Long-term psychotherapy groups and short-term groups, focused on themes such as coming to terms with changes, separation, bereavement, redundancy etc.
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•Supervision and Training, workshops (see teaching/supervision page.)
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•Reflective practice for teams and organizations (see team support page, 'Reflective practice in organizations', IGA.)
Why a group?
Groups provide an opportunity for participants to develop social skills, as well as learning to deal with relationships more effectively. A therapy group can provide an excellent place for exploring emotional issues, together with others who may be in a similar situation. Alternatively, the aim of joining a group can be self-development: a desire to have deeper and more meaningful relationships, or to live a more fulfilling and creative life.
Unlike individual therapy, participants in group therapy are exposed to several points of view. Groups provide an opportunity to gain insight into ourselves and our behaviour as seen by others and the way we see them. Beliefs that one’s own problems are unique, irresolvable or have to be endured in isolation, can be seen in a new context. It can be an immense relief to share personal concerns with others and be understood by them in a safe and confidential setting.
Foulkes, in 1959, proposed that there is ‘no such thing as an individual who exists outside a social context.’ Group Analysis considers the social nature of people and values dialogue in relationships, drawing upon developmental psychology, psychoanalysis, social science and systems theory
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How does it work - what commitment is required?
Group psychotherapy involves attending meetings once or twice a week on a longer term basis. This is based on the view that deep, lasting changes can happen at any stage in one’s life, but individuals need to commit themselves and take time to reflect about their lives. Personal concerns, conflicts and problems are explored in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality.
Groups enable us to make connections between conscious and unconscious processes in the way they think, feel and act. Increasingly and over time, group members can learn a lot about themselves and others.
Everybody uses a group in their own way and at their own pace. Yet despite, and because of these differences, groups aim to provide encouragement and support to all who join them. Group members often find that over time their ability to understand themselves and others increases, and this is reflected in a more meaningful life. A group can open the way for change.
Schiemann, Margot, (2021) ‘Are we all in the same boat?’ IN Martin Weegmann (2021): Six psychotherapists, six reflections, on the pandemic, Psychodynamic Practice.
Collective creativity is a source
of joy: something growing
within a group that emerges
as a new entity.
Verena Kast, in
‘Joy, Inspiration and Hope‘
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College Crescent Practice | 23 College Crescent, London NW3 5LL · t +44 (0)203 112031
Institute of Group Analysis | 1 Daleham Gardens, London NW3 5LY · t +44 (0)20 31120031