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What Is Group Therapy & How Does It Work?

Group therapy was developed when mental health resources were thin during the second world war to support people with war-related mental health issues. These days it is recommended for a wide variety of issues, including substance abuse and addiction, eating disorders, lack of self-esteem and self-confidence, anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Psychoeducational groups have an informative structure: the group therapy counsellor conducts the group session and takes on a teaching role and provides information and strategies for a specific issue.

Process-oriented groups are more focused on the relationships between members and the experience of the group as a unit, with the counsellor facilitating group discussion and activities. This core principle is focused on the cathartic healing powers of sharing your problems with others; talking through your feelings and experiences in a group can help relieve pain, guilt, and stress.

While group therapy might focus on discussion, it may also include activities like team-building exercises, expressive art and drama, narrative therapy and physical ventures (wilderness exploration, physical games). These can help with building trust, increasing self-confidence and improving communication and interpersonal skills.

Groups can be closed (the same people every session for a set number of sessions) or open (with new people joining a regular, ongoing group). There will be at least one mental health professional facilitating the group, and groups can vary in size from around 6 to 12 participants. Group therapy can be practised alone or as a complement to other types of therapy.

Group therapy gives it’s members a chance to practice altruism by helping others in the group, an experience that will likely help them as well.

What Can Group Therapy Help With?

Many people can benefit from group therapy, it allows participants to receive support and encouragement from other members of the group, helping them to feel less alone or isolated. A group counsellor is there to  help the group’s participants work through a wide range of problems together.

We want you to feel able to discuss any questions or worries with your therapist. This is important in order for you to progress your therapy.

***If you are interested in contacting us for information and guidance about therapy, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.***

Below are some of the additional therapy issues we deal with that are closely related to group therapy.

Group Therapists & Counsellors Working at HQ Therapy

Below is a selection of our current therapists and counsellors who are fully trained to work with group therapy clients using different types of therapy modalities and a wide range of therapy techniques.

Choosing the right therapist is an important decision for you and it is important that you work with the right practitioner and that both feel comfortable working together.

If you feel like you still need some more help in your decision then get in touch with us using the form at the bottom of this page (‘Can I Contact You For Advice About Therapy?’) and someone will guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Seek Therapy?

Many people, new to this type of help, believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious “psychological problems”, or be in crisis in order for therapy and counselling to be appropriate for them. This is a common misconception; anyone can benefit from therapy when it comes to helping you deal with your personal feelings and problems, make positive changes in your life, and understand yourself better.

So what is therapy and counselling? If you’re new to this world then the first steps can sometimes be the most difficult. Therapy can be a very effective treatment for a whole range of personal problems covering areas from physical and emotional problems, different types of behavioural disorders, through to human sexuality issues and a host of wellbeing and complementary therapy techniques.

Any problem you have that is causing you concern, anxiety or distress is a valid and appropriate reason to reach out and find a therapist and talk to them about it. Far from something to be ashamed of, acknowledging your vulnerability and asking for help is a sign of maturity and strength.

If you feel that you have a desire and are committed to making changes in your life in order to overcome your current problems and achieve more long-term satisfaction, psychological wellbeing and personal fulfilment, then you are ready to seek therapy. We are here to help you work through a wide range of therapy issues that might be troubling you.

Will Information About Me Be Safe & Secure?

It is quite normal to be hesitant when it comes to sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger. You may fear that you will receive judgment from your therapist, or that your therapist will share your details with others.

HQ Therapy Rooms takes your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Our therapists are required to keep everything said in therapy sessions between you, just like your doctor is required to keep your records private.

For therapy to be effective, there must be unconditional trust built between you and your therapist, and this relies on a shared understanding of confidentiality. It applies to the outside world as well: it is standard practice for therapists not to acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of the therapy rooms in order to help protect their client’s confidentiality. Read our full privacy policy for more information.

Can I Contact You For Advice About Getting Therapy?

Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive therapist can often make you feel better and help you face your problems. It feels good to be listened to and to know that someone cares about you and wants to help. It is important that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship to help you make positive changes in your life.

But how do you know what type of therapy is right for you? Taking the first steps in finding the right therapist can be the biggest hurdle for newcomers, so we have made it easy. Simply get in touch with us using the form below or give us a call at 0203 997 9229 and one of our fully qualified referral therapists can work with you to make sure you connect with the right practitioner and receive the correct therapy and counselling services you require.

However, if you feel you are ready to start therapy straight away then click HERE to book an initial therapy assessment with a fully qualified therapist, or if you are struggling financially click HERE to book an initial therapy assessment with one of our Low-Cost therapists.

Our practitioners deal with a wide range of therapy issues using different types of therapy modalities tailored to the types of clients we work with. We also cater for people who are beset with financial difficulties, offering them services ranging from low-cost therapy and reduced-rate therapy to working with seasoned, qualified and accredited talking therapists.