Group therapies

Our Psychology and Psychotherapy Service offers group therapies.

Therapy sessions can sometimes be in a group environment and many different factors influence what they are like.

Group therapy

Group analytic psychotherapy is an effective tool for individuals experiencing interpersonal or relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression or unfulfilled potential.

The group is an opportunity for group members to explore differences and similarities in a confidential and supportive atmosphere. The aim of the group is to foster individual change and creativity through widening the understanding of self and others. The therapy is the overall experience of being in the group.

The group provides a space in which relationships can develop that will help people to understand past patterns of behaviour, responses and blocks to growth.  Discovering more about these dynamic relationships can open the way to lasting change.

Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured therapy based on a psychological formulation of personal, interpersonal and environmental factors related to your mental health.  It can be provided in a Group Therapy format.

Group-CBT has many advantages due to the support from other people who have got similar issues. The interaction between members of the group is thought to be an important factor in what motivates people to change, or to come to terms with, their situation. You can learn a lot from each other in a group, and you may find you have a lot to offer too.  Groups can elicit feelings of safety and apprehension in equal measure. People often confront and overcome many fears by actually being in, and talking with, a group of other people.

For many people Group-CBT may be the treatment of choice because most mental health problems are isolating and stigmatising. Other people in the group often know from experience what you are going through.  Group-CBT also has an educational function, giving people the knowledge and skills to improve their emotional health and psychological wellbeing.  There is an additional benefit in being able to work with interpersonal processes as they arise in the group. Sessions tend to last between 1.5 – 3 hours (or half a day) and tend to follow the same format each week.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Group

Group therapy is the main treatment offered by our Psychology & Psychotherapy Service for people experiencing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The OCD Group aims to help you understand your intrusive thoughts, images, urges and compulsions. The Group aims to enable you to develop skills to tolerate difficult thoughts and feelings and develop new responses.

A 10 session course of treatment is offered on a weekly basis. It is grounded in the principles of psycho-education, individualised formulation and goal setting. Treatments include cognitive methods, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and also introduce some third wave concepts such as values and mindfulness.