Group Psychotherapy aims to assist people to make basic, but fundamental and lasting, changes in their lives and relationships through personal development, growth and understanding. Joining a group is an opportunity to gain insight and address, through a group experience, difficult relationship issues common to family, work and social settings.
In the safe and confidential setting of the group, life crises and issues such as social isolation and anxieties, low self-esteem and low motivation, depression, anxiety, loss or loneliness, stress or illness, addiction recovery can be explored and new insights and ways of coping discovered.
Groups usually have from five to nine men and women. Confidentiality and safety are central to the process. Members will not previously know each other and are asked to respect the boundary of the group and not meet by arrangement outside the group setting.
The group meet for 1.5 hours on a weekly basis at a fixed time under the guidance of a group therapist. The group provides an opportunity for people of different ages, backgrounds and bringing different issues to share and talk and gradually over time build relations with each other. Over time the process can lead to greater self-confidence and an increased capacity for healthy relationships in every aspect of life.
Group therapy is a method of exploring and embracing change. Change takes time and we suggest that members make a commitment of at least 12 months. This is a commitment to yourself to work on real and lasting change in your life and in the way you relate to others.
Group Therapy is now widely practiced throughout the world in a variety of clinical, therapeutic, community, educational and organizational settings.
For those interested in training to become a group analyst either working therapeutically or with organizations, training is currently available in St Vincent’s University Hospital, Elmpark, run by the Irish Institute of Group Analysis. The training is also available in Britain and other international locations.
GAP was set up specifically to provide group psychotherapy. All of its practicitioners are members of professional psychotherapy organizations. When you contact the practice your first session will be with the assessment psychotherapist who will help you work out the suitability of group therapy for your needs and to ascertain which group will provide the most appropriate setting. You will then meet the group psychotherapist and prepare to join the group.
To discuss group support options in more detail, contact GAP today.
