Group Therapy
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a shared therapeutic experience that involves a trained professional facilitator and a group of individuals who come together to work through similar psychological and emotional challenges.
The role of the facilitator is important and complex, providing structure, safety, and guidance — but ultimately, the true depth and power of the group come from the members themselves: their openness, courage, and willingness to explore and support each other.
A skilled, sensitive facilitator cannot create a truly healing group without the active participation and honesty of the members. Each participant shares responsibility in shaping a space for learning, growth, and self-discovery.
At Esperansa Counselling, I offer closed groups, where members remain the same from start to finish. This continuity supports deeper emotional work and fosters a strong sense of trust and connection.
I recommend groups of up to 8 people who meet once a week for two hours. Meeting weekly allows enough time to reflect on and integrate insights and themes that arise between sessions. Group therapy is most effective when approached as an ongoing commitment, rather than a quick solution. The real transformation often happens both inside and outside of the sessions as members begin to apply insights to their lives.
“If you do not understand the nature of fear, you will never find fearlessness.” — Shambhala Buddhism
If you do not understand the nature of fear, you will never find fearlessness.
– Shambhala Buddhism.
How can Group Therapy Help?
Group therapy offers profound opportunities for self-healing and personal development. Many people join groups feeling deeply isolated and alone with their struggles, only to discover that others share similar experiences and feelings. This realization often brings great relief and a powerful sense of connection — reminding us that while we are unique, we are not alone.
Many members carry a low opinion of themselves and feel they have little to offer others. In a group setting, learning to encourage and support each other reduces self-preoccupation and helps rebuild a sense of self-worth and value.
The group also becomes an educational space. For example, in a group exploring stress management, members might discuss anxiety symptoms and learn how these affect them physiologically and emotionally. This shared learning can dissolve irrational fears and foster mutual understanding.
Receiving feedback from others helps develop social and relational skills, as you learn how your attitudes and behaviors are perceived. Role-playing can be used to explore specific issues, representing key figures in your life and practicing new ways of relating — all within a safe, supportive environment.
For those who struggle to form close relationships, the group offers a unique opportunity to experience genuine connection from the very beginning, supported by open feedback and sustained acceptance.
Ultimately, the group becomes a living laboratory for discovering how you impact others, how others experience you, and why you behave in certain ways. Through this understanding, the wheels of change and self-healing begin to turn.
What is involved in Group Therapy?
Group activities are designed to foster communication, insight, trust, and personal growth. These may range from reflective, sit-down discussions and story sharing, to more active, embodied exercises and creative expressions like painting, movement, acting, and music.
Activities encourage participants to work together toward shared outcomes, nurturing collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. Mindfulness and body awareness practices are often integrated to help members connect more deeply with their present-moment experiences and emotional processes.
Trust-building exercises — such as role-playing, gentle movement practices, or creative tasks — help participants develop confidence in themselves and in each other.
Icebreakers are commonly used at the start to help members get to know one another in a light, playful way. Objects like balloons or beanbags might be tossed around, with each participant sharing something about themselves as they catch the item.
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Boundaries and safety
• Members should arrive on time; latecomers are not admitted.
• Members are encouraged to stay until the end of each session.
• Participation in activities is encouraged, though members may choose to sit out a specific exercise if it feels too challenging (persistent opting out will be gently explored).
• The facilitator must maintain their own self-awareness and integrity, only guiding activities they feel fully comfortable with.
• Visiting staff or new members are expected to participate fully; passive observers are not allowed.
• The group environment must feel safe for everyone. Members are encouraged to work deeply, but never forced beyond what feels safe for them.
It is the therapist’s responsibility to uphold a professional, ethical, and respectful space, free from discrimination or inappropriate behaviors. The goal is to foster a non-judgmental, collaborative environment where each member can grow and heal at their own pace.
Please get in touch
Alternatively, you can call me on 07449 484819
Feel free to text my mobile number with your name and telephone number and I will phone you back as soon as I am available.
– Janaina
