Group-Analytic Psychotherapy is an established form of psychotherapy for adults and young people. Its origins are in the work of Dr. S.H. Foulkes in the 1940’s and it is based on the view that deep and lasting change can occur within a carefully constituted group whose combined membership reflects wider society, like all therapies, it has continued to develop and evolve.

The essence of Group-Analytic Psychotherapy involves the group working toward open and honest communication between the group members. This level of communication often takes time to develop in the group but given time and the development of mutual trust, most members will find that it is possible to talk about things they have not shared before for reasons of shame, embarrassment of fear.

The supportive and challenging environment gives an opportunity for individuals to explore past and present difficulties and to understand themselves and their relationships more deeply in order to change unfulfilling aspects of their lives.

Patterns and ways of relating to others are often established early in life. These patterns would have been useful then, but might not be helpful to us as adults. In the supportive, but challenging, environment of the group, these patterns can be explored and analysed and this process within the therapy group can open up the way for lasting change. The ways members relate to each other can often give insights into difficulties in relationships outside the group.

The relationships in a psychotherapy group are exceptionally close and confidential. Meetings between members outside the session can interfere with the process of the group. If you do chance to meet other members outside, it is best not to discuss group matters and to mention it later in the group. To avoid inadvertent breaking of confidence, it is advisable for members to know each other by their first names.

The group consists of up to eight members meeting weekly for 90 minutes with the group conductor. It is important for your own progress and that of the group that you attend regularly and punctually. Holidays should be planned with this in mind. Absences and lateness are disruptive to your own and group’s development. It is expected that unavoidable absences are flagged up in the group as soon as possible. If you are unexpectedly unable to get to a session, it is helpful if you can get a message to the group conductor before the session.

Joining a psychotherapy group is in many ways a new and possibly daunting experience. Any psychotherapy will involve you in making certain arrangements and commitments to attend regularly at the same time each week.

Unless there are special circumstances, the conductor does not communicate with your GP or members of your family. It is sometimes helpful to know who your GP is but any communication with them would be discussed with you. Any communication received by the conductor from group members or about group members will be discussed in the group.

Please contact me if you have any questions about group psychotherapy.