Why join a therapy group?

Sharing experiences and finding out about how others are dealing with their difficulties may give you encouragement to talk about things that previously seemed too painful or scary to face, offering an opportunity to connect with your emotions and gain more clarity. Whilst groups are facilitated by Psychological Therapists, group members also have an important role in supporting one another to reflect and gain more understanding about themselves. Discovering that the challenges you face may resonate with others in the group can be incredibly validating, leaving you feeling less alone with your troubles. In addition, working together with people from varied backgrounds can offer a chance to hear new perspectives and feedback that you may not have considered.

Please see more information about specific therapy groups that we run here: Therapy Groups (warwick.ac.uk)

Will group therapy make me feel better?

Most people find their group therapy experience very rewarding over time. However, it is not a ‘quick fix’ and it can feel uncomfortable. As with other types of therapy, facing up to and exploring issues about yourself may at times feel upsetting and challenging. However, experiencing and expressing a range of feelings is often a necessary part of the process of personal growth and learning. We encourage group members to stick with the process, leaning into some discomfort, to reap the rewards.

How do I know that what I share will remain confidential?

Facilitators ensure that confidentiality is discussed thoroughly in the pre-group meeting and in the first group session, and that ‘ground rules’ are agreed by the group before any work commences. Experience shows us that trusting relationships develop within therapy groups, and since each member expects their own privacy to be respected, that of others also tends to be respected.

Will I make friends in the group?

While strong bonds and close relationships can develop within the group, the group is not for making ‘friends’ in the traditional sense. To ensure that the group members can continue to feel confident in the safety and confidentiality of the group, members agree not to socialise with one another outside of the therapy group setting (for the duration of the group therapy process). It will not, therefore, be appropriate for two friends to join a therapy group together. Arrangements for what to do if you find that you already know someone in your therapy group can be discussed during your pre-group meeting.

Will I get advice and strategies to help me to manage my difficulties?

Each group will have a slightly different format depending on the theme of the group and the therapeutic model being used. However, the emphasis of therapy groups is on creating a reflective space where understanding of difficulties can be deepened through a process of sharing, responding and giving space for one another in the group. The Therapist/s facilitating the group will help with this process by managing boundaries, keeping the sessions focussed, prompting and helping to notice connections and themes that arise throughout the process. Although therapy groups can be very supportive (and challenging too!) they are not the same as ‘support groups’ nor are they focussed on offering advice or solutions to one another.

What if I am too scared to speak or open-up?

It is very natural to feel anxious about joining a therapy group but getting to know and trust the group can help individuals to develop the courage to start to share more of themselves and their experiences. Creating these trusting relationships is an essential part of an effective group therapy process, which is why it is so important that group members commit to regular attendance.

When would joining a therapy group not be a suitable option for me?

If you are experiencing a crisis in your life or in your mental health which is leaving you feeling emotionally very unstable, perhaps suicidal or experiencing an episode of psychosis then this will not be the best time for you to consider joining a therapy group. Please follow this link for more information on crisis and emergency services that may be more appropriate for you to consider in these circumstances: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/wss/students/emergency_contacts/

There may be other reasons why group therapy would not be the most suitable option for you, or you may be interested but uncertain as to whether it is for you. You can ask to arrange a pre-group meeting with the relevant group facilitator which will give you an opportunity to consider this together.