happiful september 2021

5 things you should know
about group therapy
Could group therapy be right for you? Here’s
what really goes on during sessions
Writing | Kathryn Wheeler
Illustration | Rosan Magar
Doing what it says on the
tin, group therapy is a
psychological therapy
that takes place in a
group setting, rather than oneto-one.
Available on the NHS and
privately, these sessions bring
together people with similar
problems, to create a supportive,
inclusive environment.
But what actually happens in
them? Here, with the help of
counsellor Nicola Ockwell, we
explore five key questions about
group therapy.
What happens
during a session?
Though each group will vary
slightly, they tend to have between
five and 15 members, and last for
about an hour once a week.
“There are many different
types of group therapy that
target specific problems – such
as anger, anxiety, addiction,
depression, and bereavement
to name a few,” Nicola explains.
“They can be, but not always,
run by qualified therapists, so
the therapist or facilitator can
support the group, as well as
the group supporting each other
– with the group becoming their
own therapists, in a way.”
Nicola explains that most
sessions will start with a ‘checkin’,
and finish with a ‘check-out’,
bringing together everyone’s
thoughts for the day – and it’s
common for the group to agree a
contract, e.g. approaching sessions
with openness and honesty.
Why do people attend?
People attend therapy for a
plethora of reasons, but the key
reason someone might choose
to go to a group session is for the
safe, unifying space where they
can connect with others going
through similar things.
“Using a collaborative approach
is the ideal environment for
working with CBT techniques such
as worksheets, flip charts, and
exercises to generate discussion,”
Nicola says. “The activities will be
designed to enable candidates to
examine their current behaviour,
so they can explore and contrast
against each other.
“The group tends to be quite a
cathartic space for all involved.
Members encourage each other to
share views constructively, which
can be useful for anyone wanting
to challenge or change their
behaviour patterns.
“This also allows individuals
to try different methods of
communication, as well as
experimenting with new skills and
strategies already learnt in a safe,
non-judgemental arena.”
Who goes to group therapy?
“Those who are ready to work
on their particular issue, and are
open to sharing their thoughts,
and feelings within a group
dynamic, will benefit from
group therapy,” says Nicola. She
highlights how group therapy may
also be more accessible than oneto-one
sessions, with many taking
place in the evenings and being
more affordable.
“Some people may find this form
of therapy less daunting, as they
are not alone and feel the support
from group members,” Nicola
continues. “It can be a great place
to meet new people in similar
circumstances, so it can be a safe
environment where you can gain
78 | Septemeber 2021 | happiful.com