Introduction

Group therapy is one of the most effective and empowering forms of therapy. It's also incredibly underutilised here in the UK. It brings together individuals who share similar struggles — anxiety, relationship issues, grief, or personal growth — and creates a space where these struggles can be experienced and explored. Unlike individual sessions, group therapy allows participants to connect, learn, and heal through a collective experience.

It's my experience that when people realize that others face similar emotional issues or challenges, it has the potential to break the accompanying sense of isolation and shame. That connection itself becomes deeply therapeutic.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group Therapy offers a secure and welcoming environment where you can thoughtfully examine how you relate to others and reflect on your personal experiences. Within this space, you are encouraged to bring curiosity to your interactions and explore the patterns that shape your relationships. The experience supports you in connecting with people who, like yourself, wish to gain a deeper understanding of their own behaviours and feelings.

Some common types of group therapy include:

• Support groups: Focused on sharing experiences related to a common challenge (e.g., grief, trauma, or addiction recovery).

• Skills-based groups: Teach specific techniques like mindfulness, communication, or emotional regulation.

• Process-oriented groups: Encourage members to explore feelings and interpersonal dynamics in real time.

Each session provides a chance to learn from others’ journeys, recognize shared humanity, and practice new coping tools in a safe environment.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy offers unique advantages that individual sessions can’t always provide. Some of the ways group therapy can help include:

• You'll be able to address challenging emotions like anger, fear, and vulnerability with people you come to trust, building emotional resilience and understanding.

• You’ll be encouraged to explore new ideas, improve self-expression and solve problems.

• You can explore how express your identity.

• You'll explore how you relate to others and be able to experiment with doing things differently.

• You’ll learn to give and receive clear feedback.

• Regular meetings with the same people fosters trust, encourages personal growth, and strengthens relationships over time.

How Group Therapy Works in Practice

A skilled and qualified therapist ensures the environment feels respectful and confidential. Sessions often begin with check-ins, followed by focused discussions or activities. Participants are encouraged to speak honestly, listen actively, and offer constructive feedback — not advice, but understanding.

You’ll notice over time that as trust builds, so does openness. The group becomes a mirror — reflecting patterns, reactions, and personal growth. As the therapist I'm working to help you connect the dots between what happens in the group and what happens in your everyday life.

Is Group Therapy Right for You?

Group therapy can benefit anyone seeking emotional growth, healing, or a sense of connection. It may be especially helpful if you:

• Feel lonely or disconnected from others

• Want to practice social or communication skills

• Struggle with anxiety, depression, or self-esteem

• Are processing grief, trauma, or relationship challenges

• Want feedback and insight from multiple perspectives

Final Thoughts

I believe learning and personal growth don't happen in isolation — they happen through connection. Group therapy is a way to experience being seen, heard, and understood by more than one person. By listening to others’ stories and sharing your own, you not only work on yourself but also contribute to someone else’s growth and learning. It has the potential to be an incredibly nourishing, if at times challenging, experience.

If you’ve been curious about group therapy, it might be the supportive community you’ve been looking for.