This leaflet explains what group psychotherapy (often referred to as group therapy) is, who can benefit from it and what it involves. It is designed to help you decide whether group therapy is right for you.
What is group psychotherapy?
Group psychotherapy draws on the idea that difficulties in groups (such as our family, work or social groups) can contribute to mental health problems. These can, in turn, make it difficult for us to function in family, work or social groups.
Group therapy provides an opportunity to explore our mental health problems and patterns of relating, in a safe group setting.
This can enable people to feel supported and less alone with their personal problems.
Group therapy gives group members a chance to:
- offer support and use their own personal experiences to help each other
- learn more about themselves
- question and offer feedback.
Through this process of understanding and acceptance, individuals have a chance to discover who they are and gain a greater sense of belonging.
Each group member can be a mirror for another member, with the different parts of yourself that you like or dislike being seen in others.
Types of groups
Groups may either be focused on
- a specific problem (for example, an eating disorder) or a range of different problems
- coping with specific difficulties such as or a anxiety management groups.
Some group therapy focuses on relationships and can be effective for a range of different relationship difficulties such as:
- Feeling different and separate
- Feeling as though you don’t belong
- Having trouble with authority figures
- Feeling inadequate, sometimes with intense feelings of envy, shame or fearfulness
- A fear of losing your identity when getting involved with others.
Some may be set up for specific people, such as women or men only
Some use other ways to communicate such as music therapy.
Who can benefit?
People who benefit most are usually those who
- want to address their problems
- are motivated to commit to the process, even when it may involve facing emotional pain.
If you are relying on alcohol or other substances to help you to deal with your difficulties, then you will need to think about minimising or stopping your alcohol/ substance use to get the most benefit.
Further information
UK Council for Psychotherapy: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Tel: 0207 014 9955
How does it work?
Psychotherapy groups normally have between 4 to 8 members and one or two therapists. Some have the same members throughout the course. Others may change as some members leave and new ones join.
Group therapy involves regular meetings. These are often weekly, but may be more or less frequent. Meetings usually last for 1- 1 ½ hours.
The length of a course of group therapy varies from short-term groups of 8 - 10 weeks to longer term groups running over 1-2 years.
Regular attendance is important to get the most out of the experience.
Some forms of group therapy are quite structured with the therapists introducing topics for discussion.
Otherss are run in a more unstructured style with the therapists responding to what the members wish to raise.
Group therapy does not involve prescribing medication.
Contact
To find out more, speak to your care co-ordinator or ask to speak to the Psychological Therapies Services Manager in your area.
BSL Video Relay
https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=AvonWiltshireMHT and ask for our number; or for switchboard 01225 731731 to connect you.
For information on Trust services visit www.awp.nhs.uk
PALS
To make a comment, raise a concern or make a complaint, please contact the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 01225 362 900
Freephone: 0800 073 1778
Email: awp
Other languages and formats
If you need this information in another format (such as large print, Easy Read), please call
the PALS number.
For information in other languages, audio and ‘read aloud’, please click on the Recite Me button at the top of our website 
Lead: Head of Psychological Therapies
Leaflet code: 049 AWP
Last reviewed: April 2024
Next review due: April 2026