Group Analytic Therapy

Group analysis is a form of psychotherapy based on the belief that lasting personal change can occur within a carefully selected group whose membership reflects other social groupings. Deriving primarily from psychoanalysis, group analytic therapy also draws on a range of other approaches. It is an approach that takes account of social, cultural, political and other external influences on our personal lives.

Analytic Groups are used by people who wish to understand themselves more deeply in order to change difficult, and at times damaging aspects of their lives. Working together, group members can reflect on the underlying causes of their difficulties, relating to each other with honesty and mutual respect, in the confidential and supportive setting of the therapy room. Participation in a group helps members to see themselves through the eyes of others and thus gain new insights.

It is usual for each group session to last for 90 minutes on a weekly basis. To be of real benefit a commitment of at least one year's regular weekly attendance is normally necessary, though members often stay for longer by choice. Therapy groups can help with a variety of problems and life situations, for example:

* Anxiety and depression

* Loneliness, isolation, feeling "different"

* Difficulties at work/education

* Bereavement

* Difficulties in relationships

* Recovery from abuse experiences

* Therapeutic support in recovery from addictions

This list is not exhaustive.