We all manage problems and difficulties in our day to day life, however sometimes things can become overwhelming and more difficult to manage or we simply don’t want to continue as we have done. This can occur due to a trigger event or an accumulation of things. If ignored this may develop into problems. The therapy I practice is aimed at helping you discuss and reveal problems that may have links to the past. This provides a way forward so we can look at how I can help you understand yourself and improve your wellbeing.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a process that over time sheds light on problems occurring in the present which can be a result of earlier life experiences and unresolved conflicts. The process involves regular support in a confidential and therapeutic setting. This can be done one to one: with yourself and a therapist, or in a group. A group would consist of up to 8 others and a group conductor who is a therapist. People in a group are from all walks of life and have all sorts of problems. You will find others are struggling with similar things as yourself.
Both individual and group therapy can offer an opportunity to consider afresh problems and situations that are causing emotional pain and distress. This process can be difficult and at times you may have uncomfortable feelings about continuing. This is to be expected and something which your therapist will understand and encourage honesty to be able to work through with you, or within the group. It is through exploring and understanding these difficulties that new ways of thinking, feeling and relating emerge.
Who can benefit?
- Those who are interested in learning about themselves and wish to change
- Those who want to work through important issues in their life
- Those who are experiencing emotional pain or feel out of sorts with life
What is the difference between individual and group psychotherapy?
Both group and individual psychotherapy offer an opportunity to explore different problems and issues relating to both the past and the present. The main difference between group and individual therapy is that work in a group focuses on the interaction between yourself and others. We are social animals and much of what we do, and how we live, involves other people. Group therapy can help you to understand yourself through providing you with valuable insights into how others see you. Over time in an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality, personal issues can be explored. As you begin to talk about things and listen to others in the group, relationships develop within the group and past patterns of behaviour may begin to become apparent. This provides many possibilities for change. It offers a valuable type of therapy at an economic cost. Analytic groups meet once or twice a week for ninety minutes.
In a one to one therapy a similar process occurs, though the focus is different. What happens between you and your therapist is what brings about change. Meeting up to three times a week for periods of 50 minutes, over time a trusting relationship develops between you and your therapist. This allows problems to come to the surface. The relationship between you and the therapist is of great importance in the work of any therapy.
When you embark on therapy the time is yours and the therapist aims to listen and attend closely to whatever you bring to your sessions. This helps to explore and understand the less conscious aspects of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, which may be contributing to the suffering and distress you are experiencing. This process also happens in a group. It has a different flavour as there are others in a group to offer a perspective helping you understand yourself and enable changes to be made. We can discuss whether individual or group therapy is most suitable for you. If you have any questions or queries please do get in touch with me. You can find my contact details by clicking here
