Group Therapy

What is group therapy?

We all need to be mirrored as children and young people in order for our authentic identity to develop. Being invisible or not positively represented in society can result in developmental identity issues such as trust, autonomy and intimacy. If we do not feel safe to show our authentic self in public, this can lead to our authentic self becoming partially developed in private. Group therapy can be a safe place where, as adults, we can learn to show our authentic self in public, foster meaningful relationships with our peers and identify with others in the queer community who have shared similar past experiences.

Group therapy is not for everyone. The space can be triggering and whilst some triggering can increase your awareness and insight into what your needs are and therefore how to resource yourself, you may not be at a point where this is the right space for you or where you feel able to resource yourself. If you are unsure whether group therapy is right for you, you can be discuss this in the initial individual assessment.

Finding the right group

There are two online groups:

Group 1: Trans and Gender Diverse Clients

This group provides a gender-affirming space for group members to share and learn helpful tools and skills and build connections with people of similar identities. Topics discussed in this group include, gender diversity, transitioning, relationship diversity, exploration of values and boundaries.

Group 2: NeuroQueer Clients.

This group is aimed at LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks (Autistic, ADHDers/VAST and any other mental health conditions). The group provides an affirming space for group members to skills-share and build connections with people of similar identities. Topics discussed in this group include neurodivergence, queerness, gender diversity, sexual diversity, relationship diversity, sexual health, boundaries, and exploration of values.

What to expect

There are two 12-week online group therapy options :

Each group will have a total of 8 members and will meet weekly for 75 mins for a period of 12 weeks. Every member will have an initial free 20 min individual assessment to determine if group therapy is the right fit for them.

The group therapy approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, LGBTQIA+ and neuro affirming and integrative. The main therapeutic modalities I draw upon are, acceptance commitment therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy, somatic experiencing therapy and schema therapy. I also draw on neuroqueer theory, queer thoery and polyvagal theory.

Depending on the demand, these groups may run twice or three times a year. Members are welcome to attend as many group therapy ‘blocks’ but will be invited to attend a free 20 min initial assessment each time to determine of continuing with group therapy is the right fit for them.