Group Therapy With Sally

Monday evening 6-7.30pm. £35 per session. 3 Mondays per month (not first Monday of month)
Location: The Practice Rooms, Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol

This is a course of 9 sessions from February – April 2026, i.e. 3 months. Members commit to attend the whole course. (9, 16, 23 February, 9, 16, 23 March, 13, 20, 27 April.)

Groups are an opportunity to learn about who you are, how you relate to others and the wider world. Most of our relational difficulties come from unhelpful past relationships, particularly in childhood, and we can get stuck in old behaviours. Groups help us see how we relate to others individually and in a group and how we impact our relationships. 

This group is suitable for people who have experienced therapy. In individual therapy you have your therapist’s undivided attention, but in a group you share the experience with others which can be challenging but also very healing. It can complement individual therapy or stand alone. 

How many people are in the group and what is the cost?

The group is for a maximum of 7 people.

It costs £35 per weekly session. Signing up is an agreement to pay for all sessions of the course regardless of whether you attend. I ask you to pay for at least the first 4 in advance. You are welcome to pay for the whole course upfront or any later sessions 48 hours ahead of the individual session. I will ask you to sign a contract to this effect. It is important that we all commit to following through the group process, even if that feels hard. You can decide to continue in subsequent groups or stop after this course. There will be no session the first Monday of each month. 

What are the goals of group therapy?

To build a supportive, safe group together, and share things you would not normally talk about.

To improve your communication in relationships, learn how others perceive you, understand your own and others’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours. 

To experiment with new behaviours and build confidence as outdated self-images and expectations are challenged, with changes witnessed by the group.

What can I expect in a group?

Brian Tuckman, a professor of educational psychology in the US in the 1960s, developed the group theory, “forming, storming, norming, performing”. Groups are not cohesive from the outset and it takes time to “form” – build rapport, trust and safety. There may then be a period of “storming” when members are still thinking individually and pushing back against the group. But in the “norming” stage, members increasingly engage and rely on each other. In the “performing” stage, the members have trust in each other and show empathy and support. This may feel unfamiliar as we are not encouraged to be collaborative in daily life. We learn that working as a team can bring great self knowledge, confidence and joy. The group itself becomes almost another member with themes, responses and feelings. 

Participants can talk about the personal or relationship issues that led them to therapy. Emphasis will be placed on examining the relations between members as things arise. Members will be asked to constructively share their impressions, thoughts and fears of one another. It may be daunting, but you will benefit more the more you participate.  Sharing our experiences and hearing others’ makes us feel less alone, and more accepted.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential in the group. We will agree not to discuss other members of the group outside of the group. Relationships with group members outside of the group are not encouraged. This allows issues to be resolved within the group and prevents cliques forming.

Exceptions: if any information is disclosed of criminal activity or that suggests you or others may be at risk of harm then I may need to disclose it to relevant authorities. 

How do I apply for the group?

Email me and we will arrange to meet for an introductory session to discuss what you are hoping for and whether the group is the right place for your therapeutic needs. This meeting will last 50 minutes and costs £50.