A Different Kind of Space
When most people think of therapy, they imagine a private, one-to-one conversation. But some of the most meaningful and transformative healing can happen in
group therapy.
Group therapy brings together individuals facing similar challenges or emotional experiences. It creates a supportive environment where connection, reflection, and feedback foster personal growth and psychological healing. Backed by decades of clinical theory and research, group therapy offers more than just talking—it’s about being seen, heard, and supported by others who truly understand.
Many of the issues we explore in therapy—like anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties—are relational. They don’t just live within us; they show up in our interactions with others. Group therapy allows us to examine these dynamics in real time. It offers multiple perspectives and practical feedback in a safe, structured setting.
It also helps us recognise that many of our emotional difficulties are shaped by the systems and relationships we are part of.
As Nietzsche said, “In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.” Since we live, work, and grow in groups—families, friendships, communities, and workplaces—
group therapy mirrors real life, helping us heal and grow in ways that individual therapy alone may not provide.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where one or more trained therapists work with a small group of individuals—typically between 6 and 12 participants. These sessions take place in a safe, confidential setting where participants explore emotions, behaviours, relationship patterns, and shared experiences.
There are several types of therapy groups:
- Process groups focus on emotional expression, relationship patterns, and interpersonal dynamics.
- Psychoeducational groups teach coping strategies for specific issues like anxiety, anger, or trauma.
- Support groups offer mutual understanding and encouragement for people navigating similar life experiences.
Groups may be
open (new members can join at any time) or
closed (a set group that meets for a fixed number of sessions).
The Power of the Group: A Theoretical Foundation
Wilfred Bion: The Group as a Living Organism
During World War II, psychiatrist
Wilfred Bion studied traumatised soldiers and observed that groups function like living systems with unconscious emotional processes. He described “basic assumption groups”—shared emotional states like dependence, fight-or-flight, or pairing—that influence group dynamics.
Bion’s work highlights that the power of group therapy lies not just in what is said, but in how members relate. Understanding group dynamics helps the therapist facilitate insight and change.
S. H. Foulkes: The Group as a Matrix
S. H. Foulkes, founder of Group Analysis, believed that individuals are inseparable from the social networks around them. In his view, the group serves as a “matrix of meaning”—a place where communication, emotion, and transformation unfold.
In this model, change comes not just from the therapist, but from
group members themselves, through feedback, mirroring, and shared emotional exploration.
Why Group Therapy Works: Evidence-Based Benefits
Renowned psychiatrist
Irvin D. Yalom identified eleven therapeutic factors that explain why group therapy is effective. These include:
- Universality: Realising you’re not alone in your struggles.
- Altruism: Helping others contributes to your own healing.
- Interpersonal learning: Understanding how you relate to others—and how they relate to you.
- Cohesion: Feeling a sense of belonging and emotional safety.
Group therapy has been proven effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- Depression and low mood
- Social anxiety and isolation
- Grief and bereavement
- Trauma and PTSD
- Relationship or attachment difficulties
According to research by
Burlingame et al., group therapy outcomes are often equal to—or better than—those of individual therapy, particularly for interpersonal or social challenges.
Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy?
Group therapy is suitable for many people, especially those who:
- Feel isolated or disconnected
- Struggle with anxiety in social settings
- Want to improve communication or relationship skills
- Are processing trauma, grief, or a major life change
- Would benefit from honest feedback in a safe space
- Are already in individual therapy and want to deepen the work
What to Expect in Your First Group Session
It’s common to feel nervous before your first
group therapy session—and that’s okay.
- You’ll be welcomed into a confidential, structured environment.
- Group guidelines will be clearly explained (e.g., respect, confidentiality).
- You can share at your own pace—there is no pressure.
- Over time, trust grows, allowing for deeper emotional work.
The therapist’s role is to
facilitate rather than lead. They guide the process and hold the space, but much of the healing arises from the group’s interactions and shared experiences.
Common Myths About Group Therapy
“I’ll be judged.”
In fact, most participants find that group therapy reduces shame and self-criticism. People often discover they are not alone—and are met with compassion, not judgment.
“There won’t be enough time for me.”
Skilled group therapists ensure that all voices are heard. Often, listening to others brings unexpected insight and emotional resonance.
“It’s not as effective as individual therapy.”
Research shows that group therapy is
just as effective—especially for challenges like relationships, identity, loss, or social anxiety.
Conclusion: A Space to Be Seen, Held, and Transformed
Group therapy is not a second-best option. It’s a unique and powerful approach to healing.
Through the lenses of
Bion,
Foulkes, and
Yalom, we understand that the group is more than the sum of its parts—it is a living system that reflects and transforms us.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, isolated, or uncertain of your next steps,
group therapy might offer the kind of emotional support and insight you’ve been searching for.
Explore Online Group Therapy
I offer
low-cost online group therapy designed to foster growth, connection, and healing. If you’re curious about joining a group, feel free to reach out to see what options are currently available.
- LGBTQ+ Group Therapy – A supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore identity, relationships, and personal challenges.
- General Open Group Therapy – Welcoming to everyone, this group supports emotional growth, reflection, and interpersonal awareness.
References
- Bion, W. R. (1961). Experiences in Groups. Tavistock.
- Foulkes, S. H. (1984). Therapeutic Group Analysis. Karnac.
- Garland, C. (2003). The Groups Book: Psychoanalytic Group Therapy. Karnac.
- Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (6th ed.).
- Corey, G. (2016). Theory and Practice of Group Counseling (9th ed.).
- Burlingame, G. M., et al. (2011). Small Group Treatment: Evidence for Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Change. In Bergin and Garfield’s Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change.
