Group counselling

These groups are a more effective form of help than individual counselling for many people. Groups can provide an opportunity to explore how you relate to others, to see yourself through their eyes, and to benefit from their experiences and support while offering them your own.

What should I expect?

All group members commit to keeping personal knowledge about each other confidential within the group and the Counselling Service aims to set up groups so that you will not encounter anyone you already know. It is also suggested that group members do not socialise outside the group while it is running. This creates a group which feels safe and can attend to each member equally.

You are free to choose how much or little to say. Groups are most helpful when members are willing to talk openly and make use of the opportunity to share together, by giving and receiving support, feedback and insight. At times this can feel like taking a risk, but you are always in control of how much you want to challenge yourself in this way.

You are asked to commit to regular attendance, but if it turns out that the experience becomes counterproductive for you, speak to the group facilitator so that you can decide together how best to respond.

Can I join the group after it has started?

Groups normally consist of the same members throughout their lifecycle, enabling a secure and cohesive group to develop. If you become interested in a group after it has already started, let your counsellor know so that you can be considered for the next intake.

What time commitment do I need to make?

The groups all meet weekly, online, during term time, for a session of an hour and a half. Given online working commitments, group provision (number and length of sessions) may be adapted for this purpose. Graduate groups sometimes meet during the vacations depending on members’ availability. Counselling groups can run for one term or for two or three terms.

In order for the group to work well and feel secure, groups work best when members are in a position to commit to regular attendance, and to prioritise this commitment over other things which may crop up in their lives. This does vary between different groups though, so talk with your referring counsellor or the group facilitator about how this applies to the particular group you are joining.

The groups on offer

To join any of the Groups make an appointment for an individual counselling session and let your allocated counsellor know you would like to explore the possibility of joining a group.