A monthly sound healing workshop with the Gong in Upminster. The Gong works with vibration and sound working on the glandular and nervous system bringing balance to the mind, body and soul. Working with the energy channels focuses on deep healing through Ethereal and Earthly plane. Come along and have a relaxation session with a small group. Please contact us for more details. The Gong is not recommended for pace makers and pregnant women.
Holistic and Changework Therapies. I am an Integrative counsellor and a yoga teacher with vast experience of working with individuals from various Ethnic backgrounds. I work with Adults and young people aged 16-18, and provide a safe space to explore feelings, thoughts and experiences in an unbiased, supportive and confidential environment. Focusing on helping individuals bring balance to their Mind, Body and Soul, using a Holistic Approach to healing and exploring ways to overcome challenges.
The Positively Challenged is an open group to discuss any ongoing issues you are facing. A safe place to explore, process, allowing each other autonomy. With other's facilitating in the group this may give you a different perspective on your issues and help to move forward in your journey.
Hosted by Room for Growth Counselling
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Stansted CM24
I am a qualified Psychotherapist/ Coach and have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those dealing with challenging life experiences. Client's well-being is very important to me with the focus of my work to help process their agenda in all their troublesome obstacles. Practicing as a Person Centered Psychotherapist (MBACP) who see's the individual person, respect & encourage personal autonomy, whilst offering a safe space to explore their troubles. We have the strength and unique capabilities within us to develop our own sense of resourcefulness and find fulfillment in our personal potentials.
Starting September 2023. Location: Central Southend. Monthly sessions. One year commitment. £12 per session. For further details email Karen
Child, Adolescent and Family Psychodynamic Psychotherapist; fully qualified. I have been working with children, young people, and families for 20+ yrs. The young people I have worked with have faced a wide range of emotional, social, or psychological challenges. My experience includes depression/mood difficulties, anxiety/panic issues (OCD), school refusal or social withdrawal, self-injury, substance misuse, impulsivity, defiance, eating disorders, trauma/loss, sexual identity, body dysphoria, and neuro-diversity. Families use psychodynamic approaches when seeking in-depth therapy to achieve long-term change.
A group created to offer support and encouragement to new mums who want to interact with other mums going through the same experiences as them, from pre natal depression to post natal depression to just needing to be heard and listened to. A friendly and supportive environment where new mums can meet but at the same time have the support.
Hosted by Elizabeth Anne Lawrence
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chelmsford CM1
I offer a confidential and non judgemental place in which you can talk about, and explore areas of difficulty in your life. From an immediate crisis, such as a relationship breakdown, bereavement, addiction or it may be due to more long term problems such as feeling low, anxious, depressed or feeling the need to make changes on a professional level. I will help you to gain understanding, create solutions, strategies and progress positively. Using an integrative approach, utilising methods to suit your needs. I work with adults, children and young adults, offering Counselling, Life Coaching, Supervision and Nutrition Counselling.
Bereavement is something experienced by all humans. Our experience of it is shaped by the relationship we have with our lost loved one and our life experience. It is individual to us. However, coming together with other people who are going through their own bereavements, can be a great support. Not everybody who goes through bereavement will want/need or be able to access therapy, but most people will benefit from sharing and holding space with others going through their own bereavement. My bereavement support group is held on the second Tuesday of every month 10.30-11.30. It is drop in and free.
Hosted by Katy Acton Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Group meets in Leigh-on-Sea SS9
Are you struggling with bereavement, anxiety or depression? Maybe you’re experiencing relationship issues or feeling trapped in a cycle of negative thought patterns and unhealthy ways of coping. Maybe your way of coping has now become the problem; i.e. addiction. If you are longing for change and need a safe accepting space to identify what that is and work towards it; I can provide this. Together, we can work to set goals, make changes, identify and break behavioural patterns, validate your feelings, process past trauma and reframe thoughts. Hopefully resulting in an improvement in your wellbeing, mental health and life overall.
Body image concerns are a common problem with up to 4% of the population suffering with Body Dysmorphia We run a therapeutic group, one to one therapy and a not for profit support group. We also have a family group for where there is a young person suffering from body image issues. Our group leaders have personal experience of BDD, anxiety and skin picking and work to support transformation for anyone who is suffering with anxiety and body image concerns. This is a new group venture and we would love to have more people get involved, please contact us for a chat.
It is likely you are looking for support at a difficult time. I'm passionate about helping you if you have any kind of body image issues or anxiety. I also understand the need for supporting families in difficult times. I offer a warm therapeutic relationship which is thoughtfully tailored to your needs. I believe that therapy should be sensitive and boldly creative. I often include a variety of experiences into therapy sessions: things that I have found helpful myself. We all want to have a balance in our lives and to learn to calm the sometimes stormy waters of our mind. I hope to share ways of learning to do this with you.
Online group to help those struggling to adjust to life with persistent pain.
Hosted by Kim Macleod
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Group meets in Benfleet SS7
Hello, I am Kim, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist. I specialise in helping people who are struggling to cope with chronic conditions such as persistent pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes or life following an accident. It can be difficult to adjust to life with a chronic condition. It is common to feel anxious about the future and low in mood. The desire to return to your previous self or to be different in some way contributes to the struggle. I have worked extensively in the NHS and private practice. My aim is to help you live your best life despite the condition.
This is a 9 week Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Group Programme. Programme includes 4 hr weekly skills group, 3 x 1:1 sessions, out of session support, 3 x family support sessions online. Programme includes weekly DBT booklets of skills concepts and exercises plus additional resources. This group is suitable for those who struggle to manage their emotions. An initial assessment and pre-commitment 1:1 session is necessary before enrolment onto the programme. The programme is delivered online via Zoom and includes the 4 modules of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hosted by Sarah Turner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sudbury CO10
Do you struggle with your emotions? Do you find yourself feeling moody and irritable? Maybe you are battling with high levels of anxiety that is ruining your life. Maybe you’re feeling sad and depressed robbing you of enjoyment in your life. Do you experience a range of intense emotions in a short space of time and slow to get back to “normal”? Do you end up having angry outbursts then feel full of regret afterwards? Do your relationships suffer as a result of intense emotions? Have you developed coping strategies that whilst in the moment might help but longer term are causing additional issues?
Local support group for mainstream teens with neurodiversity. Share your troubles with like minded others, offer and gain support within the group. Make friends with those who understand you. Feel less alone and more accepted for who you are. Groups are small, with no more than 5 individuals per session. Contact me, or visit website for further details. Advanced booking only, due to group size restrictions. £10 per session.
Hosted by Counselling with Angela
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Group meets in Chelmsford CM3
It's OK to not be OK. Whatever you're going through, counselling can help. We all have a past, a present, and a future. Our past can affect our present and our present can affect our future. Whether your past is causing issues here and now, or if you are currently experiencing difficulties now that may affect your future, you are not alone. I am trained and qualified in various techniques and use an integrative approach - using a combination of techniques, tailored to meet the needs of each individual. This is the most effective way to get positive results.
Starting April 23 Fridays 4.30-5.30pm
Hosted by Colchester Children’s Counselling
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Colchester CO1
As a psychodynamic counsellor with 15 years experience both in the education and NHS sector, I have worked with a range of clinical themes including: trauma, parental illness and terminal illness, anxiety, incontinence, ADHD, absconding, abuse, domestic violence, bereavement and grief, aggression, psychosomatic illness, disassociation disorder, depression, LGBTQ+. This list is not exhaustive to my knowledge and understanding to the many other themes that clients may present with. If you are willing to go on this journey with me and to trust me with your mental health, I will be there to support you every step of the way
Support group for people surviving abuse and once funding is in place can provide 6 weeks of counselling if desired
Hosted by N. E. therapy services
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Clacton-on-Sea CO16
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unsure of how you are feeling but just know that something is not right. Do you struggle with every day life, are you feeling trapped, scared or alone. Do you find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and lack interest in things you used to enjoy. If you do not understand why you feel low or anxious, we can work together to get to explore your experiences and enjoy a better quality of life. I have extensive knowledge and experience working with abuse and trauma as well as depression and anxiety. I work face to face, online using zoom or teams and the telephone.
I hold a weekly psychotherapy group in Brentwood, Essex on Wednesday evenings. The group has no set theme; rather, a diverse range of experiences is welcome. The group is also open to people of all ethnicities and sexualities. Such therapy provides a space to explore your relationship with yourself and others, and to develop a stronger sense of self. Over time this fosters a sense of belonging, insight and confidence which translates beyond the group itself. All sessions are confidential and honouring this is a commitment made by all group members. Do get in touch if this interests you.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist working with individuals, groups and in supervision. I see psychotherapy as valuable to people from all walks of life and as a conversation which is led by the client, working towards deepening self-awareness and the capacity to live authentically. I have substantial experience with people from all backgrounds, including people from diverse ethnicities, sexualities, genders. I have extensive experience with people who have led quite chaotic lives; but equally, people whose lives appear relatively simple are often, at a private level, in need of the deep attention psychotherapy offers.
The group counselling focus on Traumas and PTSD offers you a safe, confidential and supportive setting where you can talk openly about your trauma(s) and the effects of this trauma(s) in your day to day life. It is a place where you can learn and share coping mechanisms to cope with unwanted behaviour, be listened to, improve your relationship skills, receive acceptance, empathy and support to not feel so alone and isolated.
Hosted by Light Bubble Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Colchester CO3
Specialist in Trauma, PTSD, Burnout, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Low self-esteem and abuse to name few. I have a variety of trainings and experiences included CBT, Gestalt, Attachment therapy, Child Gigogne theory in therapeutic process. This means, I am able to tailor your session, finding the right way of working for you. I have good knowledge and understanding of ethnic backgrounds and faiths, and also an interest in working with members of the sexual minority. I am working both face to face and online. In addition to my one to one session, I also work with groups, both individuals and couple counselling in a groups setting.
This is an 18 week Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Group Programme. Programme includes 2 hr weekly skills group, 6 x 1:1 sessions, out of session support, 6 x family support sessions online. Programme includes weekly DBT booklets of skills concepts and exercises plus additional resources. This group is suitable for those who struggle to manage their emotions. An initial assessment and pre-commitment 1:1 session is necessary before enrolment onto the programme. The programme is delivered online via Zoom and includes the 4 modules of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hosted by Sarah Turner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sudbury CO10
Do you struggle with your emotions? Do you find yourself feeling moody and irritable? Maybe you are battling with high levels of anxiety that is ruining your life. Maybe you’re feeling sad and depressed robbing you of enjoyment in your life. Do you experience a range of intense emotions in a short space of time and slow to get back to “normal”? Do you end up having angry outbursts then feel full of regret afterwards? Do your relationships suffer as a result of intense emotions? Have you developed coping strategies that whilst in the moment might help but longer term are causing additional issues?
I provide 4 modules group, learning about depression: 1) Depression and Behaviour, 2) Depression and Cognition, Reflection. 3) Rules and Beliefs, Experiences 4) Depression, Feelings, Mindfulness. The group session is 2 hrs and 30 min, and twice a month, during the module introduction 1 to 1 session, which will last 50 min. The group will involve CBT reflection homework . One month 4 modules and 2 sessions one to one. Price and days TBD.
Hosted by Natalie Cope Clinical Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Billericay CM11
Maybe you experience a specific issue you would like to discuss, dealing with difficulties alone and maybe finding it hard to cope or need to share something in confidence. Sometimes our life can take different direction and we feel lost. I have more than 10 years experience in mental health, trained as counselling psychologist, currently working as clinical psychotherapist with across various issues in the areas of personal growth, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm, substance use as a coping mechanism, personality disorder, trauma, suicidal ideation, bereavement, PTSD. I am a member of BACP and MBPsS
This online 9 week DBT skills group programme is designed for those who have participated in a DBT programme before and would like to either fresh their skill set or reinforce new skills learned from one of our previous programmes. It includes 9 weekly 1.5 hrs skills group, 3 x 1:1 sessions, out of session support, 3 x family support sessions online, DBT material of concepts, exercises and additional resources. Includes the 4 modules of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Hosted by Sarah Turner
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Group meets in Sudbury CO10
Do you struggle with your emotions? Do you find yourself feeling moody and irritable? Maybe you are battling with high levels of anxiety that is ruining your life. Maybe you’re feeling sad and depressed robbing you of enjoyment in your life. Do you experience a range of intense emotions in a short space of time and slow to get back to “normal”? Do you end up having angry outbursts then feel full of regret afterwards? Do your relationships suffer as a result of intense emotions? Have you developed coping strategies that whilst in the moment might help but longer term are causing additional issues?
Does your brain run a million miles an hour? Anxiety, distraction, overthinking, ruminating, emotional dysregulation, unfocused, memory problems? Perhaps it also sometimes runs out of steam leading to brain fog, insomnia or indecision? This group uses fast, evidence-based strategies for fast brains! Learn to rewire your brain for improvements in: ? concentration ? focus ? decision-making ? memory ? emotional agility ? psychological flexibility ? communication skills ? relationships ? mental wellbeing ? cognitive ability ? cognitive reserve. We'll explore the latest brain health research, strategies and technology that you can use immediately to boost your brain health, cognitive performance and wellbeing. See you there!
To thrive at work and in life, we rely on having good concentration, focus, decision-making, memory, emotional agility, psychological flexibility and cognitive ability. Together, these functions can be described as 'good brain health'. However, these vital functions can be interrupted by stress, anxiety, neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia), hormonal changes, and viruses such as Long Covid. I work with organisations and individuals who want to proactively improve, protect and optimise brain health including cognitive performance, emotional flexibility and mental wellbeing.
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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Essex?
Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, postcode, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
How does group therapy work?
Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group counselling is typically less expensive than individual counselling, with each session costing on average between £45 to £60. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from £60 to £150. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your group therapy sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for group therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.