I offer the following support groups: Group for counsellors and psychotherapists - online Relationship skills for couples - online and in-person Women's peer support group - in-person Please contact me by email if you are interested further details of any of these groups and for next start dates.
*New group starting in June 2026*
Online Group for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Purpose of the Group As therapists, we give out energy as a routine part of our job. We offer huge amounts of containment, commitment, support and care. We know that we need to fill our personal tank, but how well are we doing that? We watch as our clients flourish and grow. How do we ensure that we continue to grow too, so that we can truly know for ourselves what is possible and confidently inspire our clients? During therapy training, there is often a strong emphasis on personal growth but that changes when we transition into the real world of working as a therapist. The purpose of this group is to meet more of our personal development and relational needs, so that we can work ethically, effectively, and with deeper levels of self-awareness.
Nature of the Group This group offers a reflective space for therapists to explore the emotional impact of their work, develop self-awareness, and connect with peers. It is not psychotherapy or clinical supervision. Participants remain responsible for their own clinical work and are asked not to share identifiable client information. The facilitator’s role is to guide reflection and maintain a safe and respectful space.
How is a personal development group different from a therapy group? Group therapy tends to be longer term with deeper individual psychological work. In contrast, the focus of this group is on sharing personal experiences, including experiences of the profession. As a facilitator, I may guide discussion but I will not provide counselling. Topics might range from therapist burn-out to your own relational dynamics as you develop through life.
Before joining the group Before the group begins, I will speak to each member to establish whether the group is a fit for them. This helps set up the group to be safe and rewarding for all members.
Session structure The first session will be more structured than future sessions including a welcome, recap of the intention of the group, statement on confidentiality, safety and ethics, and introductions to each member. Future sessions will be structured according to the needs and agreement of the group. Attention will be given to balance within the group and each member's personal goals.
Some practicalities...
It's a closed group, meaning that participants are invited to attend for the full 10 months and no new members will join after the first session
There are spaces for 6-8 group members, plus the facilitator
Sessions are online and last for 2 hours
A total of 20 hours are offered that can count towards CPD or towards the new SCoPEd requirements for senior accreditation
£250 for the block of 10 sessions
Dates Sessions take place on the second Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. 10 June 2026 8 July 2026 12 August 2026 9 September 2026 4 October 2026 11 November 2026 9 December 2026 13 January 2027 10 February 2027 10 March 2027
What I will bring to the group I have long been interested in the power of groups. Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in training and teaching roles where I was known for highlighting the reflective and personal development potential within those spaces. Since qualifying as a counsellor in 2020, my work has continued to focus on the relational dimension of therapy, particularly in the conflict and communication work I have undertaken with many couples.
I have led and supported a wide range of groups, including: Introductory training for volunteers at Victim Support Training for police officers on domestic abuse Conflict resolution groups in the former HMP Holloway A meditation group for young adults Pre-therapy support groups for survivors of sexual assault and abuse (with RASASC in Surrey)
I have completed two CPD courses on working therapeutically with groups: 2023 BACP Professional DevelopmentDay - Working with groups with Faisal Mahmood 2023 CPCAB endorsed training - Creative Counsellors Therapeutic Groups Training - 3 days
I have been inspired by reading various literature (fiction and non-fiction) on therapeutic groups. Below is a summary of Irvin Yalom’s 11 therapeutic factors, which explain the great potential of working with a group.
If you are interested in joining this group, please get in touch via my email and we can arrange an introductory phone call.
Irvin Yalom's 11 Therapeutic Factors
Feel more hopeful Seeing others grow and change can help you feel that change is possible for you too. Realise you’re not alone You may discover that others share similar struggles, thoughts, or feelings. Learn new perspectives Listening to others can offer fresh ways of understanding yourself and your experiences. Experience the value of helping others Supporting someone else in the group can strengthen your sense of connection and purpose. Notice relationship patterns Interactions in the group may highlight familiar patterns in how you relate to others. Practice communicating openly The group provides a space to express yourself and try new ways of relating. Learn from observing others You may find yourself learning simply by watching how others reflect, communicate, and grow. Develop greater self-awareness Feedback and interaction can help you understand more about how you affect others and how others affect you. Feel a sense of belonging Over time, many people experience the group as a place of acceptance and connection. Express emotions more freely Sharing feelings in a supportive environment can bring relief and deeper understanding. Reflect on life more deeply Group conversations can open space to explore meaning, choices, and the challenges of being human.
