Group psychotherapy

Imperfect.Star · 30-08-2012, 11:34 PM

Has anyone had group psychodynamic psychotherapy?
I had an assessment recently and it's probably what's going to be recommended. I'm utterly terrified of group therapy and things are actually fairly good ATM anyway.
Any personal experiences?
Thanks

Stellata · 31-08-2012, 07:06 AM

Yes, but it was a therapy training therapy group, so a lot more scary than it might be otherwise! It was quite intense, though it was some years ago, so I can't really give a perspective from where I'm at in my recovery now, sorry.

Cedrus · 31-08-2012, 08:05 AM

What scares you about group therapy?

I had it in 06/07 and whilst I had next to no confidence and thus, barely spoke, it was actually quite helpul. Even though I didn't really talk about myself/contribute it was good in that those with similar problems could challenege your thought process/behaviours and share what helped them in those situations. Theres something about hearing it from someone who has first hand experience with said issue that can be pretty benifical.

sherlock holmes · 03-09-2012, 07:54 PM

I'm about to start group psychotherapy. Quite nervous.

I've had group therapy before. You need to speak for it to be beneficial, so that might be a hurdle to overcome.

Wonderful. · 03-09-2012, 11:26 PM

I'm in psychodynamic group therapy, I was terrified too, still am at times, and I've been there now for months! Some of the group sessions are easier than others, it kind of gives you a better understanding of yourself and other people, because there are so many personalities and opinions in the room, rather than just one textbook therapist, there is a room full of 'real' people.
It is hard though, and stressful, and emotions go wild in that room, but it is something worth trying, you can always walk away if it's not right for you.

What kind is it? Like once a week for the day? Residential? Or numerous times a week? Do you know?

I'm also doing ok ATM, but it doesnt mean therapy won't benefit you, therapy isn't about right now, it's about your whole life really, and it helps you to work out how to cope with situations and feelings either when they happen or when they have happened and make sense of it. :)

Mental · 04-09-2012, 02:10 AM

Although I have never had group therapy prescribed by the NHS as part of my treatment I used to attend a weekly mutual support group. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and, although for the first couple of sessions I was terrified and barely spoke, I feel as though I got a lot out of it. I made a number of good friends through it, some of whom I am still in touch with a year after stopping going. The service also arranged social activities in the evenings and at weekends which was a great way of supporting people back into the community who had somewhat become excluded. It also gave people the opportunity to establish good friendships and relationships with like minded people.
I feel like this type of service is really lacking nationwide. I live in a different city now and there is no service like this around.

Imperfect.Star · 04-09-2012, 11:31 PM

Thank you guys for replying, I really appreciate it.
I don't know the details yet - I'm waiting to hear about exactly what is going to be offered but it's most likely a weekly group. It's through a health organisation for doctors and dentists which itself is a bit scary since I've only been a working doctor for 1 month.
Part of me thinks I wouldn't say anything because I'd be too shy/scared/embarrassed but another part of me worries about saying too much and feeling too exposed. Plus I'm just settling into working life in a new town and don't feel depressed for the first time in 5 years. I don't want to throw everything off with emotionally unsettling therapy.