What Is Group Therapy?

Our group therapy program is designed to help clients explore various aspects of their lives through sharing their experiences with others. Facilitated by professional counsellors and psychotherapists, the groups explore a range of issues including:

Intimacy - a men's group (12 weeks)
Intimacy - a women's group (12 weeks)
Mindfulness - a mixed group (8 weeks)

What is a therapy group?

A therapy group is a space for people to explore various aspects of themselves within the context of being in relationship with others. A key concept of group therapy is that within the group we recreate patterns of behaviour and forms of relationship that exist in our everyday lives. Within a therapy group these patterns of behaviour and relationships can be reflected upon and explored therapeutically, allowing us the freedom to choose alternative ways of experiencing ourselves, the world and each other. Group therapy allows us as individuals to understand and communicate our unique ways of experiencing the world. Within a therapy group this can have the effect on those around us of broadening their understanding of life. This is a rare process that moves us away from being told externally what is right or wrong and moves us closer to discovering our own inner compass of meaning.

Is the Mindfulness group different?

Yes.

The mindfulness group combines information about stress reduction, the training and practice of mindfulness techniques and the opportunity to share your experience with other group members.

What can I expect?

You can expect the groups to be facilitated by trained and experienced counsellors and psychotherapists
You can expect the group members to abide by their agreements relative to confidentiality and respect
You can expect that the environment of the group will be both challenging and safe, allowing you to grow and feel held.

What should I not expect?

The primary role of a therapy group is not for social networking or supporting you in abstinence from or reduction of addictive behaviors.* Nor is the primary role of a therapy group to act as a support group in other areas of health such as with a diagnosed mental health issue or other medical conditions.* If you are seeking advice in any of these areas please contact ACON’s Intake and Assessment team who will be able to assist you.

Who would benefit from a therapy group?

Groups are open to people of all genders* and people over the age of 21 years. Therapy groups suit people who would like to open themselves up to how they are experienced by themselves and others; people who can share space and time with 10 or more other people and those who are wishing to learn this skill. We are unable to accept people who have recently, or are currently using violence, people with a current mental health issue which is not being managed by their GP or psychiatrist and people influenced by addictive behaviors who are not actively engaged in a support program.

*Unless specifically stated