Group Therapy
Open-Ended and Topic-Focussed Groups
Group therapy offers a valuable space for individuals with diverse experiences to come together, where differences and similarities are openly discussed. This setting provides an opportunity for support, shared insight and different perspectives. While each person's journey is unique, the group creates a sense of connection and understanding as participants explore their challenges, learning from both the commonalities and the differences in each other's experiences.
In this setting, participants learn from one another, gaining from the collective wisdom and empathy shared within the group. This sense of community and connection helps members realise they are not alone in their struggles.
I offer time-limited, topic-focused groups as well as open-ended groups, both online and in person in North-West London.
Topic-Focussed Groups
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Emotional Eating
Emotional eating occurs when someone eats in response to emotions as a way to regulate their mood. While occasional emotional eating is a natural part of life, frequent emotional eating can indicate disordered eating patterns or an eating disorder.
This support group is designed for individuals who feel that their relationship with food has become unhealthy, with eating behaviours and intense emotions hindering their ability to make healthier choices. If food has become a source of stress, guilt, or shame, this group offers a compassionate space to unpack, explore, and understand these challenges. A key focus of the group will be to explore the mood-food cycle, helping participants gain to insights into how their emotions influence eating habits. The group aims to support participants in developing more balanced and contained responses to emotions triggered by mood, empowering them to make better, more conscious choices and to develop a healthier relationship with food.
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In Recovery
Group therapy is highly effective in supporting people with alcohol and substance addiction, providing a compassionate environment where individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences.
A key aspect of this process is understanding why the behaviour shifted toward dependency on substances or alcohol. Gaining insight into the emotional drivers behind the addictive behaviour is absolutely critical, as it lays the foundation for lasting change.
Understanding the underlying "why" behind the turn to substances not only helps individuals recognise the feelings that once fuelled their addiction but also equips them with the awareness needed to make different, healthier choices. This self-awareness becomes a powerful tool, informing and reinforcing the path to abstinence by addressing the emotional triggers at the root of the behaviour. Insight into these patterns is key to breaking free from the cycle of addiction and establishing a more sustainable life in sobriety.
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Managing Emotions
Understanding, bearing and managing our emotions is one of the most important skills we can develop in life. Individuals who are able to recognise and know their emotions are more likely to develop healthy relationships and navigate challenges with greater ease.
It is natural for everyone to experience emotions and at times, these emotions can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. Sometimes leading to behaviours that disrupt relationships and are not beneficial in the long term. This group will focus on helping you understand your emotions and how to respond to them in a way that makes them feel more manageable and less overwhelming. A key aspect of this group work is learning to tolerate and bear intense emotions, rather than trying to escape or numb them. By becoming comfortable with discomfort, you can build resilience and develop more helpful ways to navigate difficult feelings, allowing you to make more intentional and positive choices in your life.