Gilmour Psychological Services
Caring, competent, comprehensive service across the life span

    Group Therapy
  • I "Comprehensive Group Therapy" led by Dr. Doreen Gough,C.Psych. 613-230-4709 ext.23


    • "It takes people to make people sick, and it takes people to make people well again."
    Harry Stack Sullivan

    Comprehensive Group Therapy

    Led by Dr.Doreen Gough, C. Psych.

    Group therapy is an effective and economical way to obtain psychotherapy, either as an alternative or in conjunction with individual therapy. The interaction among members provides a wealth of information and support. From this the therapist and the members may see patterns, draw conclusions and make corrections more precisely and quickly than in individual therapy. Thus, many people find group therapy to be very helpful and useful.There are many problems that may be dealt with in group therapy including depression, anxiety, stress, phobia, self-esteem, panic attacks, job burnout, eating disorders, to name a few.

    For people who experience problems in their relationships or in their communications patterns or who find it hard to make and keep friends, group therapy provides an excellent opportunity to develop relationships and skills with others. Then, if complications arise, as they do in almost all relationships, the group provides a forum in which to work out and repair those difficulties and misunderstandings. Compared with individual therapy, group therapy is more like the reality of the workplace, school, or family setting. It is also an opportunity to develop several relationships at the same time.

    In a group, you join with others to establish a safe, confidential environment in which there are opportunities to:

  • develop a sense of acceptance and belonging
  • develop understanding and insight
  • learn how you are perceived by others
  • address causes and effects of maladaptive or negative behaviour
  • learn and practice new behaviours and communications skills
  • test reality
  • identify with others and learn from them
  • help others

    TOPICS
    Various subjects are talked about in group, including thoughts and feelings about events or relationships that occur both inside and outside the group. Group members are encouraged to be verbally active, open, and introspective. It is up to members to talk about what concerns them and to interact with each other during the session. It takes courage to talk honestly to another person about feelings towards him or her. However, most people wish to have opportunities to be honest about their thoughts and feelings and to receive honest feedback in return. Such discussions lead to enormous benefits.
    FORMAT
    Groups meet weekly for 1½ hours, and usually around 7 members. The open-ended groups continue indefinitely and have no pre-set topic for each session. Members are asked to commit for at least four months with most staying for longer periods. When members do terminate, they will be replaced by new members.
    ATTENDANCE
    Continuity is important to group functioning. Members are expected to arrange other commitments so they do not clash with the group meeting time and to attend whether or not they are feeling as well as usual Regular and consistent attendance is necessary in order to reap the most benefits from therapy. Infrequent attendance or premature drop out has a negative effect on both the individual and the group. Members are encouraged to stay with the group and discuss feelings rather than drop out. Members who are honest about negative feelings are often pleasantly surprised by the response they receive from other group members.
    CONFIDENTIALITY
    Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in all forms of therapy. Individuals will not reveal intimate aspects of themselves if they cannot trust that their identity will remain protected from people outside the therapy setting. Therefore, it is essential that members refrain from disclosing to others outside the group those thoughts and feelings that have been entrusted to them by other members within the group. The names and identities of other group members must also be strictly protected.
    SOCIALIZING WITH MEMBERS OUTSIDE THERAPY
    Socializing with members outside group is counterproductive and strongly discouraged while the individuals are in group therapy. Members who meet outside of therapy lose objectivity with respect to each other and the therapeutic progress is hampered. Members who do meet outside group, whether accidentally or on purpose, are asked to discuss at the next group session the important aspects or meaning of their meeting.

    Dr. Doreen Gough,can be reached at 613-230-4709 ext.23

    • Go to: [ What Can I Expect? ]

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