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You can search the NZAP Register for people who have Group Psychotherapy listed as a modality, or you can check the list below for a place and time that might work for you.

Why group therapy?

Group psychotherapy is where one therapist sees a group of individuals.   Group work is transformative and it is accessible; in a time when many individual psychotherapists are already at capacity they may have space in their group.  Group work is well suited to people who are not in an immediate crisis, where individual work would be a better fit.  There are several advantages of group therapy:

Support, safety and encouragement

Group therapy allows people to receive the support and encouragement of the other members of the group. People participating in the group can see that others are going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone. The setting allows people to practice behaviors and actions within the safety and security of the group.

Role modeling

Group members can serve as role models for other members of the group. By observing someone successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope for recovery. As each person progresses, they can, in turn, serve as a role model and support figure for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment.

Insight on social skills

By working with a group, the therapist can see first-hand how each person responds to other people and behaves in social situations. Using this information, the therapist can provide valuable feedback to each client.

Irvin D. Yalom’s key therapeutic principles of group therapy

  • Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people is cathartic – it can give you relief from pain, guilt, or stress.
  • The therapy group is like a family in some ways; within the group, you can explore how childhood experiences contributed to your personality and behaviors.
  • The group setting is a great place for you to practice new behaviors, it is safe and supportive, allowing you to experiment without the fear of failure.
  • You can expect to gain a sense of belonging and acceptance by being in a group.
  • You could be inspired by others’ success.  You see that other people have over come obstacles and that gives you a sense of hope.
  • You might learn from the strengths of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the therapist.
  • By interacting with other people and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, you can gain a greater understanding of yourself
  • Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps you see that what you are going through is universal and that you are not alone.

Groups available

Auckland

  • Emma Green, Psychotherapy Group Greenlane, Mondays 5.45-7.15pm. Ph 0220 635 838 or email emmagreentherapy@gmail.com for more information.
  • Crispin Balfour, Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 in Point Chevalier, ph 021 376 415 / crispinbalfour@gmail.com It is an Open/Closed Group, so it closes from the 15th October to 15th March. The cost is $160/month by automatic payment.
  • Brigitte Puls, ACC ISSC Integrative Group Psychotherapy, Sandringham, ph 021 10 64 5 64, brigitte.puls@gmail.com.  Using methods and methodologies from, Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Sensorimotor Processing, Trauma recovery approaches (based on Porges, Schore, Stern, Gray and others) Supportive Group Psychotherapy principles
  • Margot Solomon (margotps@mac.com, 021997570). Group Analytic Psychotherapy – slow open group Monday 5:45-7:15 weekly
  • Sam Mitchell, EMDR Intensives, Waiheke Island, times by arrangement, ph 02108122113, Email: sam@yourfocus.co.nz, www.yourfocus.co.nz
  • Ingrid Nagl, Therapy in Motion Groups, Waiheke Island, ingrid.nagl67@gmail.com
  • Debbi Lyons, PTSD/ Trauma Support Group: A weekly closed group running over 8 weeks on the North Shore. Various intakes through the year. A mix of psychoeducation and group process. Please apply by emailing debbi@thetherapygarden.co.nz

Christchurch

  • Walter Logeman and Kate Tapley, Weekly Psychodrama Groups and Weekend Workshops for Couples. Contact Walter 021 2710610 or walter@psybernet.co.nz for more information
  • Olivia Johnston, 0276987065, Group time: 5.00pm – 6.30pm Thursdays, Location: Riccarton, Christchurch, oliviajohnstonpsychotherapy@yahoo.com

Dunedin

Wellington

Whangarei Heads

  • Theatre of Spontaneity, Psychodrama group led by Sara Crane in Parua Bay, Whangarei Heads. Monthly on Monday 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. $20 per session. For more information and enrollment contact Sara, email  sara@saracrane.co.nz, text 027 329 9116