GROUP THERAPY

[annamarie24]

Hi all,

I’m about to be referred to group therapy for anxiety, mood management etc.

Feeling pretty anxious about it. Just wondering if anyone can tell me there experiences of group therapy, was it simply chatting or more interactive group tasks etc?

Thanks for your help as always

[Missy_D]

Hi Annamarie,

I am currently in group therapy, and although anxious for the first couple of weeks I now find myself looking forward to the sessions. It's given me the opportunity to be myself (take the" I'm okay" mask off) and be on a level playing field with other like minded people. We chat about everything from our feelings, benefit problems, health anxieties, what we did over the week, to what we are having for dinner. Because we are all there for the same reason I find it very non confrontational and non judgemental. The love and support of the group really helps to reset the week. I also did STEPPS (STEPPS stands for Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS)). It is a practical, evidence based treatment for people with Emotional Intensity Disorder (Borderline Personality Disorder), based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, and is a classroom based learning (so interaction with others and homework) which lasts for about 20 - 26 weeks. Again I found this really useful in learning about my illness and have made a few friends which I know I can call on if I am struggling. Just try to go in with an open mind and remember that to get something out of it, it is always better if you have put something into it. Hope all goes well for you x

[annamarie24 in reply to Missy_D]

Thank you that was very helpful to know. Especially as I have been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder traits x

[Missy_D in reply to annamarie24]

I was diagnosed with traits, signed up for STEPPS and then got told I had EUPD / BPD full blown. I would strongly recommend you see about doing the STEPPS. It can get quite tough going and can open up a few emotions but you learn so much about yourself and how to cope with the emotional irregularity. This is very different to CBT (whether a group or 1:1) so you should be able to combine the 2 and some of the people on my course were having CBT at the same time so if they had had a tough week they had another avenue for support. All the best x

[annamarie24 in reply to Missy_D]

Awh ok, I will definitely ask about steps. Was there any kind of intial assessment appointment when you had been referred? I’m being referred from the mental health team who have done their assessment but wasn’t sure if they would also want to asses if their service was the right one for me? X

[Missy_D in reply to annamarie24]

I had a very brief assessment with the Psychologist that ran the course. It was more in a way of them telling me what to expect and also the opportunity to ask any questions. Hope you get on one and find it useful like I did x

[welly10]

Hi I went to group therapy you can take a friend mine was for anxiety.

The actual course was 1 guy talk you listen the you get leaflets wasn't brilliant but I got some useful info off it.

[welly10 in reply to welly10]

This one was in hull at mind only 3 sessions