groups in Victoria

Group Counselling &Psychotherapy in Victoria, BC

Do not fear death so much,

but rather the inadequate life.

Bertolt Brecht

Helping Individuals, Couples and Groups

Healing Mind, Body and Soul

Misha Gitberg, 2009

Soulstir: Psychotherapy, Counseling, Consulting, Yoga and Meditation in Victoria, BC

What is group counselling?

Group counselling or psychotherapy is a unique approach in that a professional counsellor is interacting with a small number of people. The usual number of people in a counselling group can range anywhere from 4-10.

In my psychotherapy and counselling practice in Victoria, I offer help on a continuum of growth. Often my clients start with individual sessions. As they gain insight and mastery working through their issues, they may choose to extend their work into their relationships by working in couples counselling or/and they may choose to further their work by entering one of the groups I offer. This process is akin to our normal development: we spend first 9 months of our lives in the womb, then a few more months being cared by our mothers, later we join day care, schools-larger groups and society at large.

Benefits of group counselling

Groups provide a powerful reminder that we are not alone with our problems. By listening and relating to others in the group, shame and a sense of isolation are greatly reduced. In addition groups provide an incredibly rich opportunity to learn from one another, to experiment and practice healthier , more aware and more authentic ways of being with others. It is a social laboratory of sorts. Clients in groups often gain confidence in their abilities to be useful to one another: by pointing out blind spots, by giving constructive feedback, by offering empathy and understanding to name a few.

Another benefit is that groups are much more affordable then individual counselling. In my counselling practice in Victoria, clients pay $40 per two hour group session.

Types of groups

Groups can be categorized by a type of psychological method, by how long the group is running and by themes.

In Victoria I offer short and long term groups. For example, Relationship group is a long term group. The approach used in this group is called interpersonal group psychotherapy developed by an eminent psychiatrist Irvin Yalom. As clients become more comfortable in the group and are able to be more honest with one another, they are in an unique position to experience and explore the impact they have on one another in the here-and-now. This kind of honesty and comfort takes time to develop. Clients may work in this group for a number of years.

Some short term groups I run in Victoria are organized around a theme, such as anger, anxiety or depression. The format of these groups is mixed: information sharing and teaching is combined with experiential exercises and discussion. Groups in this format usually run for 6-8 session and offered a few times a year.

Some other groups I offer are not so much linked to clinical practice-they can be grouped under self-exploration or self-development title.

In my Soulstir Group ,for example, people can experiment with finding their deeper voice and potential through drawing and painting, poetry, creative writing , photography and movement.

Yet some other groups are for those who are interested in spiritual practices. I offer a number of yoga and meditation groups in Victoria. Some groups can combine the two-for example Mindful Yoga practice informed by Metta/Lovingkindness .

Learn more about various counselling, creative and spiritual groups I offer in Victoria BC by clicking on the title of the group in the list on the right.

Contact me to enquire about a suitable group and to arrange for a pre-group interview.

Psychotherapy, Counseling, Consulting,

Groups

Individual Counselling /Psychotherapy

Couples and marriage counselling

Group Counselling

Clinical Consultation to counsellors

Psychology Students Supervision

e-counselling

Relationship Issues

Depression

Anxiety