• What is Psychotherapy?
  Psychotherapy involves listening and talking, and understanding the relationship between the people involved.
  Each psychotherapy session provides the opportunity to find space to tell your story, and be listened to. The important part of this is establishing a healing relationship with the therapist or the therapist and other members of a group.
• Why the Group Analytic Practice?
  The Group Analytic Practice was originally established as a unique centre for the clinical practice of group analysis but its range of services includes equal provision for individual therapy. Members and associates of the Group Analytic Practice who offer groups are highly experienced specialists in the practice and theory of group analysis. We are aware however that groups do not suit everyone and we are committed to offering a range of treatment options in order to best meet the needs of the patient. This includes specialist treatment and / or the possibility of individual counselling, psychotherapy or psychoanalysis.
• What is the difference between individual and group psychotherapy?
  The supportive environment of the group provides the opportunity to gain a variety of perspectives on how each individual relates to others. The relationships you develop in the group can be explored in terms of their meaning in the ‘here and now' and in the context of longstanding patterns of thinking and feeling. Belonging to a thoughtful and supportively challenging group is an emotionally rewarding, fulfilling and therapeutic experience. Individual psychotherapy might focus more on early experiences.
• What are the different kinds of therapy?
  The Group Analytic Practice offers psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is based on listening and talking. It involves exploring past conflicts in relation to your current problems in order to make change possible.   We offer different forms of psychodynamic psychotherapy including: once and twice weekly group analytic groups; individual psychotherapy, counselling and analysis ;
  Block Groups (6 weekends per annum); Marital/Couples and Family Therapy and Consultations; Couples Groups; Women's Group
  Professional Group; Young Persons Group; Older persons group and
  Study days.  
• How will I know which is the right form of therapy for me?
  Your initial consultation, which is usually with one of the consultant psychiatrists, will help you to think about the nature of your difficulties and what would be the most helpful treatment for you.  
• Will it work for me?
  Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. If you set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of benefit.
• Does it mean that I am 'ill' if I'm in psychotherapy?
  Psychotherapy aims to treat people with emotional difficulties. These are linked to personal development, often over many years, and sometimes right from early childhood. Our aim in psychotherapy is to look more deeply into the emotions, conflicts and distress behind these difficulties.
• How long will it take?
  The length of treatment will be determined by which form of therapy you choose to undertake following your assessment. A brief course of psychotherapy would last about three months, and a course of group therapy or long term individual therapy can last for a couple of years.
• How often are the sessions?
  Groups run once or twice weekly or in blocks of six weekends per year. The frequency of individual psychotherapy is negotiated with the therapist.
• How long does each session last?
  Individual psychotherapy sessions last fifty minutes, and group therapy meetings are for one and a half hours. Some specialised groups are for longer than this.   What benefit should I feel afterwards?
  Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self esteem. However, as each person is an individual it is difficult to generalise at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The exploration and the journey are often as important as the goal. The benefits of psychotherapy can continue long after the treatment period itself has finished.
• Does it usually work?
  A great deal of research has been done in the last few years to demonstrate that psychotherapy is effective. However, it only works as a catalyst with the person undergoing treatment. This means that in order to be effective, the "work" is not done to you but by you and with you.
• What can go wrong?
  It may uncover underlying problems that are not amenable to psychotherapeutic treatment. These may then mean that decisions have to be made about discontinuing therapy and other treatment that might then be necessary. During the course of therapy it may be tempting to use less helpful coping skills, such as alcohol and drugs that have been familiar to you in the past.
• How will I feel during therapy?
  It is possible that you may feel worse before you feel better, and some people find their psychological distress is reflected in physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains. Therapy requires an uncovering of painful feelings and memories. This can be experienced as a relief but it may also stir up uncomfortable feelings.
• How much will I have to do myself?
  Therapy is an active process, like a journey of self- exploration. The therapist can offer guidance, but the ultimate responsibility for changing is with you.
• How will it affect people close to me?
  Your view of yourself and others may alter considerably through therapy. As you change, your relationships will change too - and it can disrupt the equilibrium of current intimate relationships. You need to bear this in mind before you start, and you may want to discuss it with those close to you. As this is a common experience, your therapist will be familiar with it and will be willing to discuss it with you.
• Can I stop if I feel it's not working?
  It is always possible to leave therapy, though the pressure to remain may seem stressful at times. Some people have to have several "goes" at therapy before they succeed. Talk about your difficulties with your therapist before you decide to stay or leave. Ultimately, if you want to stop, it is up to you. In our experience it is important to work through a period of notice before leaving in order to address the issues involved in ending the therapeutic relationship.
• If it doesn't work what else can I do?
  Looking at why it may not be working with your therapist is often an important thing to discuss. However, psychotherapy is only one treatment option and it does not suit everybody. Should the practice be unable to meet your particular needs, we will advise you of alternative options for treatment
• What about holidays and cancelled sessions?
  Continuity in therapy is important, and holidays need to be planned in advance with this in mind. Therapists will endeavour to give you plenty of notice of their holidays and other absences. Of course we realise that sometimes circumstances may prevent your attending, and we ask that you contact our office and give us as much notice as possible of a cancellation. Occasionally, we need to cancel sessions, and we will likewise give as much notice as possible. Any feelings stirred up by breaks in your therapy are an important part of the process, and can be discussed with your therapist.
• How long will I have to wait?
  You will be offered an appointment within one week of our receiving your referral. This initial assessment will be with one of our consultant psychiatrists who will carry medical responsibility and, where applicable, provide medical insurance cover. If you decide to join a group you will be offered a further pre-group interview.
• Will I need to stop medication?
  This is something you should discuss with your therapist, and also the other professionals responsible for the prescription of your medication. Sometimes there is a need to combine medication and psychotherapy over a period of time, and this decision should be discussed by everyone involved.
• How much will it cost?          
  Please call the office on 0207 935 3103 or 0207 935 3085 for more information
• Will my insurance pay?                    
  We are recognised by many of the health insurance companies. However some policies may insist that a medically trained practitioner treats you.
• What do I do in an emergency or crisis?
  The practice always provides cover during holiday periods, so there will be somebody available to talk to should you have difficulties when your therapist is away. We do not provide emergency cover overnight and during this time you will need to use your normal network of support. This could include family and friends in the first instance, but also other agencies - such as your GP or the Samaritans - depending on what you need at the time. It may be important to bring the difficulties you experienced to the attention of your therapist at the next session.
• What treatment records are kept?
  Your psychotherapy file contains your initial referral letter to us, the questionnaires you have completed and returned to us, any letters you send us and copies of any letters we send to you. There will also be a summary of your assessment and a letter to the referrer about it. Notes from the process of your treatment may also be recorded in the file, and a discharge letter is sent once your treatment is complete, and a copy of this will be kept in the file. Any correspondence with other professionals will also be kept in the file. If there are details you do not wish to have recorded in your file, please discuss this with your therapist.
• What are other professionals involved in my care told about me?
  All therapists receive supervision, and the necessary details about the therapy will be discussed in this whilst maintaining individual anonymity. Supervision is a process that helps the therapist to think about what is going on, and maintains the safety of the therapeutic relationship. Your therapist is obliged to act on any information that indicates a risk to your safety or the safety of others. You will have the opportunity to discuss this issue during your initial contact with the practice
• Who will be treating me?
  All the therapists at the practice are experienced group and / or individual therapists.
• Who do I complain to if I am not satisfied with the service I receive?
  In the first instance you should discuss this with the therapist. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of that you need to write to the Management Committee