A psychotherapy group is in many ways different from any other kind of experience.

The group is composed of at most eight clients and the therapist. Together they are responsible for the work of the group. As there is no agenda or formal structure, group members may initially feel anxious, confused and even discouraged until they become familiar with the relatively unstructured style of working together.

Sharing difficulties is an important part of accessing help from the group. Group members will each find their own way and their own time to do this. An important focus for the group is the difficulty in establishing and maintaining satisfying relationships. Group members are each likely to experience and demonstrate their general relational problems within the group in a variety of ways.

Group members can learn to be honest, spontaneous and direct with their feelings, especially feelings towards others in the group. As they try new ways of being with others, feedback from the group will help each member assess changes in the way they relate.

What happens in the group is confidential to it. Group members are asked to respect that confidentiality. The safety and progress of individuals is protected when discussion outside the session time between group members is avoided. However, if this does occur, members are asked to bring the material discussed back into the group at the next session. The therapist receives supervision, in which the commitment to confidentiality is also respected.

Because change takes time, clients are asked to commit to being in the group for at least one year. Therapy issues usually become clear during the first six months. Members are expected to offer at least four sessions notice before leaving the group. During this time, the group will aim to work on issues of separation. The group will be given ample notice of any new members joining.

It is important to attend the group regularly, promptly and for complete sessions, bringing any difficulties about this into the group. If a member has to be absent, it is normal to inform the group in advance. In cases of short notice, a telephone message can be left with the therapist. The group will be notified well in advance of short breaks in the summer, at Christmas and Easter, so that client holidays can be arranged in line with group breaks.

Group members are asked to arrive at the group ready to work together, avoiding self-medicating with alcohol or recreational drugs. During group time, members are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and other unnecessary interruptions to the experience of being with one another.

The therapist offers a minimum of forty group sessions per annum (typically more). The fee for this is calculated on an annual basis, divided into twelve monthly amounts. Fees are due on the first session of each month. Members are asked to bring difficulties about payments into the group.