What is psychodynamic group therapy?

Psychodynamic process groups are recommended for people interested in creating deeper changes within themselves and their relationships. They are similar to support groups, in which members are encouraged to connect, share their personal lives, any mental health/relational challenges, and express how they’re feeling more openly with each other. Psychodynamic groups also involve members sharing how they experience each other along with any emotions that may arise. They encourage deeper insight and curiosity towards the self and others in a movement away from shame and shaming behaviours.

What can I expect to experience?

Depending on your past history, you may feel deeply connected to certain members of the group, want to people-please or take care of others, and more - many different kinds of dynamics can form. You may even feel towards another member as you have felt towards a parent, sibling, or partner. What is most important in the group is to develop better ways of speaking to emotions that are non-shaming or overly confrontational - to practice sharing verbally without “acting out” or disconnecting from others/avoiding. Doing so can help promote healthier relationships, transform anxious, avoidant or disorganized attachment, improve emotional regulation, and overall increase a sense of safety within both the self and towards others.

Would psychodynamic group therapy be right for me?

Prospective members are ideally motivated and open to engaging in an insight-based and experiential form of group therapy, as well as interested in learning about themselves and their relational patterns. It is important that members have moved beyond/are not currently experiencing immediate trauma responses and activation (intense hyperarousal or dissociation). If you are more actively experiencing heightened trauma-related symptoms, 1-1 trauma therapy and a DBT or somatic group that is more structured would be recommended. This is nevertheless a trauma-informed group overall lead by a therapist trained in working with trauma.

Is it an open or closed group? How many members will it consist of? What would I need to do to participate?

Each group will consist of 6-8 members meeting on a weekly basis. Members are asked to commit to at least 12 sessions, and will be charged after each session. A waitlist will be available for clients interested in in joining groups that are full or currently closed to new members.

The psychodynamic groups take place online via Zoom in Vancouver, BC and are offered to clients across Canada, as I am both an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) in BC and CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor). Please note that group therapy is not always covered by insurance plans in BC or elsewhere - do check with your extended health provider.

A free consultation meeting via Zoom will need to take place to assess whether you may be a good fit for a psychodynamic group if you are not an existing client.