The mutual sharing of concerns with others in a group is beneficial in a number of ways. You can clarify your difficulties through discussion with others. You can also express the pent-up feelings which surround and complicate your problems in an accepting atmosphere. You are likely to gain encouragement from the discovery that other group members are struggling with similar difficulties and are making progress with them. Your self-esteem can improve as you find that you can be helpful to, and appreciated by, other members of the group. The opportunity to speak seriously with others and to give and receive honest feedback can help to improve your self confidence. 

How does it work? 

A group session has no fixed agenda. Instead, you are invited to talk about whatever is most important to you. As trust develops, it is possible to explore how you relate to others in the group. This may resemble relationships in your life outside or from childhood. You may discover that there are recurring patterns in the way that you approach others. Some of these can be counterproductive. A group offers the chance to try out new ways of being with others as a step towards forming more satisfying personal, social, family or work relationships. 

What does approach is used? 

The groups are run along group analytic lines, drawing on the insights of psychoanalysis and sociology as models for understanding human relationships. We all start our lives as a member of a family group. Conflicts in our early relationships can get carried over into adulthood. We may be conscious of this process. But there can also be unconscious conflicts left over from our past which result in symptoms such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, social phobias or difficulties in relationships. 

When & where do the groups meet? 

There are two groups. The first is on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm to 9.00pm and the second on Thursday at 5.20 – 6.50pm. Both meet at The Rock Clinic, 270 Eastern Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5TA. Ample free parking is available and buses 7 & 1 stop outside. Each group has up to eight members ( men and women ) , plus the therapist. New members join from time to time with an average length of stay of one to three years. The groups meet for 43 sessions a year. Breaks are given a year in advance and where possible coincide with school holidays. 

How much does it cost? 

The fee is agreed in the initial session.

Group psychotherapy:  £19 - £25  per 90 minute session.

One to one sessions of 50 minutes: £46

We are committed to making psychotherapy accessible and will therefore try to accommodate your current financial situation as far as possible.  Some low fee places are available - please ask.

Good practice 

The groups are facilitated by Howard Edmunds, Group Analytic Psychotherapist ( U.K.C.P. ) Howard works according to a professional Code of Ethics and Practice, available on request. Howard is also employed as a Principal Adult Psychotherapist in Sussex Partnership NHS Trust. 

How can I find out more? 

You can arrange an initial, individual consultation with Howard Edmunds.   Call / text 07905 941 944 or . Calls will be returned in confidence. There will be an opportunity to talk about yourself and discuss whether you might benefit from a group. Further individual sessions can be arranged prior to starting in the group as required.