Support Groups in Eastbourne

This personal development group is based on the encounter group style. Co facilitated between myself and Su Orosa. It is a day event we plan to repeat once a quarter. Details for day one can be found on my website www.steveneserin.com in the personal development section or southcoastwellbeingandtraining.com . there are limited places. The event costs £75 per person. for more information please feel free to contact me for an informal chat. the next session starts on 4th October 2024
Photo of Steven Eserin, Psychotherapist, BACP
Hosted by Steven Eserin
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN22
I offer 1-1 counselling and psychotherapy, group and couples therapy, plus supervision and training. From personal development through to complex mental health problems; my approach is integrative but primarily Gestalt therapy. I focus on awareness and contact, exploring choice; Expanding our awareness of ourselves and how we might make healthier choices. You will be supported to explore your experience in the present moment, and experiment with alternatives within the safe space therapy provides. With the emphasis on this moment we challenge perceptions and norms, and support you to push your personal development.
01323 700433 View 01323 700433
I co-run this quarterly group with Steven Eserin. This is a space where you can take time to really explore aspects of yourself at depth with the support of peers and two experienced facilitators. It is a place where you can be supported to challenge yourself to come into contact with others and yourself authentically. The groups are usually no more than 7 people. Visit suorosa.com for info and Eventbrite Personal Development Day link.
Photo of Su Orosa, Counsellor, MBACP
Hosted by Su Orosa
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN22
I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues from relationship challenges to historical sexual abuse. I work with you at your pace in a supportive, non-directive way. I won't ever tell you what to do as I trust that you can come to your own answers with the right support. You may be seeking clarity about a challenging decision to be made or you might want to explore what is blocking you from reaching your potential. It might be that you are lacking in confidence generally and you'd like to get to know who you are and start to believe in yourself. Perhaps you lost your way and you are experiencing an existential crisis.
01323 921137 View 01323 921137
Photo of Michaela Sheppard, Counsellor, MBACP
Hosted by Michaela Sheppard
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN21
01323 409758 View 01323 409758
Do you have parts of you that get in the way of you being your authentic self in the room? Parts of us as therapist that want to please, be liked, help the other change, protecting an inner vulnerability. For more information contact Claire Stubbs on withyouinmind@live.co.uk or Steven Eserin at enq@steveneserin.com
Photo of Claire Stubbs, Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Hosted by Claire Stubbs
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN21
Children and adults ranging from 5-75 both neurotypical and neurodivergent with attachment based trauma, relationship difficulties, eating difficulties and challenges navigating life.
01323 403302 View 01323 403302
Photo of Michaela Sheppard, Counsellor, MBACP
Hosted by Michaela Sheppard
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN21
01323 409758 View 01323 409758
6 hours CPD Cost £75 Date 9th November 2024 10:30 - 4:30 Exploring authentic contact in the therapeutic setting. Open to any practicing therapists or counsellors, and students in the last year of training. This workshop explores how we remain authentic to our true selves whilst also being a therapist or counsellor and maintaining ethical boundaries - Being our true self as therapist - Seeing the parts which interrupt contact with others - Understanding dependency in the therapeutic relationship - Exploring compassion - Working with boredom - Reducing burnout and compassion fatigue. Facilitated by Dr Claire Stubbs and Steven Eserin. For more information see our website www.eastbournetherapy.com
Photo of Steven Eserin, Psychotherapist, BACP
Hosted by Steven Eserin
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN21
I offer 1-1 counselling and psychotherapy, group and couples therapy, plus supervision and training. From personal development through to complex mental health problems; my approach is integrative but primarily Gestalt therapy. I focus on awareness and contact, exploring choice; Expanding our awareness of ourselves and how we might make healthier choices. You will be supported to explore your experience in the present moment, and experiment with alternatives within the safe space therapy provides. With the emphasis on this moment we challenge perceptions and norms, and support you to push your personal development.
01323 700433 View 01323 700433
Photo of Michaela Sheppard, Counsellor, MBACP
Hosted by Michaela Sheppard
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Eastbourne BN21
01323 409758 View 01323 409758

More Groups Nearby

When we practice, we can feel alone with the work. One of the roles group supervision has is to remedy this. As a supervisor, I aim as creating a thriving, generous, nurturing space for other therapists and counsellors to share, learn and develop in their work and careers and provide safety and quality support to the clients. These face to face and online Supervision Groups there for training, qualified and experienced therapists.
Photo of Laurence Baretto de Souza, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hosted by Laurence Baretto de Souza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Seaford BN25
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
07481 337236 View 07481 337236
I also practice out of The Wilbury Clinic, an outstanding environment dedicated to healing and growth with counselling, psychotherapy and complementary therapies across a range of independant practitioners. www.wilburyclinic.co.uk
Photo of Anna Hardy, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Hosted by Anna Hardy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Group meets in Hove BN3
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
01273 032500 View 01273 032500
Based in central Hanover, this wellbeing and support group is for adults who are BOTH autistic and have ADHD (both diagnosed and self-diagnosed welcome). Limited to 8 spaces, and semi-structured, participants can talk freely about experiences around a particular topic each week (eg. RSD, masking, etc), meet other AuDHDers, and take away tools and strategies. Please note: this is not a drop-in group, advance booking essential!
Hosted by Tara Allen
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Brighton BN2
Are you AuDHD and feel you might benefit from cost-effective, group support? I am running a new in-person wellbeing and support group specifically for people who are both autistic and have ADHD (both diagnosed and self-diagnosed welcome), beginning in April 2025. Based in central Hanover, and with a maximum of 8 participants, this semi-structured course will allow participants to talk freely about experiences around a particular topic each week (eg. RSD, masking, etc), meet other AuDHDers, and take away tools and strategies. Each session costs £25, and lasts for 1.5 hours.
01273 110690 View 01273 110690
90 minute sessions. Same time, place, and people. A space to better understand what troubles you with the support of peers, using what happens in the group to better understand the relational patterns which impact our lives. Group members often come with a range of experiences and difficulties, finding a sense of community and understanding between one another. They often find deep connections with one another, despite potential misgivings about opening up in front of others. I am there to help the group to think about what may be going on for the members and the group in the moment.
Photo of Harry Cooper, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Hosted by Harry Cooper
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Brighton BN1
Maybe you feel your life isn't going as it should be, things may feel out of control or they don't bring you the satisfaction they should. I offer individual and group psychotherapy; a place to explore and better undertsand these experiences and yourself better. I have worked effectively with patients struggling with issues related to; anxiety, depression, addiction, difficult thoughts, identity issues, issues with relationships and managing emotions. The struggles that people come with are often been ones that they have been struggling with for some time and the treatment I offer can take time to see results.
01903 964875 View 01903 964875
This once weekly group is meets for 90 minutes with up to eight clients plus the therapist. It has been meeting for over eight years. The immediate effect of group therapy is to increase your self confidence and self esteem. Having a group you belong to where you can open up about your worries, concerns or problems is a huge relief - especially when you realise that you are not alone and others share similar issues. We all find relationships difficult at times and a group is a place to find out why you block yourself and get stuck.
Photo of Howard Edmunds, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Hosted by Howard Edmunds
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Brighton BN1
Psychotherapy creates space to explore who you are and what is getting in the way of you fulfilling your potential. Anxiety, low mood, mood swings, ADHD, unwelcome trauma symptoms are all ways that the mind is telling us that we need to pay attention to something that we have not been able to face. We will work together to listen with compassion to your deeper self. For some people, group therapy can alleviate isolation and equip you to find and build new relationships that fit you better. It helps build confidence to seek out and join new groups where you can be more yourself. I call this 'finding your tribe'.
01273 036210 View 01273 036210
This twice weekly group is especially helpful for understanding how you block yourself in relation to others or how you get into difficulties due to lack of confidence or low self esteem. We all find relationships complex and confusing at times. The group provides a safe place to build confidence and talk about your struggles with others. We consider the past and present - how you have been impacted by your past experiences as well as how you experience being in relationships now. I am LGBTQI friendly and seek to make the group accessible to all.
Photo of Howard Edmunds, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Hosted by Howard Edmunds
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Brighton BN1
Psychotherapy creates space to explore who you are and what is getting in the way of you fulfilling your potential. Anxiety, low mood, mood swings, ADHD, unwelcome trauma symptoms are all ways that the mind is telling us that we need to pay attention to something that we have not been able to face. We will work together to listen with compassion to your deeper self. For some people, group therapy can alleviate isolation and equip you to find and build new relationships that fit you better. It helps build confidence to seek out and join new groups where you can be more yourself. I call this 'finding your tribe'.
01273 036210 View 01273 036210
This group is for anyone over 18 who has experienced or is currently experiencing depression and anxiety. Opening up to others can be difficult. Being true to ourselves in relationship with others can be hard. This group is a safe space to be, explore and learn about depression and anxiety. And it is also a space to practice and challenge ourselves in a supportive and encouraging environment. This group will have no more than 6 participants. We are stronger together
Photo of Laurence Baretto de Souza, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hosted by Laurence Baretto de Souza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Seaford BN25
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
07481 337236 View 07481 337236
Come along to a safe, supportive space held by experienced facilitators and connect with other people who have a shared understanding of some of the difficulties you are experiencing. A different aspect of the grieving process is discussed each week, resources and strategies that may help to support you are offered. People are welcome to share as much or as little as they wish and often find resonating with the experience of others is powerful and normalises their experience. The group runs for 6 weeks.and there are follow up monthly drop-ins for anyone who would like to attend.
Photo of Caroline Mills - Caroline Mills, Sussex Bereavement Services, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Hosted by Caroline Mills, Sussex Bereavement Services
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lewes BN8
Hi, I am Caroline and I have chosen to specialise in working with bereavement because it brings unique, unanticipated challenges and losses that are often misunderstood. There are many incorrect and unhelpful assumptions about what grief should look or feel like and how long it should last. These ideas, alongside the impact of grief on every corner of life and identity, and experiencing confusing and intense emotions, can cause people to feel worried, alone and overwhelmed. My aim is to share my experience, knowledge and understanding of the bereavement process, and what has been of help to others, to support and reassure you.
01273 092589 View 01273 092589
Photo of Shiraz Eleyna El Showk - Shiraz Showk, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Hosted by Shiraz Showk
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Group meets in Hove BN3
01273 121281 View 01273 121281
Small groups facilitated by bereavement practitioners via Zoom or in person. We have found that there is huge power and healing when group members share experiences and feel heard and validated by others. Within group sessions we share our knowledge about the bereavement process, models of bereavement, strategies that others have found useful and aim to bust some of the unhelpful myths around what grief should look or feel like and how long it should last. Contact us for information about where and when groups that fit your circumstances are running.
Photo of Claudia Pavey - Claudia Pavey, Sussex Bereavement Services, Psychologist, GMBPsS
Hosted by Claudia Pavey, Sussex Bereavement Services
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Glynde BN8
Hello, I am Claudia and I am a bereavement specialist who understands the profound impact of grief. The deep sense of loss that it brings can be incredibly isolating and can cause powerful emotions such as guilt and regret to become part of your everyday life. Maybe grief is affecting your relationships, work, health and sense of hope for the future. You might be consumed by thoughts of the person who has died - or maybe you are struggling to sleep and eat well. These are all issues that clients commonly bring to sessions. We can explore any aspect of your loss that you wish to discuss. We can find a way through this together.
01323 690152 View 01323 690152
An Art Therapy Group is a form of therapy that provides a safe place for thoughts, emotions, and experiences to be expressed and explored through art making and discussion. The aim of the Art Therapy group is to improve emotional, social, and mental health, give space for healing, and promote wellbeing. The group is a confidential space where the participants can engage with art materials either individually or in collaboration with the group. No previous art experience is necessary, however a curiosity surrounding creativity is helpful. Next Session Block; tbc
Photo of Amy Dolan- Art Therapist, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Hosted by Amy Dolan- Art Therapist
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Group meets in Hove BN3
Hello, I'm an Art Psychotherapist. Whatever brings someone to therapy, whatever their gender, age, neurodivergence, physical ability, race or social background, I am here to hold a supportive space where they can ask their own verbal and sensory questions and have agency over their own answers. Experiences, challenges and changes when it comes to identity, a loss, physical illness, trauma, relationships or insecure attachments, can sometimes become overwhelming and hard to hold alone. A person may come to therapy with a sense of curiosity, about their journey through life, and how it is affecting their relationship with the present.
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Group psychotherapy offers a powerful and effective method of tackling relationship blocks and patterns. While members are encouraged to bring in difficulties in their lives from the past and the present, there is also an emphasis on the relationships and dynamics in the group. The group is kept therapeutic and safe by a number of firm boundaries - for e.g. confidentiality. Fees are currently £40 a session, with a minimum of 3 individual assessment and preparatory sessions at £70 a session.
Photo of Claire Barnes, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Hosted by Claire Barnes
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Hove BN3
I am a psychotherapist and group analyst and have been a therapist for nearly 30 years in many different settings. In my approach, I am interested in making connections between experiences and difficulties in the present, with events and relationships from the past. In my experience, difficulties people experience as adults can often be part of a repeated pattern. I will be curious about relationships in your life but also the way you relate to yourself and to others. This will include how it is in the therapy relationship - whether individually or group.
01273 092354 View 01273 092354
Come along to a safe, supportive space held by experienced facilitators and connect with other people who have a shared understanding of some of the difficulties you are experiencing. A different aspect of the grieving process is discussed each week, resources and strategies that may help to support you are offered. People are welcome to share as much or as little as they wish and often find resonating with the experience of others is powerful and normalises their experience. The group runs for 6 weeks.and there are follow up monthly drop-ins for anyone who would like to attend.
Photo of Caroline Mills - Caroline Mills, Sussex Bereavement Services, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Hosted by Caroline Mills, Sussex Bereavement Services
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lewes BN8
Hi, I am Caroline and I have chosen to specialise in working with bereavement because it brings unique, unanticipated challenges and losses that are often misunderstood. There are many incorrect and unhelpful assumptions about what grief should look or feel like and how long it should last. These ideas, alongside the impact of grief on every corner of life and identity, and experiencing confusing and intense emotions, can cause people to feel worried, alone and overwhelmed. My aim is to share my experience, knowledge and understanding of the bereavement process, and what has been of help to others, to support and reassure you.
01273 092589 View 01273 092589

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FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups

How can I find a support group in Eastbourne?

To find a support group in your area, start by entering your city, postcode, or the name of the group into the search bar at the top of the page. When searching, consider whether you prefer an in-person or virtual group. This can help you decide how broad your geographic search should be. If you are open to virtual groups, you might want to search by state instead of just your city, especially if there are limited options nearby.

Once you complete your search, you can use the filters to narrow the results by selecting specialties (such as grief, trauma, or eating disorders), therapeutic approaches, age groups, and other criteria to find a group that best fits your needs.

How does group therapy work?

Group therapy is led by one or more trained therapists and provides a space where participants can process their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Groups may focus on a specific issue—such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, or caregiving—or they may center around a particular therapeutic approach, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), social skill development, or Exposure Therapy. Some groups are also designed for specific populations, such as teens, veterans, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

It’s also important to distinguish group therapy from peer-led support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous. While both can offer valuable support, therapy groups are typically led by licensed professionals and follow a more structured format. Therapy groups often meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many peer support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.

What are the benefits of group therapy?

Group therapy offers several important benefits. It brings together people facing similar challenges—whether related to mental health, physical health, or life transitions—and creates a supportive environment where participants can exchange feedback, share experiences, and learn from one another. Hearing different perspectives can help individuals discover new coping strategies and practical tools they may not have encountered on their own. Sharing personal experiences, such as coping with a serious illness or navigating family struggles, can also reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of connection and understanding. In addition to emotional support, group members often gain useful, real-world advice from peers who have faced similar situations.

Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy and, for certain conditions, can be equally effective. Many groups also include structured activities—such as guided journaling, cognitive-behavioural exercises, or role-playing—to help participants develop concrete skills they can apply in daily life.

Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

It is difficult to make a blanket statement about the effectiveness of support groups, as they vary widely in focus and the conditions they address. However, support groups can be highly valuable in helping individuals gain emotional support and achieve meaningful treatment outcomes. For certain conditions, such as substance use, research has shown that group therapy can be particularly effective—sometimes just as effective as individual therapy—in supporting long-term recovery.

Many professionals attribute the effectiveness of group therapy to the unique benefits of the group setting, which fosters peer-to-peer learning and a sense of connection through shared experiences. Group settings also offer accountability and encouragement from both facilitators and fellow participants, which helps sustain motivation and supports continued progress. These factors together play a key role in promoting the overall effectiveness of group therapy.

How much does group therapy cost?

Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, with sessions typically costing between £45 to £60 each. In comparison, individual therapy can cost anywhere from £60 to £150 or more per session, even with insurance. Some therapists or organizations offer low-cost or free group therapy options, particularly through community centers or non-profit organizations. In some cases, groups may require payment upfront for a set number of sessions, such as paying for six weekly sessions at the first meeting. However, many providers offer payment plans to help make participation more accessible if this upfront payment is required.

Does insurance cover group therapy?

If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your group therapy sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for group therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.

How long does group therapy last?

The length of each group therapy session typically ranges from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the therapy approach, the group’s goals, and how often the group meets. In some cases, group therapy is part of a larger treatment program, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where group sessions complement individual therapy and are scheduled as part of the program’s overall structure.

The duration of participation in a group also varies. Some groups are designed to be short-term, lasting anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks—for example, bereavement groups or skills-based groups like those using Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Other groups may be longer-term, lasting a year or more, and some ongoing support groups meet indefinitely, allowing participants to stay as long as they find the group helpful.

What are the limitations of support groups?

Support groups offer many benefits, but they also have certain limitations. Unlike therapy groups, many support groups do not provide formal therapeutic treatment and are not led by licensed mental health professionals. For individuals seeking clinical treatment for specific mental health diagnoses—such as depression, eating disorders, or substance use—individual therapy or group therapy led by a licensed professional may offer more personalised and specialised care.

The effectiveness of a support group also depends heavily on the group’s participants and the overall group dynamic. When members engage respectfully and offer constructive support, the group can foster valuable peer-to-peer learning. However, if certain participants dominate discussions, provide inaccurate advice, or create conflict, it can disrupt the group’s sense of safety and reduce its effectiveness. Confidentiality can also be harder to maintain in support groups, particularly in open groups where participants can join or leave at any time. With new members regularly entering the group, it can be more difficult to build and sustain a consistent sense of trust and privacy.