Support Groups in Reading
Coaching Psychologists (ICF, MISCP ) working on life, business, management' s issues and success. Personal development, Organisational problem-solving, Leadership growth. KIP

Coaching Psychologists (ICF, MISCP ) working on life, business, management' s issues and success. Personal development, Organisational problem-solving, Leadership growth. KIP
More Groups Nearby
An 8 week group for parents (inc couples) to further understand your baby/young child and improve your relationship. This will look at understanding your child's needs and how they communicate this through their behaviour. We will also look at family culture and how your own experiences of being parented has influenced your parenting styles, strengths and struggles. You will not be asked to tell other group members about your situation or concerns. I am trialing this online, and this will be in the evening (after children's bedtime!) Sessions last for 1.5 hrs

An 8 week group for parents (inc couples) to further understand your baby/young child and improve your relationship. This will look at understanding your child's needs and how they communicate this through their behaviour. We will also look at family culture and how your own experiences of being parented has influenced your parenting styles, strengths and struggles. You will not be asked to tell other group members about your situation or concerns. I am trialing this online, and this will be in the evening (after children's bedtime!) Sessions last for 1.5 hrs
A 6-month online program designed to help you Navigate Narcissism and harness empathy into a super strength. Navigate Narcissism Now is a powerful group program that provides you with support, techniques and strategies, plus weekly teaching materials and a trusted process to help you harness your empathy into power, strength and success.

A 6-month online program designed to help you Navigate Narcissism and harness empathy into a super strength. Navigate Narcissism Now is a powerful group program that provides you with support, techniques and strategies, plus weekly teaching materials and a trusted process to help you harness your empathy into power, strength and success.
If you’ve experienced relationship challenges—whether it’s conflict, abuse, affairs, divorce, or other struggles—it can feel overwhelming and isolating. In this weekly 2-hour online therapy group, you’ll connect with others who understand the pain and complexity of these experiences. This group is a safe, compassionate space to share your story, process emotions, and find support. Together, we’ll explore ways to heal, set boundaries, rebuild trust, and rediscover your sense of self. You’ll gain connection, clarity, and tools to move forward—all from the comfort of your own home. Contact me today to learn more and reserve your spot.

If you’ve experienced relationship challenges—whether it’s conflict, abuse, affairs, divorce, or other struggles—it can feel overwhelming and isolating. In this weekly 2-hour online therapy group, you’ll connect with others who understand the pain and complexity of these experiences. This group is a safe, compassionate space to share your story, process emotions, and find support. Together, we’ll explore ways to heal, set boundaries, rebuild trust, and rediscover your sense of self. You’ll gain connection, clarity, and tools to move forward—all from the comfort of your own home. Contact me today to learn more and reserve your spot.
Our DBT Skills group is part of our DBT full programme. The DBT skills groups run online, and run more like a class. The DBT therapists teach you DBT skills from the Linehan skills training manual. We cover a number of key modules including mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.

Our DBT Skills group is part of our DBT full programme. The DBT skills groups run online, and run more like a class. The DBT therapists teach you DBT skills from the Linehan skills training manual. We cover a number of key modules including mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills.
1) Weekly Sessions: These are ongoing weekly sessions where participants engage for 1.5 hours each week, allowing for continuous growth and connection. 2) 8-Weekend Intensive Sessions: Designed for a more immersive experience, this format offers intensive group therapy across 8 full weekends over the course of a year, providing in-depth exploration and transformation.

1) Weekly Sessions: These are ongoing weekly sessions where participants engage for 1.5 hours each week, allowing for continuous growth and connection. 2) 8-Weekend Intensive Sessions: Designed for a more immersive experience, this format offers intensive group therapy across 8 full weekends over the course of a year, providing in-depth exploration and transformation.
This group is a reflective parenting space to meet and share your experience of parenthood with other dads. The group aims to help understand the thoughts, feelings and needs of both you and your child which can improve relationships in the family and normalise some of the struggles of being a parent. The group is made up of a maximum of 8 dads and takes place on the same day and time each week (with breaks for school holidays). Sessions last 90 minutes and are facilitated from my practice in Marlow.

This group is a reflective parenting space to meet and share your experience of parenthood with other dads. The group aims to help understand the thoughts, feelings and needs of both you and your child which can improve relationships in the family and normalise some of the struggles of being a parent. The group is made up of a maximum of 8 dads and takes place on the same day and time each week (with breaks for school holidays). Sessions last 90 minutes and are facilitated from my practice in Marlow.
General stress management with information applying to depression and anxiety.

General stress management with information applying to depression and anxiety.
It is a small, friendly working group looking at the theory and techniques to help with generalised anxiety disorder.

It is a small, friendly working group looking at the theory and techniques to help with generalised anxiety disorder.
Learn about weight and wellbeing. Learn about different diets and how to lose weight in a sustainable way. Learn about the link between mood and food. Not just for people who wish to lose weight. Also for people who want to learnt to take charge of their own health and improve both physical and psychological wellbeing. Delivered by fully qualified and registered psychologist who is also a certified X-PERT Weight and Wellbeing Educator. Learn with others in a fun and welcoming small group.
Learn about weight and wellbeing. Learn about different diets and how to lose weight in a sustainable way. Learn about the link between mood and food. Not just for people who wish to lose weight. Also for people who want to learnt to take charge of their own health and improve both physical and psychological wellbeing. Delivered by fully qualified and registered psychologist who is also a certified X-PERT Weight and Wellbeing Educator. Learn with others in a fun and welcoming small group.
Traumatic events or unexpected life changes like the loss of a job, loss of animals, loss of a family member, and loss of health not only disrupt your emotional balance but may lead to anxiety, depression and more complex mental health illness and addiction. The stress and pressure may affect your work performance, impact your daily functioning. Mood swings, overwhelming thoughts, sense of being stuck affect your ability to cope. Worries and shame may create barriers to sharing your concerns and worries with your loved ones. Being able to open up in a safe, helps to feel included and heard.

Traumatic events or unexpected life changes like the loss of a job, loss of animals, loss of a family member, and loss of health not only disrupt your emotional balance but may lead to anxiety, depression and more complex mental health illness and addiction. The stress and pressure may affect your work performance, impact your daily functioning. Mood swings, overwhelming thoughts, sense of being stuck affect your ability to cope. Worries and shame may create barriers to sharing your concerns and worries with your loved ones. Being able to open up in a safe, helps to feel included and heard.
A program for social anxiety.

A program for social anxiety.
An intimate therapeutic space to Learn, Heal and Grow. Exploring the roles you play, the impact of racism, the glass ceiling in the work place, work life balance, emotional well-being, and self care. Monday's at 7.00pm starting March 1st 2021, for 8 weeks £60 pay as you or £480.00 upfront. Information session Monday 11th September email dee@room2talk to register your interest.

An intimate therapeutic space to Learn, Heal and Grow. Exploring the roles you play, the impact of racism, the glass ceiling in the work place, work life balance, emotional well-being, and self care. Monday's at 7.00pm starting March 1st 2021, for 8 weeks £60 pay as you or £480.00 upfront. Information session Monday 11th September email dee@room2talk to register your interest.
The group purpose is to empower women in a safe, supportive, confidential, non judgemental environment, helping them to discover solutions to problems, reach their full potential, develop self awareness, build self esteem, self worth and grow in confidence. The group facilitates & enables members to understand themselves better, to find out what is causing disharmony in life, help build healthy relationships while building trust and connecting to others.

The group purpose is to empower women in a safe, supportive, confidential, non judgemental environment, helping them to discover solutions to problems, reach their full potential, develop self awareness, build self esteem, self worth and grow in confidence. The group facilitates & enables members to understand themselves better, to find out what is causing disharmony in life, help build healthy relationships while building trust and connecting to others.
A supportive, therapeutic group for those experiencing grief and loss. Creating a safe space for support and use of breathwork, mindfulness, connection, compassion and healing support.

A supportive, therapeutic group for those experiencing grief and loss. Creating a safe space for support and use of breathwork, mindfulness, connection, compassion and healing support.
The Listening Circle is designed to help people overcome their negative emotions, including stress relief, anger management, anxiety, and depression. We meet fortnightly on a Thursday evening or Friday morning. The group is co-facilitated by Dr. Kate Alobaid. During the lockdown, we are communicating via Zoom.

The Listening Circle is designed to help people overcome their negative emotions, including stress relief, anger management, anxiety, and depression. We meet fortnightly on a Thursday evening or Friday morning. The group is co-facilitated by Dr. Kate Alobaid. During the lockdown, we are communicating via Zoom.
I aim to create a place of safety where we can focus on the professional, ethical and relational issues of therapists rather than purely working through individual client work. Talking through themes within the work enables application of the theory and supervision to broader groups of clients and to ourselves as practitioners. I am happy to start new groups if there is enough interest.

I aim to create a place of safety where we can focus on the professional, ethical and relational issues of therapists rather than purely working through individual client work. Talking through themes within the work enables application of the theory and supervision to broader groups of clients and to ourselves as practitioners. I am happy to start new groups if there is enough interest.
In Buddhism the Sangha or ‘Community of like minded Souls’ is considered one of the 3 essential parts of Human development, a part often sacrificed or missed in our busy lives. A Spiritual path or practice can feel lonely at times; this group’s principal intention is to provide an honouring space for individual growth and connection with others in community. A chance to be with others who are likewise interested in the deepening and broadening of their awareness and their capacity to hold their authentic Selves.

In Buddhism the Sangha or ‘Community of like minded Souls’ is considered one of the 3 essential parts of Human development, a part often sacrificed or missed in our busy lives. A Spiritual path or practice can feel lonely at times; this group’s principal intention is to provide an honouring space for individual growth and connection with others in community. A chance to be with others who are likewise interested in the deepening and broadening of their awareness and their capacity to hold their authentic Selves.
We are a photography-based mental wellness organisation.We help educate and explore mental health with the use of photography and images. The events are run by Steve Rose a qualified psychotherapist and Luke Callaghan a professional photographer. www.mensnap.co.uk. Free to join (we ask for a £3 contribution on attendance)

We are a photography-based mental wellness organisation.We help educate and explore mental health with the use of photography and images. The events are run by Steve Rose a qualified psychotherapist and Luke Callaghan a professional photographer. www.mensnap.co.uk. Free to join (we ask for a £3 contribution on attendance)
I would like to establish a peer clinical supervision group for counsellors and psychotherapists practicing in Oxford with adults and/or adolescents, as a supplement to individual clinical supervision at no cost. All presenting issues up for discussion, not only those stated below.

Hosted by Penelope Barnes Psychotherapist & Clinical Supv
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Group meets in Oxford OX2
I would like to establish a peer clinical supervision group for counsellors and psychotherapists practicing in Oxford with adults and/or adolescents, as a supplement to individual clinical supervision at no cost. All presenting issues up for discussion, not only those stated below.
See more therapy options for Reading
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Reading?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.