The Womens' Group
Information leaflet produced for patients by Gaskell House
The Womens' Group
Information leaflet produced for patients by Gaskell House
This is a group for women who were sexually abused in childhood and perhaps in later life as well and is suitable for all age groups.
Membership
There is a maximum of ten members in the group including two therapists. Once the group has begun, it is closed, and no new members are admitted into the group.
Timing
The group runs for twenty sessions. Each session lasts one and a half hours. Sessions are held on Tuesdays, 6.00pm - 7.30pm.
Purpose
The purpose of the group is to help women who have an experience of sexual abuse to deal with the emotional consequences of this.
It is hoped that through the experience of mutual sharing and support in the group you will begin to feel less isolated. Telling your story can be helpful to you as well as the other group members. You will be encouraged in the group to feel and express difficult feelings, such as anger and shame which may strengthen your sense of self and self-worth.
Method
We shall be using drama, paint and clay work, talking and dream control in the group. All activities are optional and are negotiable within the group setting. The therapists will be there to guide the process and help you to make the most of the group.
Preparation
Once you have been assessed and have accepted a place in the women's' group, we shall send you two to three appointments with the therapists who will be facilitating the group. These aim to support you while you are waiting for the group to begin and also enable you and the therapists to get to know each other and to discuss the treatment.
What Is Expected of You
If you decide to join the group it is important that you make a commitment to stay for all twenty sessions. This implies a commitment to the course of treatment, the whole group and yourself. If you are already in therapy elsewhere it is preferable to end or suspend this before coming into the group.
It is important that you attend the group regularly and join with the others as best you can. Clearly, talking openly can be hard and can feel risky. At the same time groups often provide more warmth and understanding than is readily available elsewhere.
It is also helpful to ensure that you have some support while you attend the group. This may be from a friend or partner, or perhaps through activities such as walking or listening to music.
Holidays And Absences
You will be expected to give good notice of holidays and absences from sessions, where possible, and can expect the same from your therapist. If you must miss a session at short notice you can leave a message at Gaskell House reception on (0161) 273-2762.
Child care
Unfortunately we do not have creche facilities at Gaskell House and so if you have a baby or small child you will have to arrange for someone to look after him/her. In this form of psychotherapy it is not usually possible to have your child in the therapy room during sessions.
Medication
The use of medication for psychological difficulties is not a bar to psychotherapy treatment, though we discourage the use of minor tranquillisers (such as valium). It is important that you do not stop any medication without discussing this with the G.P. or psychiatrist supervising it. Your therapists will not supervise your medication.
Confidentiality
The proceedings of the group are confidential. This is essential if people are to trust each other. Your therapists will also respect confidentiality, with the proviso that he/she will discuss events from time to time with a small group of colleagues for the purpose of supervision. Your therapists, however, have a duty to inform your family doctor that you are receiving treatment at Gaskell House.
There are uncommon limited situations when the therapist must disclose therapy material elsewhere; the therapist will discuss this with you first. This may be when someone's safety is at risk, or to comply with the Children's Act.
Gaskell House Psychotherapy Center
Swinton Grove
Manchester M13 0EU
England
Tel: 0161 273 2762
Fax: 0161 273 4876
email: gmcgrath@psy.cmht.nwest.nhs.uk
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N.W.I.D.P.
North West Institute
of Dynamic Psychotherapy