FAQs – Group Therapy

Yes, absolutely. We welcome and provide support to not only alienated parents but also alienated grandparents, step-parents, and other extended family members.

Parental alienation is a complex issue that can deeply impact the entire family system. We recognise that the emotional and practical challenges extend beyond just the alienated parent. Grandparents, step-parents, aunts, uncles, and even siblings can experience significant distress and loss when a child is alienated from a family member.

It’s completely understandable to feel that way. When facing something as emotionally challenging as parental alienation, it’s natural to question whether your experience “qualifies” for support. However, it’s important to understand that there’s no “minimum” level of suffering required to attend our groups.

Our PA therapy groups are designed to help people who are experiencing distress, confusion, and pain related to parental alienation, regardless of the severity of the alienation. Even if you feel your situation isn’t “as bad” as others, your feelings are valid and you deserve support.

Here at Say More, we take a Yalom approach to our PA therapy groups. This approach, developed by psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom, is a leading model that emphasises the power of interpersonal relationships and shared experiences in the healing process. Rather than solely focusing on individual issues in isolation, this therapeutic approach harnesses the dynamics of the group setting to foster growth and change.

At its core, Yalom’s model rests on the belief that individuals can benefit profoundly from interacting with others who are facing similar challenges. The therapy isn’t just about the therapist providing guidance; it’s about group members learning from, supporting, and challenging each other within a safe and structured environment created by the therapist.

Weekly. You can either sign up for the Tuesday group or Thursday group.

Our PA therapy groups last one and a half hours with a 10 minute break in the middle.

Not counting the therapist facilitating the group, there will be between 8 and 12 attendees present. This is to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to be heard.

Yes, we ask that you commit to a minimum of three months.

We aim to create a therapeutic cohort where participants start group at the same time and attend together on a once weekly basis. This will enable you to get the most out of group therapy, over time building connections with people with similar experiences with the aim of providing support and promoting therapeutic impact.

Before being offered a place, you would have registered your interest by completing our online assessment form, which would add you to the waiting list.

Group therapy costs £20 per group session. You will be required to pay for group sessions at the start of each month.

All our PA therapy groups are online via Zoom.

Yes, absolutely. Our therapy groups rely heavily on a set of clear rules and expectations to create a safe, supportive, and effective environment for all participants. These guidelines are usually established and discussed by the therapist at the very beginning of the group, and often reiterated as needed. You will be required to agree to a Group Contract before attendance can begin.

Here are our group rules and expectations:

Confidentiality: This is our most crucial rule. All attendees are expected to keep everything shared within the group confidential. “What’s said in group, stays in group.” While therapists are legally and ethically bound by confidentiality, they cannot guarantee that other group members will uphold it. Therefore, this rule is emphasized to foster trust and encourage open sharing. All attendees are expected to not discuss other attendees or specific details of conversations outside the group. They may talk about their own experience in the group, but without revealing identifying information about other attendees.

Respect and Non-Judgment: All attendees will treat each other and the therapist with respect, even if they disagree. This includes active listening, refraining from interrupting, and avoiding judgmental comments, criticisms, or unsolicited advice. The goal is to create a safe space where everyone feels heard and accepted.

Active Participation and Engagement: Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, share their feelings and experiences, and offer support and feedback to others. This doesn’t mean everyone has to speak constantly, but rather to be present and engaged in the process. Doodling, using phones, or being disengaged can be disruptive.

Punctuality: Attendees are expected to attend on time. Consistency is vital for group cohesion and for the therapeutic process to build upon previous sessions.

No Substance Use Before Sessions: Attendees should not attend therapy groups under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, as this can impede their ability to participate effectively and disrupt the group dynamic.

“I” Statements: Attendees will be encouraged to use “I” statements (“I feel…”, “I think…”) rather than “you” statements (“You always…”, “You make me…”). This promotes personal responsibility for feelings and thoughts and reduces accusatory language.

Forming of Friendships and Connections Between Attendees: If friendships and connections are formed between attendees outside of group the same rules and expectations around group confidentiality apply. You are free to talk about each others shared experience of the group, but the expectation is the same, “what’s said in group, stays in group.”

Managing Conflict Constructively: Disagreements and conflicts may arise, and members are encouraged to address them directly within the group in a respectful and constructive manner, with the guidance of the therapist. Verbal abuse or aggressive behaviour will not tolerated.

Right to Pass/Right to Remain Silent: While participation is encouraged, members typically have the right to “pass” on answering a question or sharing if they are not comfortable. They are never forced to disclose anything they are unwilling to share.

Focus on the Present: While past experiences are relevant, the group often encourages members to focus on their current feelings and experiences in the group and how they relate to their present challenges.

How Rules are Established and Enforced:

Initial Discussion: The therapist leading the group will typically introduce and explain the group rules in the very first group session.

Rationale: The therapist will explain why each rule is important, highlighting how it contributes to a safe, productive, and trusting environment.

Modeling: The therapist models the desired behavior (e.g., active listening, respect, maintaining confidentiality).

Gentle Reminders: If a rule is inadvertently broken, the therapist will gently remind the group or individual member of the guideline.

Addressing Breaches: More significant or repeated breaches of rules (especially confidentiality) will be addressed directly by the therapist, which might involve individual conversations, group discussions about the impact of the breach, or, in rare severe cases, removal from the group.

Yes, absolutely. Here at Say More, we recognise parental alienation as non-gendered form of abuse. We recognise one parent unjustifiably denying a child a relationship with their other parent as child abuse. And we also recognise one parent denying a safe and loving parent a relationship with their children as narcissistic abuse. This is not a gendered issue, but a form of abuse.

All attendees are expected to keep everything shared within the group confidential. “What’s said in group, stays in group.” While therapists are legally and ethically bound by confidentiality, they cannot guarantee that other group members will uphold it. Therefore, this rule is emphasized to foster trust and encourage open sharing. All attendees are expected to not discuss other attendees or specific details of conversations outside the group. They may talk about their own experience in the group, but without revealing identifying information about other attendees.

All our groups are in the evening, and start at 7pm (UK time).

While we are a UK based therapy service, attendees outside of the UK are also welcome to attend our PA therapy groups.