Group Therapy
At Down the Rabbit Hole Therapies in Kerry, we offer a grounded, no-nonsense approach to mental health support, especially through our group therapy services. Group therapy can feel like a big step if you're used to handling things on your own or speaking privately to one person. But there’s something powerful about being in a room with others who just get it. No judgment, just shared space, shared stories, and real healing.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of talking therapy where several people meet together with a trained psychotherapist to discuss and explore their emotions, behaviours, and relationships. At Down the Rabbit Hole Therapies, groups are small, safe, and structured. Everyone gets a voice. Sessions are guided gently but firmly, keeping the space focused and respectful.
These groups aren’t random. People are usually connected by a shared life experience or emotional need—things like trauma, grief, chronic illness, or domestic abuse. It’s not about sitting in a circle spilling your soul on demand. You choose what you share, and when.
The Core Difference: Group vs One-to-One Therapy
Shared Experience vs Sole Focus
Group therapy offers connection. You’re not alone in what you feel. There’s power in someone across the room nodding while you speak, recognising themselves in your words.
In one-to-one therapy, you have undivided attention. The entire hour is about you, your story, and your healing. It’s more tailored, and some people feel safer opening up without an audience.
Group is connection. One-to-one is focus. Both are valid, useful, and healing in their own ways.
Pace and Flow
Group therapy has a different rhythm. You’re listening, learning, and contributing. Some weeks you might say little. Others, you might feel the need to talk more. That’s okay.
In individual sessions, you're constantly in dialogue. It's often more structured, focused on personal goals or processing recent events.
Mirrors and Insight
In a group, you get feedback—gentle, kind, and honest. It’s not about telling you what to do. It’s about holding up a mirror, helping you see how others experience your words, your silence, your reactions. That can lead to huge growth.
In one-to-one therapy, your therapist holds the mirror for you. You dig deep together, usually more privately, and it can feel more intense.
Real-Life Practice
Group therapy lets you practice emotional awareness with other people. You’ll notice your reactions to someone else’s story. You might feel irritation, sadness, anger, or deep empathy. And you’ll learn what to do with those feelings. That’s real-world emotional work.
One-to-one therapy prepares you for those moments but doesn’t provide the same live environment to test them.
Benefits of Group Therapy
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Belonging: You’ll feel seen, even in silence.
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Normalising pain: Hearing “me too” can shift deep shame.
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Accountability: People notice your growth even when you don’t.
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Relational healing: You practise trust in a safe, boundaried way.
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Multiple perspectives: You get insight from others at different points in their healing journey.
When Is Group Therapy Not the Best Fit?
If you're in crisis, struggling with active suicidal ideation, or dealing with severe dissociation, you may need one-to-one work first. Group therapy requires a certain level of self-awareness and stability. It’s not about being “fixed”—it’s about being ready to hold space for others as well as yourself.
We’ll always assess where you’re at and recommend the right support. No pressure. No push.
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