Healing from the wounds of childhood, particularly narcissistic abuse, can be a very lonely journey and it is important to have support. Ideally this would be from a therapist who can act as an enlightened witness and call out the gaslighting, projections and abuse.
While individual Mind Map therapy is extremely powerful for this very reason, there is also a certain unique benefit to making your personal journey in a group context.
When you are used to being alone and coping alone because that is what you experienced as a child, then being heard as an adult and seen and validated by others is key to changing this pattern of loneliness in relationships. Many clients find themselves in present relationships which mirror the childhood disconnect from one or both parents.
What is needed to break out of this psychological dungeon is to uncover the old outdated blueprint that you internalised as a child so that we can begin changing the repetitive patterns that reveal your present ‘stuckness’ in that old trauma.
Each of us must take the steps necessary to change the trajectory of our lives by becoming the cause for better outcomes and this is exactly what the Mind Map process offers to clients: a proven pathway to healing.
In group therapy however, there is the added benefit of a tangible reordering of the dysfunctional system of childhood which was parent-centered and focused on meeting their needs, to something much more unfamiliar!
It offers instead a community setting where ALL members are in search of healing via self-reflecting and all are wanting to be accountable. The therapist likewise is attuned to each member and is able to facilitate a safe and encouraging space for honest, open sharing and support.
And this is the beauty of therapy within a group. It brings individuals together to share their experiences, explore emotions, and encounter a felt empathy. In fact, recent research supports the theory that being part of a therapeutic group can bring greater mental and emotional well-being in a way that one to one therapy does not.
Why is this?
- Shared Experience and Empathy
One of the key elements that make group therapy effective is the shared experience amongst its participants. When individuals realize they are not alone in their struggles and challenges, a sense of belonging and understanding takes root. This shared understanding cultivates empathy among group members, allowing them to offer genuine support and encouragement to one another. As they witness others overcoming similar hurdles, individuals find inspiration and hope for their own journey.
- Enhanced Perspective and Self-Reflection
In a group setting, participants are exposed to diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Listening to others’ stories and insights helps individuals gain fresh perspectives on their own situations. This exposure can lead to a real felt sense of validation, of challenging personal limiting beliefs, and expanding self-awareness. Group members often find themselves growing as they explore different aspects of their personalities and behaviours.
- Safe and Supportive Environment
Group therapy is a safe space where participants can express themselves without fear of judgment. This secure environment is fostered by a skilled therapist who ensures confidentiality and respect among all members. In such an atmosphere, individuals feel encouraged to share their thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities. Trust and camaraderie form among the group, creating a cohesive and supportive community.
- Real-Life Practice and Social Skills
The group therapy setting acts as a microcosm of real-life interactions. Participants can practice essential social skills, such as effective communication, active listening, and constructive feedback. Engaging with others in a controlled and supportive environment helps individuals build confidence and learn healthier ways to navigate social relationships beyond therapy sessions.
- Collective Wisdom and Feedback
Group therapy sessions provide an opportunity for members to offer feedback and insights to their peers. This collective wisdom allows individuals to gain valuable perspectives on their behaviour, decisions, and coping mechanisms. Honest feedback from peers, facilitated by the therapist, can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and positive change.
- Accountability and Motivation
Knowing that they are part of a group can motivate individuals to stay committed to their therapeutic journey. The sense of accountability to their peers can encourage participants to be consistent in attending sessions and actively working on their personal goals. The support and encouragement of the group can be a driving force behind individual progress.
- Universality and Normalization
In a group therapy setting, participants often discover that their struggles and emotions are universal. They realize that what they are experiencing is a normal part of the human condition. This normalization helps alleviate feelings of isolation and shame, promoting a sense of acceptance and self-compassion.
Group therapy offers a unique and effective approach to emotional healing. Through shared experience, empathy, and a supportive environment, participants find a sense of belonging and understanding. The collective wisdom of the group, along with diverse perspectives, fosters personal growth and self-awareness.
The power of connection is ultimately, what makes group therapy so potentially transformative and unique. So if you are considering Mind Map therapy at present, I encourage you not to overlook the potential benefits of joining the Webinar this September.
It is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the power of connection and embark on a journey of healing and growth alongside others who share similar experiences and goals.
In fact, our greatest vulnerability to being drawn into further narcissistic relationships is firstly low self-esteem but this is followed closely by a sense of loneliness. It is time to begin remedying both these things and the Mind Map Webinar is just the thing!
As Irvin Yalom stated in his pivotal work on group therapy:
“People need people – for initial and continued survival, for socialization, for the pursuit of satisfaction. No one – not the dying, not the outcast, not the mighty – transcends the need for human contact. Members of a cohesive group feel warmth and comfort in the group and a sense of belongingness; they value the group and feel in turn that they are valued, accepted, and supported by other members” (this is the unique benefit of this kind of therapy)
― Irvin D. Yalom, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy
Bowlby, J. (1988) A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development, New York, Basic Books. Bretherton, I.
Kernberg, O.F. (2004) Borderline conditions and pathological narcissism. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Rosenberg, J. (2015) Be the cause: Healing human disconnect. United States: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Yalom, I.D. and Leszcz, M. (2021) The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
Christiana is a qualified psychotherapist in London, England. She has a particular interest in the effects of Narcissistic Parenting, Attachment and Co-dependency.