That’s a good question, and difficult to answer because of its generality. There are many different kinds of group therapy. The model that we, as group leaders, wish to implement is called Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy, developed by Irvin B. Yalom. In this kind of therapy group, members have the opportunity to share honestly with each other things about themselves (e.g., challenging past experiences), including how they perceive other members in the group. Simply being and interacting in the here and now, authentic relating, challenging each other, giving and receiving honest feedback (i.e., thoughts, feelings, impressions)–these are the primary processes being encouraged. 

We understand that this new approach is quite different from how we have facilitated integration circles in the past, where crosstalk and confrontation were generally discouraged. Moreover, it’s conceivable that this new approach – allowing others in the group to speak about you, at you, or directly to you – might leave some feeling apprehensive. But remember, the group has leaders for a reason. We are there to help build group cohesion and model healthy interpersonal connection. Furthermore, at the beginning stages of the group, we do not expect members to challenge each other too harshly or make significant personal disclosures. Indeed, trust develops over time, gradually blooming into greater receptivity and authenticity. 

That you have the willingness and courage to lean into discomfort and take social risks within a therapeutic context.

That you have some experience using psychedelic medicines and an interest in integrating related experiences. 

That you strive to bring the many parts and dimensions of yourself into each session, especially those on which you are working to develop. 

That you arrive in the spirit of curiosity about who you are, how others might perceive you, and how you might change (the way you think, feel, or behave) as a human being. 

Everyone in attendance will have some things in common – experience with psychedelics and an interest in integrating that experience into daily life. 

Based on pre-group screening calls with potential members, the group leaders will determine whether these individuals are psychologically stable enough to participate safely and effectively within the group. For example, antisocial individuals will not be permitted or be asked to leave the group. 

The group leaders support principles of inclusivity and diversity. Coming from historically conflictual cultures ourselves (Judaism and Islam), we endeavour to foster spaces where people who may not share identical religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, or socio-economic status can learn and grow from each other. This way, we, as group leaders, wish to bring tolerance and empathy into the therapy group, allowing for deeper self-exploration to occur. Indeed, the ideal cohort for this group is one with greater cultural heterogeneity as much research suggests this makeup increases opportunity for individual learning and growth.  

It’s very possible that, at the outset, some members will have a difficult time relating to one another. But, that is a feature not a bug. This challenge in interacting with others, if held appropriately, can lead to greater self-understanding and significant interpersonal learning. 

One can benefit from group therapy in many different ways. (For a firsthand account of these benefits, please see the testimonial below.) First, as described above, group therapy fosters a space for individuals to be themselves. That means expressing in any given moment whatever thoughts or feelings one may have about self, others (including the leaders), or the group-as-a-whole. This process, in itself, holds significant therapeutic potency. For instance, it helps people acquire new social skills, improve communication, and speak honestly and directly about their feelings.

Another beneficial aspect of group therapy is how members (and the leaders) receive feedback from each other about how they are being perceived in the here and now. Through feedback, we gain insight into previously hidden aspects of ourselves (the “good” and “bad” parts) as well as a better understanding of how others think, feel, and behave. Eventually, what starts inside the group – an increasing capacity to embody one’s authentic self, positive shifts in self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence – overflows into the outside world of each group member. For example, a self-deprecating person who discovers, with the group’s support, that they actually have many positive attributes and learns how to express those more fully in the group, then gains the confidence to reorient their personal life, be more creative, try new activities, take more risks – embody a more fulfilling life. 

Another benefit of group therapy is its affordability in comparison with individual psychotherapy, which typically ranges between $120 and $170 per 60-minute session. Not only is group therapy typically more accessible financially than other options, it allows for unique therapeutic opportunities that cannot be easily accessed in one-to-one dyadic formats. (Note: That is not to say that this therapy group should or can replace individual psychotherapy; both are important in achieving personal growth, see disclaimer). 

Great question. The answer is: it depends. Our goals as group leaders include making interactions between group members the primary focus of each session. Our orientation suggests that real growth occurs in moments where members learn about themselves from interactions with each other. However, there will be times when the leaders must intervene to facilitate the discussion, and this way maximize opportunities for growth. 

For example, several group members may become annoyed by another’s long, rambling story but conceal their true feelings for fear of seeming impolite or rude. In noticing the group’s posture, the leaders might gently interrupt the speaking member, inviting the group members to check in with themselves and see how they’re feeling (toward each other) in the here and now. This intervention can help members who may struggle with assertiveness to practice healthily inserting themselves and the rambling member who might have trouble empathizing or attuning with others or being defensive when given constructive feedback to work through these personal obstacles in a therapeutic milieu.

We want to have a consistent group where the same people participate regularly. Therapy groups typically aim for eight members in size, not including group leaders. As long as these eight people participate consistently, no new members will be added. However, it is not uncommon in therapy groups for regular participants to finish with the group and new ones to replace them or for some to take a break and return later on. We envision instances where a newly added participant shows up for their first group session and doesn’t return in the future for whatever reason. The pre-group screening process helps to minimize potential dropouts.

For now, the therapy group will remain open, meaning that members can come and go as they please. In the future, we plan to add a closed group option. This sort will run for a pre-determined number of weeks or months and require commitment from each participating member to attend all sessions until the closure date - no new members will be allowed to join midway.

The previous integration circles were intended to be private and confidential, as indicated in the group guidelines. We are applying these same standards to the new therapy group. 

The focus of the group is different in the group therapy model. As group leaders, we will place less emphasis on the manifest content or what is being discussed than on the process, the relational field of the group. So, for example, instead of deliberating upon what microdosing method or integration technique is best or how psychedelics may be affecting mainstream culture, we will focus more attention on the meaning behind the interaction at play and what’s, perhaps, being left unsaid. That is, the way each person might feel about themself in relation to the group-as-a-whole, other members, or the group leaders, in the here and now.