Purpose

The Asian Therapy Group offers individuals from South and Southeast Asian backgrounds an opportunity to explore and work on difficulties and unfulfilling aspects of life with the support of those from similar backgrounds.

This group aims to enable a different way of working on life challenges and begin to identify ways of relating to others. For individuals who find it particularly difficult to talk about and express their feelings, this group provides a way of working with others to identify and share issues and realise that they are not alone. Hearing others express their feelings can be helpful and positive reinforcement for proactive action when addressing problems and challenges.

Cultural, ethnic and other differences will allow everyone an opportunity to identify blind spots and develop a better self-awareness and understanding of others. Discovering who you are, is one of the therapeutic gains of working with this group.

Expectation

Once selected, the group participants will meet once a week for one year, split into three 10-week terms. Group sessions will discuss themes that participants bring, with no fixed agenda. Participants will be asked to engage with what is shared with curiosity, courage, honesty and kindness. Discovering what mirrors when listening to others within the group can be a healing experience. Anything raised in the group will be confidential and remain within the group, and participants will be encouraged not to meet outside of sessions.

The group will be facilitated by Dr Reenee Singh and Mehboob Dada, who are both experienced psychotherapists at the London Intercultural Couples Centre.