Service · Group format
Group programmes
Alongside individual work, I run group programmes designed to help transfer skills into a safe social environment. These protocols are based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Two cycles are offered: social skills training and assertiveness.
Principle
Why work in a group?
The dynamics of a group offer a remarkably rich training ground, as close as possible to real everyday situations. Reading an intention, speaking in front of several people, saying no, receiving criticism: these are abilities that are practised in interaction, in a contained and supportive setting.
The work is organised as cycles of several sessions, weekly or fortnightly. That structure allows a graded progression (each session builds on the previous one) and a strong group cohesion, which is itself part of what makes it work.
Groups are closed: the participants are the same from the beginning to the end of the cycle. Nobody joins midway, which is what makes possible the relational risk-taking the whole approach depends on.
The cycles
The two cycles offered
They are not for the same people and do not pursue the same goals.
Social skills training
Closed groups of five or six, organised by age band. For people who find it hard to decode social interaction or to manage interpersonal communication, often in the context of an autism spectrum condition or ADHD.
Assertiveness
Adults, closed groups of six. For adults who struggle to position themselves at work, socially or in the family: social anxiety, fear of conflict, difficulty saying no.
What the social skills cycle works on
- Better decoding of non-verbal communication.
- Initiating and maintaining good-quality social relationships.
- Managing reciprocity and the dynamics of an exchange.
- Adapting one’s behaviour to contexts and social rules.
- Regulating one’s emotions in social situations.
Joining
How to join a cycle
Joining a group is decided case by case. It assumes that the goals of the cycle genuinely match what you need, and that the composition of the group is coherent: that is what makes it a safe space for everyone.
If we have never met, a preliminary session of 45 minutes to one hour takes place before you join. It allows us to take stock of your situation, to go through how the cycle works and to check together that the format suits you. If you are already working with me, that session is not needed.
For social skills training, groups are formed by age band, in order to match each developmental stage.
Fees
Cycle fees
The fee for each cycle, and for the preliminary session before joining, is set out together with every other service offered by the practice, on the fees page.
The cycle fee covers all twelve sessions. Payment is by cash, cheque or bank transfer. The practice has no card terminal. For video sessions, the transfer is made before the session and the secure link is sent once it has been received.
The practice is not contracted with the French statutory health insurance (Assurance Maladie) and does not take part in the “Mon soutien psy” scheme, so sessions are not reimbursed by the state. Many complementary health insurers (a mutuelle in France, or your employer’s scheme if you work in Luxembourg) do refund part of the fee. An itemised receipt is issued after every session. Payment can be spread over several instalments on request.
Interested in one of the cycles?
Write to me with your contact details, the cycle concerned and what you are dealing with. We will work out together whether a group format suits your situation, and when.
Request an appointment