For Queer People and Friends
Starting Saturday 29th November John Gillespie and Andrea Lavers are going to be co-facilitating a therapy group one Saturday per month on the last Saturday of every month. The group will run between 2-5pm and will take place in Lower Clapton, E5. This will be a queer space, whilst remaining open to “friends” who are drawn to doing therapeutic work in a queer space - this may be for reasons of safety, or because of the support that is available in queer spaces. We welcome people from all backgrounds including people with disabilities.
The group will consist of a max of 8 people. We envisage that a typical group will include some semi structured time exploring themes such as identity, shame, family, relationships, sex, boundaries, etc. The bulk of the time will be devoted to exploring material brought by participants.
Both Andrea and John practice in a way that is trauma informed and grounded in embodied awareness.
How the group works
> There’s a possibility for members to do individual work in the group… it’s okay to ask for time focussed on you.
> We may also spend time with group themes that emerge, and or explore relationships in the group
> We might use experiment in the group to deepen awareness.
> We might use break-out groups.
>We will look to bring awareness and challenge to unconscious bias, colonialist assumptions and normativity in all its forms.
Gestalt - works with awareness
We are interested in the kind of contact you make with others.
We are interested in the meaning YOU make of the ‘work’ you do in the group… We are not the experts on you.
We ask that you try to own what you say (make it about you)… and so avoid advice giving.
Our ‘rules’
> It’s always fine to say no to anything we or a participant suggests you might try.
> You can talk as much or as little about yourself as is comfortable.
> It’s fine to interrupt or contradict Andrea and John
> We are looking for you to take some responsibility for getting your needs met in the group. We expect you to ask for what you need.
> if you’re left with anything that’s difficult you can contact us outside the group. We offer each group member a 30minute 1 on 1 session during the 6-session group duration.
Cost:
The cost for the groups is £40-60 per session (at your discretion) with a requirement to pay upfront for a 6 session block. [discounts and staggered payments can be negotiated if you need the support]. We are asking that you make a commitment to stay with the group for 6 months.
Participant requirements:
> queer identifying or wanting to work in a queer space.
> interest in knowing yourself and others better
> previous experience of some therapy desirable but not necessary.
> willing to commit to attend for 6 months (a minimum of 4 out of 6 sessions)
> a half hour meeting with Andrea or John requested prior to agreeing your participation.
ANDREA LAVERS
[www.AndreaCounselling.com]
Andrea Lavers (she/they) has an extensive clinical experience ranging 17 years. Andrea holds a MSc in Addiction Psychology and Counselling and a PG Cert in Gestalt Psychotherapy.
One of Andrea’s big loves is group work where she has experience of facilitating and co-facilitating groups within hospital, charity and rehab settings.
Andrea is a warm practitioner, a former kundalini yoga teacher and believes in the importance of creativity, breath and connection in therapeutic work.
Her approach is described as integrative and humanistic and compassion leaning.
Personally, Andrea identifies as queer/pan. Many of their clients are poly and or exploring kink. Andrea is poly allied, kink aware and sex positive with her approach to therapy and life.
They are a single parent, has been a longtime narrowboat dweller and since her late thirties entered a new experience suffering health conditions which have reshaped her work/life balance. Living now with ‘invisible disabilities’ has changed the pace and the gratitude which Andrea brings to her work. She is a keen advocate of meeting people where they’re at.
There is a power within the collective wisdom of the group, that transforms people and helps lessen individual shame through connection and identification. Healing takes community.