Psychology resources
Psychology groups
We have a few different psychology and wellbeing groups available to those on the psychology pathway. All the groups are designed for trans and non-binary people, and led by experienced psychologists. You might already be on a waiting list for one of these groups. If you are unsure or think a different group might be more useful for you, you can ask at your next appointment with Sussex Gender Service, or contact us.
Compassion Focused Therapy looks at understanding the inner critical voice and developing a more compassionate and kind way of talking to ourselves. It is influenced by Buddhism, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Evolutionary Psychology and Neuroscience.
This 10-session group might involve developing tools to use in daily life to soothe distress, thinking about our different systems of drive, threat and soothing, discussing topics and practices in the group, and approaching compassion and mindfulness in an experiential way.
Check out the flyer for dates:
Affirm CBT was developed for trans, non-binary and queer communities, with a focus on supporting people with the impact of minority stress - such as low mood and anxiety. Learn CBT skills to challenge negative self-perceptions and build a more authentic and affirming life.
This nine-session group will involve exploring the connection between minority stress and wellbeing, developing an understanding of thoughts, feelings and behaviours to learn strategies for negative ones, identifying experiences that are affirming for you, practicing future planning, and meeting a supportive peer group.
Check out the flyer for dates:
Based on Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), this two-session group approach focusses on processing traumatic events to reduce the associated distress. The details of these events will not be discussed.
You could benefit from this group if you have experienced recent or distressing events, or are experiencing traumatic stress symptoms. Note that GTEP will involve processing a traumatic event in a group setting so it may bring up some distress for you. Do you feel ready to think about a distressing event? Could you mark out some time after the sessions to relax? If so, then this group could be for you.
Check out the flyer for dates:
All groups are based on mutual respect, compassion, and confidentiality. For Compassion Focused Therapy and Affirm CBT, you are invited to participate in each session at a level that feels comfortable to you, through listening and discussing topics, and taking part in activities. For GTEP, you will be guided by an experienced psychologist in your own processing of traumatic events, and the details of these events will not be discussed within the group.