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Group therapy

Our group therapists believe that everyone can grow, heal and find more balance. In our Breaking Patterns group therapy, you work step by step on understanding and changing patterns that keep showing up in your life. Think of things like always putting others first, being very hard on yourself, or fearing rejection. Our therapists believe everyone has the ability to grow, recover and find more balance. We focus on your strengths and healthy sides, and help you build on those. This way, you gain more control over your emotions, relationships and everyday situations — so you can move forward with confidence.
Simone das Dores
Latest medical review by:
Romano Vergouwe 19 February 2026

Disclaimer: Treatment at iPractice

The information below gives a general overview of the Breaking Patterns group therapy. It’s meant to help you explore your options. Together with your psychologist, you’ll decide whether group therapy is right for you. This information does not replace personal advice from a therapist.

What is group therapy?

In group therapy, you follow treatment together with others who have similar struggles (usually 6–10 people), guided by one or two therapists. You learn not only from the therapist, but also from hearing other people’s experiences. Many people find it relieving to realize: I’m not the only one dealing with this.

There’s space to share and to listen — and you always choose how much you want to share.

How group therapy helps?

In group therapy at iPractice, you explore why you keep ending up in similar situations — even though you’ve tried therapy before. You learn:

  • where these patterns come from
  • how they affect your life now
  • what you need to respond differently

The treatment is inspired by schema therapy and is structured, approachable and positive.

The therapy has three key parts:

  1. Gaining insight. You learn to recognize recurring patterns, such as fear of rejection, people-pleasing or setting very high standards for yourself. The goal isn’t to judge what’s “wrong”, but to understand what you do — and why.
  2. Practicing new ways of responding. Together with the group and therapists, you practice new behaviors in small, safe steps. This includes practical exercises, assignments, role-plays and real-life situations.
  3. Strengthening your ‘healthy adult’. Everyone has the ability to respond calmly, confidently and resiliently — even if that doesn’t always feel easy. During treatment, you strengthen this part of yourself, so you can set boundaries, make choices and connect with others more effectively.

After finishing the program, many people experience more calm and clarity, feel less stuck in old patterns, understand their emotions better and set clearer boundaries. This often leads to healthier relationships and more confidence in difficult situations.

When is group therapy a good fit?

Group therapy at iPractice may suit you if you:

  • notice patterns that keep holding you back
  • are curious and open to reflecting on your beliefs, habits and reactions
  • feel emotionally stable enough to work on personal themes
  • want to grow in relationships, self-confidence, balance and resilience
  • have tried earlier mental health treatment without the results you hoped for

Together with your psychologist you always keep an eye on your personal goals. Active participation is important — both to learn from others and to help them with your experiences. By practicing together, you can apply new skills directly in daily life.

How long does group therapy take?

Group therapy at iPractice usually lasts 4 to 6 months and includes:

  • Individual start phase.  A few one-on-one sessions to explore your patterns, goals and needs.
  • Group phase. Weekly group sessions with around eight participants.
  • Regular contact with your online psychologist
  • Wrap-up and aftercare. A short final phase where you reflect on your growth and create a plan to keep moving forward.

More information

  • Do you have questions about what group therapy could do for you? Or are you unsure whether it’s the right time to see a psychologist?

  • At iPractice, you work with two psychologists and combine online sessions with in-person appointments at one of our locations. Want to know more? Read about the intake process and treatment options at iPractice, or learn how to find a psychologist who suits you.

  • With a referral from your GP, treatment costs are reimbursed by almost all health insurers. 

Frequently asked questions about group treatment

Starting group therapy can feel intimidating — that’s completely normal. Many participants find that the group actually creates a sense of recognition, support and extra room to practice new skills.

Schema therapy focuses on recognizing and changing long-term patterns in thoughts, feelings and behavior. The Breaking Patterns group therapy is inspired by these principles and offered in a structured group format.

Romano Vergouwe
GZ-Psychologist
Romano Vergouwe
Romano works as a GZ-psychologist at iPractice. His view on psychological treatment is that therapy is about learning how to deal with the unpleasant and undesired reality.
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