The Next Chapter

A six-session therapeutic group for women rebuilding confidence and connection after the end of a significant relationship.

Whether it ended six months or three years ago, the end of a long-term relationship can be incredibly difficult.  Perhaps the relationship simply came to an end, or perhaps you have managed to leave after things became controlling, dysfunctional or emotionally painful.  Maybe you did not want things to end.  Whatever the circumstances, you may have questions:

How will I ever get over this?
What do I actually want now?
Can I trust my own judgement?
And how do I create a life that feels right?

The Next Chapter is a small, supportive six-session group for women who are ready to rebuild their confidence and connect with others going through similar experiences.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT

This isn’t about rushing to “move on”.  It’s not about pretending that everything is fine, finding someone new, or becoming a completely different version of yourself.

It’s about processing and understanding what you’ve been through, accepting where you are and thinking about what you want next.

Join other women who understand the mixture of freedom, grief, relief, anxiety, uncertainty and possibility that can follow the end of a significant relationship.

What can I expect?

Above all, you can expect a warm, welcoming and accepting space.

I know that joining a therapeutic group can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve never done anything like this before. My aim is to create an environment where you can feel safe enough to be yourself, without pressure to share more than you want to.  I’ll bring warmth, kindness and openness to our sessions.

You can come exactly as you are – anything goes

Whether you’re feeling hopeful, angry, sad, confused, relieved, or a mixture of all of these.  I will meet you where you are, there are no ‘wrong’ emotions. 

A gentle check-in each week

We’ll begin each session with a check-in, giving everyone an opportunity to say how they’re doing and what they’re bringing into the room that day.  You don’t have to perform, impress or have the right answers.

There is no pressure to speak. You are always free to pass, listen, or simply take some time to settle in.

Share at your own pace

You will only ever be asked to share what feels comfortable for you.

This isn’t about telling your story in a particular way, or revealing things before you’re ready. You remain in control of what you choose to bring to the group.

Sometimes listening to someone else’s experience can be just as valuable as speaking about your own.

Therapeutic, supportive and practical

We might look at some specific themes each week and the sessions may combine reflection, discussion, therapeutic group work, and some gentle psychoeducation.

We’ll look at identity, boundaries, self-trust, emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and connection.  Or we may simply just have a good chat over tea and biscuits!

The intention isn’t to give you a set of rules for how you should feel or behave. It’s to give you some understanding, language and tools that may help you make sense of your experience and make choices that feel right for you.

Trauma-informed

Not all group members will have been through any kind of trauma, but for those who have, I work in a trauma-informed way, recognising that experiences within relationships can affect our sense of safety, trust, identity and connection.

This means we will work with care, choice and respect for your individual experience. You won’t be pushed to disclose or revisit experiences that you aren’t ready to explore.

The group is not, however, suitable for anyone who is currently at risk from an abusive or controlling partner, or whose situation requires immediate or specialist domestic abuse support. 

An initial conversation before joining will help us establish whether the group is appropriate and supportive for you at this point.  Sometimes I may advise that individual counselling might be more appropriate for the stage you’re at now.

Confidential and respectful

Confidentiality is an important part of creating a safe group environment. What is shared within the group is expected to remain within the group, and we’ll agree some clear group guidelines together at the beginning.

We’ll also talk about the limits of confidentiality and what happens if there are concerns about someone’s immediate safety.

Some laughter too …

Therapeutic work doesn’t always have to feel heavy – none of us need that!  We’ll form a group of people who get it and if we can inject a bit of humour into things we’ll all feel better for it.

You can simply come as you are, take part at your own pace, and see what unfolds.

Practicalities

All the practical stuff you might want to know before you decide whether The Next Chapter might be right for you.

• 6 sessions, fortnightly, of two hours per session. 
• Usually Tuesday evenings 7-9pm
• Groups kept deliberately small, usually 6-8 participants 
• Face to face, in central Epping.  Car parking at venue or on street very close by.
• Get in touch and we will have an initial 15-20 minute call so that together we can ensure the group is right for you and I can answer any questions you have.
• £230 total cost per 6-week programme.  Equivalent to £38 per two-hour session, or £19 per hour (normally individual counselling rate is £65 per 50 minutes).  Full payment required one month before first session. 
• 100% refund if cancellation notice received in writing (email is fine) three weeks before the first session.  70% refund if notice received two weeks before the first session. 50% refund if notice received one week before session.  Cost is non-refundable if notice received outside the one week window, as this is too late to fill your reserved place.  If you feel you have exceptional circumstances and would like to discuss these terms further, please do speak with me.

To get in touch, please contact me at emma@emmaadams.uk or 07920 854839.