someone joins my therapy group, i always meet with them individually for several sessions first. this provides a chance for us to get to know one another, and for you to feel comfortable and safe with me, before you start what is naturally a bit nerve-wracking at first. when you are in a group of people you don't yet know, it really helps to have at least one person you are familiar with. since we meet individually first, i can be that "anchor" person for you. after just a few sessions (sometimes even after just one session), most people start to feel comfortable in the group.
whenever a new person joins 