Aug
Would you like to try Group Therapy? Starting 1st October 2026
We’re pleased to let you know that our next Group Therapy programme will be starting again on Thursday 1st October, 7:30-9:00PM.
Group Therapy offers 8 free online therapy sessions and a supportive space for parents and grandparents of children with HIE to receive both the benefit of professional mental health support, and peer support.
You will have the opportunity to share experiences, take time for yourself, feel supported without judgement and explore new ways to heal.
The group is free for parents and grandparents, with a maximum of 8 participants.
We ask that as much as possible, you are able to commit to attending all 8 sessions.
📅Session dates
Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd October
Break 29th Oct & 5th November
Group resumes 12th, 19th, 26th November, with the final session 3rd December
Group Therapy will be facilitated by Emma McDermott & James Stephens.
Emma has a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy and works with the Salford community in private practice. Emma has supported Peeps for many years and has worked with many Peeps families.
James is an HCPC-registered Dramatherapist and EMDR practitioner, working across the NHS, private practice and therapeutic care settings. He has experience supporting people affected by trauma across the lifespan.
If you would like to register your interest in joining the group, please complete our short referral form.
If you have any questions, would like to chat things through, have any barriers to accessing the support that we may be able to help with, or would prefer information in a different language or format, please just let us know.
Is Group Therapy right for me?
This Group Therapy programme is ideal for you if you’d like some professional mental health support (but aren’t currently receiving any), and would like to receive peer support too and hear other people’s stories.
If you’d like to meet others who might have similar experiences, whilst being guided in care and conversation by mental health practitioners, then you are in the right place.
The Group Therapy isn’t suitable for people who are receiving counselling or therapy currently.
What to expect?
A warm welcome! An opportunity to spend time with other parents and family members that have had an HIE experience.
A relaxed space to talk about life, work, family or anything else on your mind. A non-judgemental environment.
What’s the purpose of the group?
We are running the group in during the Autumn time and on the run up to Christmas. Time to let of steam about the stresses and struggles that come with winter.
Our aim is to bring HIE Mums, Dads and Grandparents together to receive support from Emma and James, as well as other people in the group.
Who is taking part?
Other Mum’s, Dad’s and family members that have children with H.I.E. experiences. Folk that know what life is like through their own similar yet different experiences.
Who is running it?
Trained therapists: Emma McDermott and James Stephens. Emma has counselled Peeps families for many years. She knows how daunting it can be to start talking about a complicated family life but the relief that come from realising that others feel the ups and downs too.
James has experience supporting individuals and families in a range of settings. He understands the many roles/hats parent’s hold, and the many directions they can find themselves pulled in. James hopes the group can provide a space to re-connect with self, be creative and feel empowered. James is an EMDR trauma therapist.
We’d love to hear from you – contact us on family@peeps-hie.org.