Diane Rogan Sofer
Psychotherapist in London

I am in private practice and primarily conduct long term group analytic psychotherapy groups at The Institute of Group Analysis (IGA). I also offer short term individual psychotherapy. I am a painter, my fine art and art therapy training alongside group analytic training inform each other.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

I trained over 24 years ago as an art therapist. I worked in NHS and later private forensic medium secure services with people with complex and enduring mental health problems. Qualifying in group analysis ten years ago I worked in NHS outpatient psychotherapy services, for HMP Service, in voluntary sector specialist women's service running eating disorder groups, groups for survivors of domestic violence and groups addressing ageing and loss. Recently I provided clinical services in higher education counselling service. I have also conducted experiential groups and tutored for psychotherapy training organisations.

I am a qualified member of the Institute of Group Analysis, a member of the Group Analytic Society and the British Association of Art Therapists. I am Registered with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), HCPC (Health & Care Professionals Council) and BAPPS (The British Association For Psychoanalytic And Psychodynamic Supervision)

My Specialisms

My clinical experience is primarily with adults and young adults who have problems in their relationships, feel stuck, depressed, alienated, isolated, stressed and anxious. I am also a clinical supervisor for clinicians working in a variety of settings: NHS, voluntary sector services and private practice.

I welcome referrals from people who are motivated and ready to engage in thinking about their problems, explore their defences and want to understand themselves more fully in relation to others in order to feel better and more able to cope with the complexities of urban living.

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

Psychotherapy in groups provides a democratic space in which each member is both therapist to themselves and each other. The expert is the group. My experience has taught me that most emotional problems stem from difficulties in our relationships. The safe, confidential setting of a small analytic group of usually no more than eight members, provides the context in which these problems can be observed in the hear and now, reflected back to group members and over time defences and vulnerabilities are worked through. This process leads to increased self knowledge and increased understanding of the feelings of others. This deepening of understanding and experience with others, leads to more intimate and fulfilling relationships in group members lives outside group.

Group analytic psychotherapy is a long term treatment. Groups are arranged as either once or twice weekly. During an initial individual assessment the decision as to once or twice weekly group would be made through conversation which would explore the background and current problems of the person seeking help. The process of preparation for joining a group takes time, as both new member and group need to ready themselves. A number of individual meetings may be arranged before a start date is arranged.

In shorter term individual psychotherapy I work for an agreed period of time using a group analytic model which briefly, means the complex social context of the person in therapy is always in mind. Again, difficulties in how a person relates to others in personal and working life and how these relational dynamics impact negatively on personal identity and self-esteem are understood as the cause of painful psychological symptoms and are addressed in psychotherapy.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	Please Call

Additional Rate Information

Once weekly Group Analytic Therapy is currently £130 per month subject to annual changes. For Individual Psychotherapy please contact me to discuss.