Existential Dialogue 2026: "Group" with Bárbara Godoy

Existential Dialogues 2026: "A Chorus of Voices"

Topic: "Groups" between Prof. Ernesto Spinelli and Bárbara Godoy

“In this dialogue with Ernesto, I would like to go deeper into reflecting on the role of the group therapist from a relatedness perspective.
Group therapy unfolds within a sacred, co-created space — designed for dialogue, connection, and the re-invention of self in the presence of others. Unlike individual therapy, this collective format enriches the process through many perspectives. Participants witness not only their own experience but also aspects of themselves reflected in others, bridging isolation and fostering recognition of shared humanity.
From the perspective of relatedness, we tap into the synergy of circulation — the dynamic movement flowing between and through us, softening the fixed definitions of who we say we are.
Borrowing from the performing arts, we enact aspects of ourselves to unlock versions of being that may otherwise be forgotten, denied, or repressed. Through metaphor, we give expression to dissonant parts which — whether we like it or not — remain integral to our constellation.
Grounded in existential principles, this approach explores groupness — the lived experience of being together — and opens new possibilities for creative ways of being-with-others.”.

Bárbara Godoy M.A., Adv. Dip. Exi. Psy. Existential Psychotherapist Group Leader, Counsellour, Lecturer and Supervisor, MBACP & UKCP accredited, SEA Professional Member, Founder Director of Therapy Harley Street, where she currently leads a team of over 40 professional practitioners in the area of Psychological Services and Wellbeing consultancy. Bárbara is also the founder-director of the ICTEPP Training and CPD Programme at Therapy Harley Street.

Bárbara’s academic contributions in London since 2008 includes lecturing and researching on the theory and practice of Phenomenological Existential Therapy on Doctorate, MA and professional courses at the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, Regent’s University and the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling.

Bárbara has facilitated and designed therapeutic Group Work since 1997. She brought her earliest workshop: “Experiences” to large groups in The Netherlands, Italy, France, UK and Argentina. These awareness-intensive processes are a legacy of the human potential movement (HPM) of 1960s, with techniques such as AUM Meditation Marathons, Psychodrama, Bioenergetics and Primal Feelings work.

Visit our website to see the Full Programme.