GROUP THERAPY/ T-GROUP:
Completely in line with Aristotle’s motto, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” certain issues are more effectively addressed in groups than within the standard dyadic therapeutic setting. Indeed, there are unique experiences that only a group can offer—for example, assessing how someone comes across in a social setting, receiving feedback on personal vibes and charisma, and offering training opportunities in social scenarios.
Particularly for individuals in leadership positions, we strongly recommend self-experience in group settings. This method is a very powerful tool for identifying personal areas of struggle, developing new interpersonal skills, and uncovering psychological “blind spots,” while learning strategies to overcome them. At Refugium Tokyo, we offer the following group settings:
Grouptherapy
Repeatedly, it has surfaced in individual therapy sessions that while the Alcoholics Anonymous method works well for many, it does not resonate with everyone. This is particularly true for clients who struggle with the religious framework of the organization because they themselves are not religious. Nevertheless, the challenges of undergoing withdrawal or maintaining abstinence once initiated are multifaceted—especially in a city like Tokyo, where alcohol can be found on virtually every corner, and where a large number of social activities involve drinking. Alcohol consumption is deeply normalized in Japanese society, not only in private settings but also within professional environments.
For foreign residents facing alcohol dependency, this creates an overwhelming number of relapse risks. This is precisely where the Alcohol Abstinence Support Group steps in. Within the safe and supportive environment of the group, members work together to combat these risks of relapse. Similar to other approaches, the sense of connection and solidarity within the group acts as a therapeutic element. However, all religious or dogmatic aspects are intentionally excluded. A strong will to overcome addiction together, combined with a commitment to attend ongoing sessions regularly, is sufficient. The overarching goal is to collectively address and resolve the underlying void driving the addiction.
Leadership Training Group
Our Leadership Training Group is a workshop-based program designed to help personnel in mid- and higher-level management develop essential soft skills and enhance their overall sensitivity in interpersonal matters. The training includes foundational psychological knowledge as well as advanced practical guidance for navigating various complex intercommunicative situations. Participants gain valuable tools for building rapport—the essential skill for connecting with individual employees, entire teams, or clients. We believe that mastering this ability is one of the most important attributes a successful leader can possess.
Additionally, our training group offers opportunities for self-experience and personal development. Leaders benefit from gaining awareness of their own unique traits and tendencies, ensuring they act authentically and perform at their best.
At Refugium Tokyo, we take pride in supporting personnel in leadership roles by helping them enhance their sensitivity and emotional intelligence. With our deep theoretical knowledge and extensive experience working with clients across a wide range of situations, we are well-prepared to equip managers and CEOs with the skills they need to become exceptional leaders. Our Leadership Training Group serves as the essential building block in this endeavor.
T-group
The Encounter- or Therapeutic-Group is a setting that promises rapid interpersonal experiences, as the group does not focus on specific topics to be addressed but instead strictly emphasizes the process between its participating members. Simplified, the therapeutic or T-group can be characterized as an express train to exploring intra- and interpersonal areas of ambiguity and conflict. It holds enormous potential to facilitate personal growth and awareness but must, on the other hand, be handled with the utmost professional care.
Our certified group facilitators are highly experienced in guiding participants through the classic stages that such groups typically experience. This ensures that the group can develop its maximum potential in the here and now. In the T-group setting, members are placed in the socially unique situation of being encouraged to share their impressions of one another, thereby learning from each other. The safe and supportive environment provided by our experienced and certified group therapists guarantees that these processes can unfold peacefully and without causing psychological harm. The T-group thus offers a secure setup for an adventurous journey into self-awareness and interpersonal exploration. It is an opportunity to discover new insights, build authentic connections, and develop the skills needed for deeper emotional and social growth.
Gaijin Support Group
A group dedicated to addressing the everyday challenges of living in a foreign country like Japan. Whether it’s the difficulty of understanding certain aspects of daily life or the broader tendencies in how things are generally handled here, this group is here to support you. Perhaps you’re grappling with a sense of stagnation, feeling like you’re losing direction, or experiencing growing isolation despite living in the world’s largest metropolis. Whatever the issue—whether you feel like you’re losing your footing or simply need a space to share your experiences—the Gaijin Support Group is here for you.
Living in a foreign country like Japan can feel like an adventure on one hand, but as research shows, it also involves a process of self-development and identity exploration. Some researchers even describe the migration process as a "second adolescence," highlighting how living abroad places individuals in a vulnerable phase of self-proving, rebellion, and psychological reinvention. In such a delicate stage, the support of a group of like-minded people can be an invaluable resource. The group acts as a catalyst—a space where all arising topics can be shared and processed. At the same time, it serves as a safe haven, a checkpoint that members can always return to for support.
The Gaijin Support Group is primarily aimed at long-term residents, as many of the deeper effects of living abroad only become apparent after a significant period of time.
TOKYO
REFUGIUM
Psychotherapy & Mental Health Consulting