You are leading a group. One person keeps talking. They share long stories. They jump in before others finish. You see others look down or check the clock. Your shoulders get tight. You want to be kind. You also want everyone to have a turn. This is common in group therapy. The good news is you can handle it with simple skills.

First, remember that talking a lot often comes from nerves. The person may be scared. They may feel they must explain everything. They may not notice how much space they take. They may be lonely and finally feel heard. Their talking is not bad. It is just too much for the group. Your job is not to shame them. Your job is to protect the group so all voices are heard.

Start with clear group rules. At the first meeting, say each person gets a fair chance to speak. Say people can pass. Say one person talks at a time. Say feelings are welcome. Keep these rules short and kind. When everyone knows the rules, it is easier to remind someone later without sounding mean.

Use a simple signal. You can raise your hand softly when you want to step in. You can say, “Thank you for sharing that.“ Then say, “Let’s hear from someone who has not spoken yet.“ It does not say, “You talk too much.“ It says, “Your words matter, and so do others.“ This helps the person save face.

You can also use a talking piece. Only the person holding it speaks. When they finish, they pass it. This makes turns clear. It helps people who talk a lot see when their turn ends. It helps quiet people know when their turn comes. If you use a timer, keep it gentle. You want the group to feel safe, not like a game show.

Try a bridge phrase. You might say, “That sounds really hard. I wonder who else has felt something like that?“ Or, “You brought up trust. Let’s see if anyone else wants to talk about trust.“ This keeps the topic alive. It also opens a door for other people. The group keeps moving.

Watch your face and voice. If you look annoyed, the group will feel it. Take a slow breath. Keep your voice warm. Use a calm, steady tone. You are the leader. Your calm helps the group stay calm. If you feel frustrated, that is normal. Talk about it later with a supervisor or trusted coworker. In the moment, stay kind and clear.

If the same person keeps taking over, talk with them alone after group. Be direct but caring. Say, “I am glad you are here. I want everyone to have room to share. Can you help me by pausing after a few minutes? I will let you know when to come back in.“ This gives them a job. It makes them a partner. It is not a punishment. It is a plan.

Sometimes a person talks a lot because they are in crisis. If they are in danger, act to keep them safe. If they are not in danger, you can still set a limit. Say, “I can see you are hurting. I want to give you time. Right now, let’s take a breath and let someone else share. We can come back to you.“ Then follow through. Come back to them later if you can. That builds trust.

Do not forget the quiet people. Some people need a moment to think. Some are shy. Some have been talked over before. You can invite them with a gentle question. Say, “No pressure, but I would like to hear from you if you want to share.“ Then wait. Silence is okay. Give them time. If they pass, thank them. They may speak next time.

Your goal is not to silence anyone. Your goal is to share the room. A group works best when many voices are heard. You can be kind and still be in charge. You can protect time and still honor each person. With clear rules, gentle signals, and a warm heart, you can help your group feel safe. This skill grows one meeting at a time.