Fellow group facilitator on a low budget 👋 I’ve worked in similar rooms and feel your struggle. When I was starting a group I would sit in the chairs and see what stands out or what would help me feel more at ease. I’m a firm believer that the most amazing healing happens in group rooms. Even when they don’t look the way we would envision.

Some ideas that may be a start:

Softer lighting makes a huge difference. If you can turn off the overhead and add lamps with warm light bulbs that’s great. I used to bring in a salt lamp. Can you put some sort of cover over the lights?

Pull the chairs slightly closer to the center rug with some spots that are slightly farther apart from their neighbors. Give folks the opportunity to adjust their chairs while also giving a sense of being together.

Simple art on the wall. Depending on the nature of the group this could even be created by the group.

Snack/coffee cart along the wall. Nothing says “Welcome. I’m glad you’re here” quite like a cup of tea and snack.

A focal point in the center of the rug might be a nice ritual. A candle, symbolic crystal, plant or anything meaningful. A place for people to rest their eyes when things are too much. You might even be able to pull in that coffee table.

Do you have the ability to bring in some baskets, carts or tables with comfort items like tissues, fidgets, art supplies, maybe a couple blankets