As people consider seeking out therapy, most look to individual therapy where they meet one-on-one with a medical professional. There is another option to consider: group therapy.
While group therapy may be the sole treatment method, it is often supplemental to individual therapy and medication. You may be apprehensive about joining a group of strangers to seek out help. But, understanding the benefits of group therapy can help you in deciding if it is something you want to try.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is where one or two medical professionals meet with a small group of individuals (usually 6 to 12) who are dealing with similar issues. The group can meet in person or virtually. They meet regularly, which may occur once, twice or up to three times a week, for an hour or two each session.
During sessions, group members might:
- Receive instruction from the group leaders to help in developing coping skills for specific issues (psychoeducational).
- Participate in a group discussion or activities facilitated by the group leaders (process-oriented).
What are the benefits?
Lessen that feeling of isolation
Whether you’re experiencing depression, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with addiction, it is easy to feel alone in the world. You might feel like no one can possibly understand what you’re experiencing or thinking. When you feel this way, it is easy to believe that there’s no relief from your struggles.
Group therapy can help lessen that feeling of isolation. As you interact with others who are having similar experiences, you can see that you’re not alone. It creates a sense of relief or hope to know that you’re not the only person who has those thoughts or feelings.
The relief of not being alone can help you throughout your healing journey.
Find a support system
When dealing with mental health or addiction issues and learning to develop coping skills, it can be challenging to find a safe space to express yourself. As you talk with family and friends who know you, it can feel like they are passing judgment or they don’t understand. You might feel like you’re not being heard or seen by those most important in your life.
Meeting with a therapy group in a safe environment creates a place for you to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can also help you in finding your voice. This allows you to be vulnerable to people who understand what you’re experiencing because they’ve been there too.
As you are vulnerable, you strengthen your ability to open up and work through your feelings. As Dr. Brené Brown said in her book Daring Greatly, “Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experiences.” Having a safe space to be honestly open, or vulnerable, makes it easier to practice. As you practice, you will develop the strength to be open in less safe spaces.
Gain unique perspectives
Although group therapy focuses on the similar needs of its members, everyone is still a unique individual. Every member in the session has distinct experiences and comes from a different background.
This creates an environment where you can gain unique perspectives from other members as they share their own thoughts and feelings. In doing so, you can learn from each other. Whether someone has a breakthrough or experiences a setback, everyone in the group can learn and, possibly, benefit.
Have a sounding board
After having a challenging or emotional conversation with someone, it is easy to replay that conversation over and over in your head. You question what was said, how the other person responded, how you responded, and what could have been done differently. It quickly becomes a never ending loop.
Group therapy can provide a sounding board. Instead of playing the conversation on repeat, you can share the experience with your fellow group members. They can provide feedback on what was said. You can also hear from others how it came across.
While it doesn’t change what happened in the past, it creates an opportunity to learn and grow. Then, when placed in a similar situation in the future, you’ll have developed resources or a strategy to help you through it.
Develop more self-awareness
As you listen and participate in the group sessions, it allows you to develop additional self-awareness. This comes in several ways.
As group members share their own experiences, it provides you with an opportunity for introspection by taking a deeper look at your own thoughts or emotions. Maybe something that was said triggered a response that you weren’t expecting. Perhaps you agree or disagree with what was said or done. You can explore why.
In addition to looking at your own emotional state, you can see what has worked or not worked with other group members. For example, some might be further along in their journey. This creates an opportunity for you to learn from and model what you’ve seen others do and say.
How do I find a group?
There is not a “one size fits all” group out there. It is important to find a group that fits your needs and wants.
As you explore the option of group therapy, know that it is okay to change groups if one group doesn’t feel right for you. Sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings in a group setting can be hard. It is important to feel safe with the group you attend. If you don’t, try another group until you find one that fits you.
Here are some things to consider.
Types of groups
Some therapy groups exist to help individuals who are dealing with similar issues or concerns:
- Addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.)
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Domestic violence
- Grief or loss
- Phobias
- Relationship issues
- Trauma
Other therapy groups exist for individuals from similar backgrounds:
- Caregivers
- College students
- Ethnic communities (Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, etc.)
- LGBTQIA+
- Parents
- Veterans
Open or closed
Open groups allow members to join at any time. This means that the group is constantly evolving as members come and go. It gives you an opportunity to meet a variety of individuals who will share their experiences.
Closed groups start together and stay together for the duration of the program. New members are not joining. This gives you an opportunity to develop a bond with a core group of people.
Ground rules
Each therapy group will have slightly different ground rules about what is acceptable or not within the group. It is important to know what these are and to make sure they fit within your boundaries.
Confidentiality will certainly be a rule at the top of the list. Most groups will enlist a “what happens here, stays here” policy. These rules help establish a safe environment for the group to operate. Ask what rules exist to help ensure it is a safe place for you to participate.
As you seek out a therapy group, the medical professionals at Alvarado Parkway Institute are available to assist you in finding a group that meets your needs. If you don’t find the specific group you’d like at our facilities, we can provide recommendations for others in the area. They also offer group resources for family and friends.
We’ve recently started a Group Connect program to help individuals connect with groups virtually from the comfort of your own home. Contact us at 619-333-7050 for additional information.
