How Does Group Therapy Work?
If you’ve been thinking about exploring therapy, you’ve probably wondered if one-on-one sessions are best, or if you would benefit from group therapy.
Many people are actually confused about group therapy, how it works, and what it’s really like.
In this post, I will shed some light on this topic.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy can be used alone or in addition to individual therapy.
Let’s start with the most common types of group therapy:
Cognitive Behavior Groups
These groups focus on identifying and changing harmful behavioral patterns, and emotional responses to triggers.
Interpersonal Groups
In this type of group, you can work on social interactions and relationship skills.
Psychoeducational Groups
The focus in this type of group is on educating you about specific mental health symptoms or a diagnosis. A group like this can help you explore and learn ways of better managing the problems that may arise with certain mental health challenges.
How Big are Groups?
Groups can be as small as 3 people or as large as 12 people. The average group size is usually somewhere right in the middle. The group will typically meet once or twice a week for one to two hours.
What Issues Can Group Therapy Help With?
Group therapy can be effective at treating a wide variety of conditions, such as:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
In addition to mental health conditions, CBT-based group therapy has been found to help people deal with:
- Anger management
- Chronic pain
- Chronic illness
- Chronic stress
- Divorce
- Domestic violence
- Grief and loss
- Weight management
Benefits of Group Therapy
A Shared Experience
The members of the group are there for each other, sharing their struggles and helping others in the group. Being in the midst of this type of kindness can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Relief
Sharing your darkest parts with one therapist can be very helpful. But sharing in a group setting has been shown to bring about a deep sense of relief from pain, guilt and shame.
Development of Social Skills
Working intimately within a group setting is a great way to increase your comfort level in socializing and improve your social skills.
If you are interested in meeting with a group, please get in touch with me.
I lead the following groups twice monthly:
Happy Relationships Happy Life
use this link to learn more: https://mailchi.mp/01c5ecdd18aa/group-therapy-happy-relationships-happy-life
Create Peace Within and Love Life
use this link to learn more: https://mailchi.mp/d1ca9430a363/group-therapy-create-peace-within-and-love-life
SOURCES:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-group-therapy-2795760
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/group-therapy
