GROUP THERAPY
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Last Medically Reviewed 15 November 2022
GROUP THERAPY
In group therapy sessions, those in recovery discuss their experiences and goals related to their struggles. Group therapies may focus on specific topics like triggers and how to avoid them. Or they might be general discussions about family, friends, work life, or other interpersonal relationships.
What Is
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that usually involves two or more therapists working with several people simultaneously. This approach to therapy is widely available, and you can find group therapy sessions at private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and community centers. Group therapy can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individual therapy.
Some groups are dedicated to specific issues, like depression, obesity, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain, or substance abuse. Others focus more broadly on strengthening social skills and assisting individuals with managing different issues such as anger, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Groups can also benefit people who have gone through a loss, whether a spouse, child, or close friend.
Types of
Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy can be divided into various types based on the mental health condition it is meant to cure and the clinical technique employed during treatment. The following are some of the most frequent forms of group therapy:
- Groups that focus on identifying and changing mistaken or distorted thinking patterns, emotional reactions, and behaviors are known as cognitive behavioral groups.
- Interpersonal groups are concerned with interpersonal connections and social interactions, such as how much support you receive from others and the influence these ties have on mental health.
- Psychoeducational groups inform clients about their disorders and how to manage them, typically using cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as a reference.
- Skills development groups help people with mental disorders or developmental disabilities improve their social skills.
- Support groups provide a variety of services to those with various mental health problems as well as their loved ones.
Group Treatment
Techniques
When starting a group therapy session, individuals in the group might introduce themselves and explain why they are there. Members may also talk about their experiences and development since the previous meeting. How the meeting is run, as well as any group therapy activities, is primarily determined by the goals of the group and the therapist’s approach.
A common approach to therapy is for each member to speak as they choose, which may be preferred by some clinicians. Other therapists advocate for a more free-form style of discussion in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Sessions might include practicing new abilities with other group members. The following are examples of typical group therapy activities:
- Activities such as ice breaker games that help group members get to know one another
- Encouraging gratitude exercises, such as mapping different aspects of their life that they are grateful for
- Sharing activities, in which group members inquire about one another questions. Expressive writing activities to explore experiences and feelings associated with those events
- Goal-setting exercises assist people in formulating goals and creating a strategy to achieve them.
Effectiveness of
Group Sessions
While beneficial for individuals looking for support, group therapy sessions may provide additional advantages over informal self-help and support groups. Group therapy sessions are hosted and led by one or more specialist psychologists who teach effective methods of dealing with specific issues. For instance, your psychologist will explain scientifically validated techniques for controlling anger if you’re part of an anger-management group.
At first, the idea of confiding in strangers may be terrifying, but group therapy has advantages that individualized sessions lack. In fact, as psychologists will attest, those who attend groups are often amazed at how beneficial the experience is.
Being a part of a group can give you access to an immediate support system as well as individuals with similar objectives. Utilize other group members to help better understand how to achieve success or work through issues by receiving feedback and input.
Regularly interacting and listening to others can help you better comprehend your own issues. Many individuals suffer from mental health problems, but few choose to talk about them with people they don’t know well. It’s typical to feel like you’re the only one suffering - but you’re not. Hearing others discuss their challenges may be a comfort, as it shows that you’re not alone.
Another advantage of group therapy is its diversity. People have diverse personalities and backgrounds, which leads them to perceive issues in various ways. By comparing how other individuals deal with difficulties and make positive improvements, you may discover a variety of methods for dealing with your own problems.
Beneficial Aspects of
Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Group therapy has long been an important component in treating substance use disorders. While it may appear frightening, unpleasant, and even intimidating at first, most people report that their concerns dissipate after two or three groups. As previously said, one of the most significant features of group therapy is being surrounded by peers who have walked in your shoes, understand your issues, offer encouragement along the road, and celebrate your recovery journey.
Individuals with alcohol or substance abuse problems often become alienated from family, friends, and the rest of the world. Their use of drugs interferes with their relationships, which may cause irreversible damage. Group therapy allows these people to feel a sense of belonging and connectedness that they may not have felt before. Knowing that they aren’t alone and there are others who understand their struggles helps to relieve their feelings of isolation, allowing for healing as well as positive development.
Giving and Receiving Support from Other Group Members
One of the most important advantages of group therapy is the opportunity for individuals to support each other and offer helpful knowledge and feedback based on their own experiences and issues. Both the giver of assistance and the recipient benefit from this interaction. Providing support makes people feel more powerful, not to mention proud of themselves for being able to assist others. Furthermore, by accepting help from others, group members comprehend that it’s okay not to always be independent. This often motivates them to support other individuals later on.
Learning New Ways of Interacting
Participating in therapy groups allows individuals to learn how to interact with others from the group leader and other members. Since these groups act like miniature versions of life outside the group, any dysfunctional patterns in social interactions will eventually come to light. The group provides a safe environment for people to try out new ways of interacting and begin forming healthy relationships with other participants.
Learning Better Communication Skills
Group therapy can benefit those who want to learn how to communicate more effectively and respectfully. For many people, this may be completely new territory that they are exploring. In group therapy, participants can practice giving and receiving feedback constructively without feeling defensive or attacked.
A Group Setting Provides a Variety of Perspectives
Group psychotherapy allows people to hear from various viewpoints rather than just their own therapist. This enables them to consider various perspectives on their problem, themselves, or any issue they’re struggling with. Recognizing that there are usually many ways to perceive anything can help people improve their problem-solving abilities and allow them to comprehend and overcome past opinions that have hindered their progress.
Feedback from Group Members
The opportunity to get feedback from people in the group is one of the most significant and advantageous features of group therapy. Individuals will be more receptive to feedback from other participants than they are to therapist advice. This is due, in part, to the opinion that other members may be able to connect on a much deeper level than the therapist to relate to their problems or difficulties.
Building Interpersonal Relationships
It’s quite typical for participants to form relationships with other group members. These new friendships may offer a source of continuing help and encouragement long after treatment is finished, making it more likely that they will stay clean.
Support Groups Provide Hope for a Better Future
Alcohol and substance abuse disorders can make people feel hopeless and helpless, with little to no belief that they could ever live life as they want. Group therapy lets them see others making positive changes while working on their own progress. Group members can support each other during challenges, which provides a strong sense of hope that fuels recovery.
Group Psychotherapy
Near You
Group therapy can be a great way to get the support you need if you are struggling with addiction or mental health problems and don’t know where to turn. You’ll be able to talk about your problems with other people going through the same thing and learn new ways to cope.
We have locations across the country, so we’re sure to have one near you. Our therapists are highly qualified and will be able to help you get on the path to recovery. Contact Psyclarity Health today for more information on group therapy!
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