If you are considering psychotherapy, many options are available. One of those options is group therapy. It involves one or more therapists working with many people simultaneously. Depending on the nature of your problem, group therapy can be ideal for addressing your concerns and making positive changes in your life. Group therapy is offered at many places, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and community centres.
Types of Group Therapy
Group therapy can be classified into different types depending on the mental health condition. The most common types of group therapy include:
Interpersonal groups
They help to improve social interactions and interpersonal relationships by showing how much support you have from others.
Cognitive behavioural groups
They help to identify and change negative or distorted thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviours and replace them with positive ones.
Psychoeducational groups
They focus on learning about disorders and how to cope, often based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) principles.
Skills development groups
They help people with developmental disabilities or mental disorders to improve their social skills.
Support groups
They provide a wide range of benefits for people with mental health conditions. However, they also provide support for their loved ones too.
Groups can be as small as three or four. However, group therapy sessions often involve eight to 12 people (although more participants are possible). The group typically meets for an hour or two once or twice weekly. The meetings may be open or closed. Only a core group of members is invited to participate in closed sessions. Still, new participants are welcome to join open sessions at any time.
What Should I Expect?
Mostly, the group will meet in a room with chairs arranged in a large circle so that members can see everyone. A session might begin with the introduction of each member of the group and a discussion of why they are in group therapy. Each member may also share their experiences and progress since the last meeting. The session is conducted precisely, and any group therapy activities depend on the group’s goals and the therapist’s style. Some therapists might encourage a free-form dialogue where each member participates and can talk easily. Other therapists may use a specific plan for each session, such as having participants practice new skills with other group members.
Group Therapy Activities
Therapists may use various group therapy activities, such as:
- Icebreaker activities help group members get to know each other.
- Expressive writing activities will help to explore experiences and emotions connected to those events.
- Sharing activities, where group members openly ask one another questions.
- Gratitude activities, such as drawing different aspects of their life that they are thankful for.
- Goal visualization activities can help people set goals and plan to achieve them.
Who Can Get Group Therapy?
Group therapy is used to treat many mental health conditions, including depression, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, panic disorder, phobias, anxiety disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. CBT-based group therapy can help people cope with anger management, chronic pain, illness or stress, divorce, domestic violence, weight management, grief and loss.
Benefits of Group Therapy
There are many advantages of group therapy; here are a few of them:
Support, Safety and Encouragement
Group therapy helps people get the support and encouragement of the other group members. Group therapy helps people see that others are going through the same thing.
Role Modeling
Group members can serve as role models for other members of the group. Seeing someone successfully cope with the same problem can give members hope for recovery. Each person’s progress can serve as a role model and support figure for others. It helps foster feelings of success and accomplishment.
Insight on Social Skills
A group therapist can see how each member responds to others and behave in social situations first-hand. Using this insight, the therapist can provide valuable feedback to each member.
Affordability
Group therapy is one of the most affordable options. A therapist can spend time on a much larger group rather than just one client at a time, reducing participants’ costs. However, costs vary depending on estimates, such as, on average, one-half to one-third less than individual therapy.
Is Group Therapy Good for You?
Considering group therapy for yourself or someone you love, consider these things first.
You need to be willing to share your story.
This is essential, especially if you are suffering from social anxiety or phobias. You are not ready to share your experiences and emotions
in a group. Some group therapy also involves activities like role-playing and intense personal discussion. This could be challenging for people who are uncomfortable around strangers.
Try a few groups to start.
You may also need to try a few groups before you find the one that fits you best, like you hunt to find the right therapist. Keep your expectations low and consider what might be most comfortable or the best match for you.
It is not meant for crisis.
Group therapy is not good for all people, and there are limitations. People who live in crisis or have suicidal thoughts are not good candidates for group therapy. Individual therapy is a better choice than group therapy for those people. You can go for group settings if you or someone you love are not in crisis.
How to Get Started?
If you are seeking a group therapy for yourself or someone you love,
start with these steps:
- Consult a physician: They know which group therapy is best for your condition.
- Consider your personal preferences: You can choose an open or closed group therapy session that is right for you. You can even explore online group therapy.
- Contact your health insurance: Get insight into whether they cover group therapy. And if so, ask how many sessions they cover per year.
Before joining, consider whether you want to participate in an open or closed group. If you prefer an open group, you can join at any time. However, you will likely have to wait for closed groups until a new session begins. It is also essential to know whether group therapy alone will be sufficient or if you need additional help (individual or medication). Talk to your doctor or therapist to decide which treatment suits your needs.
