The Benefits of Group Therapy
What is Group Therapy?
Perhaps you have been involved in individual therapy and are wondering if group therapy could be a good addition to your recovery or healing. Or, you might be at the beginning stages of looking for help and would like to learn more about groups. If you identify with either of these, keep reading to learn more about what group therapy is, and the great benefits it can offer!
To start off, a therapy group usually consists of 4-7 members that may experience similar issues or struggles they are trying to work through. Groups are frequently capped at a particular number so there is space for everyone to be involved.
While there are various subtypes, a group will usually be a process group, an educational group, or a combination of the two. In a process group, while there is not a specific structure that is followed, it allows its participants to share their current dilemmas, difficulties, or successes. It is here they can receive support, feedback, and encouragement. In an educational group, there is usually a bit more structure which can help the participants learn more about a topic and techniques that could help them. In a group that is both process and education oriented, there is space for both styles to be present.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
According to Ben Johnson, PhD., in an article he contributed to the American Psychological Association, he states “Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way” (https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy). Here, we can see that groups are a form of support, and a place where you can bounce your ideas and thoughts around in order to get additional help. While this is certainly one benefit to being involved in group therapy, there are many more including:
Decreased feelings of loneliness due to being able to process your feelings in the presence of others
Reduced shame when you can share what you have kept in secret for so long, yet still find belonging in the group
Learning from others that are at various points in their recovery or healing
Gaining perspectives that may differ from your own and learning where your blind spots are
Receiving support and compassion from others when those in your life may not understand what you are going through
Support through accountability to help you reach your goals
Often a more affordable option than individual therapy which can be great if finances are tight, or you want an option to continue to have support after ending individual therapy
How Can I Find a Group?
After reading if you are still interested in finding a group that is suitable for you, there are various ways to go about finding one. You can ask the therapist you are currently working with if they know of any groups that may benefit you. This is helpful because your therapist is more likely to know your specific needs and have knowledge of groups that pair well with your needs. In addition, you can do a google search for a specific group you are looking for and contact the number provided to determine whether it is a good fit for you. You can also visit a therapist directory website such as https://www.psychologytoday.com/ and filter for support groups.
If you are at a place where you need additional help, and you feel it would be beneficial to do it in the presence of others who understand what it’s like to struggle with what you do, group therapy can be a great option. If you need any further assistance finding a group that fits your specific needs, or would like to know about a group offered at the Center for Integrative Change, we can help. Feel free to reach out to us today!
About the Author
Alex Primo is a licensed marriage and family therapist at the Center for Integrative Change. With training in EMDR and additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, he finds great joy in helping men break out of the cycle of unwanted sexual behavior, and helping couples restore trust and intimacy. When he is not seeing clients, he enjoys playing board games with his family, learning magic tricks, and rooting for the Dodgers.
