Group Therapy
Group Therapy
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy involves a group of between 5-10 individuals who meet at least once a week to share and discuss specific concerns and support one another. The groups are usually facilitated by one or two therapists. Depending on your specific concerns, these groups can be a good choice to address different struggles and make positive changes in your life.
Groups can be designed to target specific problems, such as managing depressive symptoms, anxiety related disorders, history of trauma, men issues, substance abuse, loss and grief, among others; however, individuals can come to group with many different sorts of difficulties. Group topics can also be open to any subject or issue based on the group member’s difficulties; these open groups are often known as process groups or interpersonal process groups. At Full Life we offer process groups where individuals with a variety of concerns come together to discuss their struggles, process their concerns, and share their experiences.
Group therapy can feel intimidating at first as people rarely talk about their difficulties with people they don’t know; however, individuals often feel very satisfied when they join group therapy and find this experience rewarding. In addition, people often report improvement on interpersonal relationships while and after attending group therapy.
benefits of group therapy
There are a variety of benefits of group therapy. First, openly sharing and listening to other people’s struggles can help put your own issues in perspective. Second, oftentimes individuals feel that they are the only ones struggling; however, hearing from other people can help individuals feel relieved, understood, validated, and feel that they are not alone. Another way group is beneficial is that each group is composed of a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, cultures, with different personalities and perspectives, therefore giving group members a broader and more diverse feedback and perspectives.
Additionally, there are several benefits that can’t be obtained from individual therapy. In group therapy, individuals will receive insight and guidance from the group facilitators throughout the sessions. However, unlike with individual therapy, what is more powerful are the reactions and feedback one receives from their group peers after sharing their concerns and struggles.
benefits of group therapy
There are a variety of benefits of group therapy. First, openly sharing and listening to other people’s struggles can help put your own issues in perspective. Second, oftentimes individuals feel that they are the only ones struggling; however, hearing from other people can help individuals feel relieved, understood, validated, and feel that they are not alone. Another way group is beneficial is that each group is composed of a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, cultures, with different personalities and perspectives, therefore giving group members a broader and more diverse feedback and perspectives.
Additionally, there are several benefits that can’t be obtained from individual therapy. In group therapy, individuals will receive insight and guidance from the group facilitators throughout the sessions. However, unlike with individual therapy, what is more powerful are the reactions and feedback one receives from their group peers after sharing their concerns and struggles.
more than a support group
It is important to remember that group therapy is more than just a support group. Of course you will build and create new relationships and attachments with your peers and will support one another, which is one of the benefits of attending group therapy; however, group therapy is much more than that. Group therapy is facilitated by trained and skilled professionals who, as mentioned above, will provide insight and guidance to group members, teach skills to manage their current difficulties, as well as challenge individuals when barriers are observed. The group facilitator’s role is to assist group members in developing and improving their social skills, broadening their emotional awareness and expression, fostering connection with others, learning healthy and effective communication patterns, setting boundaries, practicing empathy towards others, gaining insight into their problems and own behavior, among others.
Interested in joining a therapy group
If you are interested in joining a therapy group at Full Life, or have any questions about group therapy, please contact us at (915) 233-7145 and one of our therapists will be happy to discuss this further with you.