All About Group Therapy
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a supportive space led by a trained therapist who guides participants in discussing and exploring challenges. Instead of one-on-one conversations, you share your thoughts and experiences with others in the group. Whether it's managing stress, coping with emotions, or improving relationships, group therapy lets you learn from others, gain new perspectives, and feel connected.
Group therapy has been proven beneficial for individuals seeking communal support around particular concerns. Some examples include living with chronic illness, acting as a caregiver for friends and family, and anxiety in intimate relationships. Membership in groups can mitigate loneliness and isolation by connecting with others who can related to you based on their lived experience. Within the group, diverse perspectives help facilitate insights and mutual learning. These settings serve as safe environments for honing social skills and bolstering confidence in handling real-world situations.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about groups!
What types of groups are out there?
Therapy groups are usually presented in two formats, each offering a unique approach to support and healing.
The first format is process-oriented groups, where members openly discuss their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. These groups focus on exploring emotions, personal experiences, and interpersonal dynamics, fostering self-discovery and mutual understanding. Many of our groups at Rouse are process-oriented, including our intimate partner violence support group and our anxiously intimate groups.
The second format is psychoeducational groups, which center around learning specific skills or information related to managing mental health challenges. In these groups, participants gain practical knowledge, coping strategies, and problem-solving skills to navigate their struggles effectively.
Both types of therapy groups provide valuable opportunities for connection, growth, and empowerment, catering to diverse needs and preferences on the path to improved mental well-being.
What is the difference between group and individual therapy?
Group therapy involves multiple participants with a single therapist, as opposed to the one-on-one format of individual therapy. Many people choose to do group therapy in addition to individual therapy, as group therapy can uniquely provide a space to practice skills and increase confidence with your peers, building off of what you may discuss in individual appointments.
Group therapy has been found to be effective in supporting people experiencing a wide range of problems, including anxiety, substance use, challenges with sexual performance, and family issues. Group therapy is also a more affordable option for some seeking support.
What can I expect in group therapy?
Each therapy group is facilitated differently depending on the therapist’s approach, and depending on the intention and structure of the group. Generally, most groups begin with grounding exercises and check-in. The group therapist will help identify areas of discussion based on what is presented in the check-in, and support group members through speaking about these themes. Careful attention is made to facilitate a safe space to share experiences and thoughts while maintaining group agreements. The group will usually wrap up with some sort of check-out and opportunity for feedback.
Prior to starting with the group, the group therapist will meet with each participant for one or two individual appointments. In these appointments, you’ll have a chance to get to know the therapist more and speak about what you’d like to get out of joining the group. The therapist will help you determine if the group is the right fit for you, and help utilize what you have shared to inform what is discussed during the group.
Interested in learning more about groups? Reach out to us!
Research and Further Reading
