Group therapy services are proof that not all healing has to be done alone. The popularity of group therapy is quickly growing as some individuals find themselves in the company of others who are facing similar challenges or struggles in their lives. At Stone Creek Psychotherapy and Wellness Center, we understand that there can be power in numbers. We are delighted to provide group therapy services to our clients on a journey toward self-care and better well-being.
What Are Group Therapy Services?
Group therapy is psychotherapy done in a way that a therapist is able to reach multiple individuals at one time. Groups are ideally limited to 6-12 people to encourage enough time for each member to share.
The goal of group therapy is to encourage compassion and empathy for each of our members. The use of group therapy alone does not eliminate the need for additional forms of therapy. It is not uncommon for people to undergo both individual and group therapy for a more well-rounded approach to their struggles.
The one type of situation group therapy typically does not work well for is in a crisis situation. In this scenario, individual therapy may be a better place to start, and once enough healing has taken place for it to no longer be a crisis situation, the individual may engage in a combination of individual and group therapy.
Who Is Group Therapy For?
Group therapy is effective for a wide range of ages and can assist with learning how to navigate and cope with a number of disorders and conditions, such as:
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It is important to note that group therapy is not limited to the above and may also be used to navigate difficult life situations such as:
- Chronic illnesses
- Domestic Violence
- Divorce
- Grief
In some cases, this type of group setting can be a great introduction to therapy for those who have never gone through it before and have some fears or reservations about undergoing therapy alone. However, it is important to note that individuals can expect to get out of it exactly what they put into it. Participants must be willing to share with each other so that healing can begin to take place.
Individuals who are unsure if group therapy is right for them and their specific circumstance should contact Stone Creek Psychotherapy and Wellness Center today to learn more about our therapy services and how they may be able to help.
Differing Focuses of Group Therapy
Under the umbrella of group therapy services, there are several different types of these sessions such as:
- Support groups. These groups are for individuals who have a similar issue such as caring for a loved one that is terminally ill or those who are experiencing a similar mental health condition such as anxiety. Working together can afford these people the ability to take comfort in knowing they are not alone, as well as learning from others’ experiences and coping mechanisms from others.
- Cognitive behavioral groups. Participants in these groups are generally focused on changing a pattern of thinking that is distorted and not beneficial. People work together with a therapist to learn how to form improved patterns of thinking that create both healthier emotional responses and behaviors.
- Social skills development groups and classes. This type of group is designed to help participants improve their social skills, which may be hindered by a state of mental health, disorders, or disabilities. Social skills development therapy is not simply learning conversational skills or how to maintain eye contact, but applying these concepts with practice.
Depending on the needs of clients, other types of therapy groups may also be established. These groups typically meet anywhere from twice a week to twice a month. In guided sessions, a therapist may steer the conversation to certain topics and individual members of the group in hopes of meeting a specific goal.
Exactly how a group therapy session works depends on the number of participants, the needs of each member, how the group functions together, and the therapy goals for that group. A therapist will guide group participants as to how their particular group sessions will function.
Benefits of Group Therapy
While meeting in a group setting can be intimidating to some and welcoming to others, there are many benefits to participating in this type of therapy, such as:
- Providing a safe, open, and supportive environment
- The opportunity to connect with other group participants which can help relieve feelings of isolation
- Accountability from others in the group who are relying on participants’ contributions to the conversation
- Encouragement and support from fellow members to keep pressing forward toward the common goal
- The ability to learn how to better navigate personal relationships possibly by understanding different perspective and points of view.
Group therapy can be an invaluable tool for individuals who are still learning how to navigate difficult challenges in their lives and would like to do so in the company of others who are experiencing similar situations. When participating and actively working together with the therapist-led group, individuals have the opportunity to take important steps forward in their emotional healing journey.
Make your mental and emotional health a priority. If you are someone you love believes that group therapy may be appropriate, please reach out today to Stone Creek Psychotherapy and Wellness Center for more information.