Group Therapy
Group Therapy refers to therapy sessions in which approximately 6-10 individuals meet with a trained group therapist. Within this format, group members are encouraged to give feedback to others. Feedback includes expressing your own feelings about what someone says or does.
Interaction between group members are highly encouraged and provides each person with an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving; it also provides members with an opportunity for learning more about the way they interact with others. In some group therapy cases, hearing about the experiences of others who are experiencing a similar problem can provide helpful insight that allows a member to think about their own experiences in a different way. It is a safe environment in which members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group members make a commitment to the group and are instructed that the content of the group sessions is confidential. It is not appropriate for group members to disclose events of the group to an outside person.
Groups offer a unique opportunity to gain skills and strategies for regulating difficult or unwanted thoughts and feelings from professionals and discuss shared experiences and coping strategies with fellow participants. For many, groups offer a more affordable way of engaging in therapy and exploring the therapeutic process to see if it is a good fit for you.
For some, a significant benefit of groups is being able to connect with people who ‘get it’ and creating new, supporting relationships.