When we think about therapy, most of us imagine sitting one-on-one with a therapist, delving into our thoughts and emotions in a private space. While individual therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth, group therapy offers a unique dynamic that can be just as transformative—sometimes even more so.
As a therapist with years of experience running therapeutic groups, I've seen firsthand how group therapy can be a catalyst for change, providing individuals with valuable insights and support in ways that individual therapy might not. In this blog, we'll explore what group therapy is, when it can be helpful, and why it may be the right next step for you.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy brings together a small group of people (typically 6-12 participants) who share similar challenges, such as anxiety, stress, or relationship difficulties. Led by a trained therapist, the group meets regularly to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a structured setting.
Each session offers a safe space for participants to support one another while learning effective strategies to cope with their struggles. Group therapy often aims at relieving distress through discussion and skill building as well as, helping individuals change their behaviours and habits by promoting more adaptive ways of coping.
Groups often meet weekly for 1-2 hours and may be open or closed. In open groups, members are allowed to join at any time. Open groups can be helpful as individuals can learn from other members who are at different stages of the group. In a closed group members join at the same time and the group has a set start and end date. Closed groups can build a strong sense of community as everyone is going through the process together.
Most groups often start by discussing group norms ensuring that members are committed to respecting other participants and do not disclose information outside of the group. Other norms may be discussed depending on the type of group.
Types of Therapeutic Groups
Not all group therapy is the same—different types of therapeutic groups cater to different needs. Some of the most common include:
Support Groups: These groups provide emotional support and a sense of community for individuals facing similar challenges, such as anxiety, grief, or chronic illness. The group facilitators tend to take less of an active role in the group, allowing the members to support each other and share their personal experiences. Learning from and supporting others can be helpful in the healing journey.
Psychoeducational Groups: Focused on teaching participants specific skills or knowledge. Because the group is focused on teaching skills the relationships between individuals are less central, and therefore this group may feel like a more comfortable environment for individuals as it is not required that they share personal information. There is still an opportunity to connect and build community around the skills being learned. For example, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups help participants learn concrete skills to manage emotions and interpersonal effectiveness.
Process-Oriented Groups: These groups focus on exploring participants’ emotions, behaviors, and patterns within the group dynamic itself. Participants gain deeper insights into how they interact with others in real life. The interpersonal experience between the members of the group is often the major focus of the group. While it can be difficult to be vulnerable with others, it can also lead to major transformation especially when an individual feels a sense of acceptance and belonging from their peers.
Skill-Building Groups: Like psychoeducational groups, these sessions teach practical strategies but focus on building or refining specific life skills, such as communication, daily life activities, or mindfulness. In these groups, the facilitators take on more of an active role in teaching the skills and individuals are not required to share personal information. Learning from one another from the group or supporting others in the group can be particualrly helpful in the healing process.
When Can Group Therapy Be Helpful?
Group therapy can be especially helpful if you're looking to:
Reduce feelings of isolation: It’s common to feel like you’re the only one struggling, but group therapy shows you’re not alone. You’ll connect with others facing similar issues.
Practice new skills in real time: Group therapy offers a built-in environment to practice skills such as assertive communication and emotional regulation. Feedback from both the therapist and group members allows you to adjust and grow in the moment.
Gain new perspectives: Hearing others' experiences can offer fresh perspectives and solutions to your own problems, broadening your understanding.
Find accountability: Regular meetings with others who share similar goals can help hold you accountable for your progress, fostering personal responsibility and growth.
Increased Motivation: Group therapy can enhance motivation by following the SMART goal framework, which provides participants with a specific target to strive for, fostering a sense of achievement and boosting their motivation.
Advantages of Group Therapy Over Individual Therapy
While individual therapy offers a private, personalized approach, group therapy provides unique benefits, including:
Supportive environment: Group therapy normalizes your experience and helps reduce feelings of shame or isolation.
Peer learning: You can learn from others who are further along in their journey, while also offering your own insights, which strengthens your personal growth.
Feedback: Hearing feedback from group members gives you multiple perspectives on the challenges you face, which can lead to faster breakthroughs.
Cost-effective: Group therapy can often be a more affordable alternative to individual therapy while still offering immense value.
What Can You Get Out of Group Therapy?
In group therapy, participants not only receive guidance from the therapist but also gain invaluable support from fellow members. Some key takeaways include:
Real-time application of the skills you’re learning, whether that’s improving emotional regulation, communication, or boundary-setting.
Deep connection with others who understand your struggles, which fosters empathy and a sense of community.
Practical tools you can use in your daily life to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm more effectively.
Increased self-awareness as you explore your patterns and behaviors within a group dynamic.
My DBT Group and Thriving Beyond Anxiety Group Program
I believe in the value of group therapy and the benefits it provides individuals which is why I offer two therapeutic group programs, both designed to help you regain control over your life and manage anxiety with confidence:
DBT Group Therapy (Starting October 15): This closed- program teaches Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, which include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are incredibly effective for managing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and people-pleasing tendencies. You'll get real-time support and practice in a small, safe group setting.
Thriving Beyond Anxiety: This open-group program is for those who are ready to move beyond just managing symptoms of anxiety and want to start thriving. It combines a blend of CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches to help you connect with your values, build confidence, and improve relationships.
Both groups are designed to help you overcome the mental roadblocks that keep you stuck
and give you the tools to create meaningful, lasting change.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to step into a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and connect with others, group therapy could be exactly what you need. My DBT group is starting on October 15, 2024 and my Thriving Beyond Anxiety program has open enrollment. Both are great opportunities to dive deep into powerful therapeutic strategies that will help you more confidently manage your emotional and mental well-being.
Interested? Feel free to reach out to learn more or sign up today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical or mental health advice. While I am a registered social worker, the content shared here is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice specific to your individual circumstances. I encourage you to consult with your own doctor or licensed mental health professional for personalized support and guidance.
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