Therapy is a wonderful resource that can help people in various aspects of their life. Dr. Neil Houston says that therapy is “about learning and applying the skills needed in order to grow from life’s ups and downs.” I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy because the essence of therapy is to help you heal and become the person you want to be. Even though I am now a big fan of therapy, I was intimidated when my therapist suggested I join group therapy. However, going to group therapy ended up being one of the best things I could have done -I outlined the top benefits for you below!
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is when a therapist (or group of therapists) lead a group of typically five to 15 people. The groups meet regularly and usually focus on a specific problem such as social anxiety, low-self esteem, grief, anger, depression and various other issues. The members of the group are typically screened beforehand to ensure a good fit for everyone involved. How each group works is different depending on the therapists, members, and goals of the group as a whole. My group therapy was largely discussion-based and had an open dialogue. The therapists had activities planned for some meetings and always guided the dialogue by asking us questions or our thoughts. We sat in a circle every week and usually started with a “check-in” since the last week. Even though groups vary in how they function, they traditionally have the same wonderful benefits!
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy is a wonderful resource with a specific set of benefits that other therapies may not be able to offer you. Here are the top five benefits I experienced in group therapy!
1 | Giving and Receiving of Support
In individual therapy, the patient is receiving support from the therapist. In group therapy, the patient receives support from the therapist and the other members. The group becomes a support system as a whole. While you are being supported by the other members, you are also providing them support. Giving support to others is key to personal growth and healing just as much as receiving support is. It is okay if you are worried about not being able to support others right now, the group grows together as a support system!
2 | Realizing We Are Not Alone
It is all but too easy to feel alone in our distress. Yes, we have our own struggles, but we are not alone in our struggling. In group therapy, I was surprised at how other members’ stories seemed shockingly similar to mine or how multiple members have shared the same feelings. It is a wonderful feeling of belonging and a realization that we really are connected to those around us. Knowing others have had similar experiences makes it easier to open up about our thoughts and feelings.
3 | Encouragement from Members
The bond I have been able to create in group therapy with the other members is unique and one of the strongest bonds I have been fortunate enough to experience. It did not take long for me to get excited to go to my weekly group meeting to hear how everyone was doing and to check in. It was wonderful to see the other members overcoming their issues and growing into a more positive person! When we are able to see our peers accomplish this, we have more belief in ourselves! I was encouraged every week because of not only what the other members said, but how they acted as well.
4 | Different Perspectives
The honest perspectives from members of the group is an extremely unique and beneficial aspect of group therapy. The members are in different stages of recovery and come from different backgrounds which helps create everyone’s unique perspective. When we have a situation that is confusing or difficult, having more perspectives can help you have a clearer picture or think in a way you otherwise would not have. Additionally, this helps you learn to think outside of your own perspective more. In group therapy, you learn as much listening as you do sharing because of the wisdom shared.
5 | Relationship Help
Group therapy helps with your relationships because it improves your communication skills and ability to connect with others on a deeper level. This is a safe place to practice appropriate confrontations and receive honest feedback from others. Group therapy allows you to talk about your feelings in a safe place and you do not need to wear a mask, pretending that everything is okay. When you begin to open up about your feelings, it becomes easier to process and express them appropriately. In the book Healing The Child Within: Discovery and Recovery for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families
Best Therapy For You
The question of which therapy is best has a very individualized answer. The therapy that is best depends on you and where you are in the recovery process. The answer is different from someone else and possibly even who you were a year ago. In my article on how to get the most out of therapy, I mention how important it is to see if you are progressing. If you are progressing and growing in therapy, you are doing therapy right. Your recovery program is unique to your needs! Group therapy is commonly used in conjunction with individual therapy or other treatment methods. Remember, what matters is what works best for you!
Have you tried group therapy? Is something holding you back from trying? Let me know! Please comment below and tell me what you think of my top benefits of group therapy and what ones you have to add! Remember, help is always available for you! If you know someone who could benefit from this article, please show you care and share the bear! Be sure to sign up for my emails and follow on social media to get the most of the positive world of Brightside Bear!
Thanks for mentioning that some therapists have individual specialties, you always want the best care you can get, so you may as well go to the one who specializes in your issue. My wife and I are looking into individual therapy for ourselves, and we have different issues we’d like to discuss, so now we know we can go to different therapists. Thank you so much for explaining the benefits of group therapy and how it could help us come to a conclusion.