Why group therapy?
Group therapy is often the preferred treatment for various issues. Observing others tackle their problems is a key benefit of group therapy. Being part of a group offers a supportive network, which is advantageous. Additionally, groups are effective in fostering trust, self-acceptance, intimacy, communication skills, and empathy.
Most groups hold weekly meetings that last for 75 to 90 minutes and consist of 6 to 8 members and one or more mental health professionals serving as facilitators. Open groups allow participants to join and leave at different times, while closed groups typically have a set number of sessions with all members starting and ending together. There is a wide variety of group experiences available.
Psychoeducational groups help participants develop new skills as they acquire and share information. Psycho-educational groups are often organized around topic areas, such as managing stress, assertiveness, or coping with depression. Group facilitators typically provide basic educational information and, together with group participants, share and explore information in a supportive forum.
Support groups also often include individuals who share common problems or issues and who are seeking help as they adjust to new roles or experiences. Examples include groups to help individuals cope with parental divorce, sexual assault, bereavement, sexual orientation issues, and family substance abuse.
General psychotherapy groups bring together individuals with diverse concerns and issues. All participants though, share a commitment to developing increased personal effectiveness and self-understanding through the process of personal disclosure, as well as by offering and accepting interpersonal feedback and support.
Your counselor might recommend group therapy during individual sessions. Before joining a group, you will have a one-on-one meeting with the group facilitator. The facilitator will go over the group’s objectives and expectations and will address any questions you might have. Together, you will assess how the group aligns with your needs to make a joint decision about participation. Following your meeting with the facilitator, you may choose to join a group directly. If you wish to suggest a specific type of group for the counseling center to offer, please speak with a staff member, and we will do our best to assist. It’s important to remember that group therapy is not a secondary intervention; instead, it brings a unique interpersonal aspect to counseling.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance in all counseling settings, including therapy groups. All group members must commit to confidentiality as a prerequisite to group participation. This means that the identity of group members, as well as the nature and content of group discussions must not be discussed with anyone outside the group. Commitment to this principle allows individuals to build trust and encourages members to share support and feedback with each other.
An important part of any group experience is the effort and commitment shared by all in the creation of a safe, supportive environment in which to learn and grow. Group members are expected to respect and encourage each other and to work together to build trust. Depending on the type of group, participants may share information and support and may offer and ask for personal feedback. Members are also expected to share aspects of themselves, their concerns, and their feelings, as they feel comfortable in doing so. Remember, that while everyone is encouraged to actively participate, no one is ever forced to speak. Just as confidentiality is a group norm, so too is respect for each person’s right to privacy and right to participate at the pace that s/he chooses. Members are also expected to attend sessions regularly, and on time, and to communicate with others in a manner that promotes safety and demonstrates respect for individual diversity and autonomy.