Most people have a fair sense of what individual therapy is. They’ve seen it in movies, talked to friends who have a therapist, or perhaps have a therapist of their own. People also understand that medication is an option for treating fluctuating moods and a host of other psychological needs.
And while many have probably seen group therapy portrayed in one of their favorite sitcoms, they may be a little shy about attending or wonder how this differs from sitting around with friends, sharing heartbreak stories.
What should I expect from Group Therapy?
Group therapy, at it’s core, is a means of finding community amidst a sea of isolation or hopelessness. It’s a way to connect parts of your experience with another human who can relate. The power of sharing your story and recognizing genuine understanding from other group members can start dissolving years of emotional walls, bitterness and isolation.
And the opportunity to hear from others and pick out the points that speak to you personally… the experiences that feel so relevant and lead you to a point of change or resolution, are priceless.
Sometimes sharing with peers and learning from peers just hits different. It’s like going from a personal-training appointment at your local gym to a group hike with friends alongside a babbling brook.
Nothing wrong with a therapist’s empathy or familial compassion, but peer-to-peer engagement can help you tap back into your confidence, both as a student and as a teacher.
Can Private People Benefit from Group Therapy?
I’m a very private person and don’t want my business out there. Is Group Therapy a good fit for me?
This is probably more common than less common. It can be quite awkward to share space with folks you haven’t yet vetted, especially when you’re supposed to be baring your soul. My advice: Don’t rush it. It’s quite healthy to pace your trust and be deliberate about personal vulnerabilities. We want to find new solutions and new connections, but we also want to make sure it’s safe and constructive.
What you might find, is 1/3 of folks are cautious, 1/3 are talkative, and 1/3 are somewhere in-between. There’s space for difference. In fact, that difference can actually add to the magic of group work. Sometimes the person you relate to least ends up sharing something that hits home most.
Sometimes the person you despise ends up showing their pain in a way that is perfectly relatable. And in that moment, the struggle binds you, making you feel less broken, less defective. You get a piece of your authenticity and value back.
What Is the therapist’s role in Group Therapy?
The therapist helps maintain safety and constructive focus. They tend to do much more listening than talking. A therapist will recognize common experiences and “themes” in sharing, helping members recognize these fundamental pieces.
If the group is full of heavy emotion or is unsure how to transition in discussion, the therapist can name what they see and offer suggestions as to what has helped in prior groups.
More Questions About Group Therapy
How big are treatment groups? How often do they meet? Do I have to commit for a specific amount of time?
Most of the treatment groups at Pathways Family Therapy, whether at our central San Diego office or our Chula Vista office, hold up to 6 participants. We keep the groups small and focused, as this offers an optimal blend of personalized content and manageable social minutia.
Groups typically meet weekly or every-other week, based on the needs and availability of participants. While some groups are “closed” groups, keeping the same participants throughout a fixed treatment duration, other groups are “open,” allowing new members to join along the way with no fixed number of meetings until the group concludes.
Do I still need to see a Psychiatrist or a Therapist if I’m doing Group Therapy?
We recommend that you maintain your current treatment regimen as you step into the group therapy process. This is the spin class to compliment your diet and yoga routines. Peer support adds a new layer atop what is already working. It can also help coalesce the gains you’re making in other areas of your life/treatment.
Is there such a thing as Virtual Group Therapy?
You betcha! Virtual groups are a very convenient way to therapeutically engage when distance or time are a barrier. Popular virtual group foci include: psycho-education, parent-teen issues, social anxiety, grief, and transitions.
Where can I find a list of Group Therapy meetings in my area?
A current list of Group Therapy offerings at Pathways Family Therapy can be found here. Psychology Today is another good resource for group therapy options in your area.
Getting Group Therapy Help in San Diego
At Pathways Family Therapy, we believe in the power of group therapy. Each of our therapists have years of experience facilitating groups and are happy to link you with one of our many group options.
Whether it’s social skills development, grief, parent-teen, addiction, trauma, or other life needs, we are here to help!
Written by Jeff Williams, LCSW @ Pathways Family Therapy in San Diego, California
