What Exactly is Group Therapy? Could it Work for Me?

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You’ve likely seen many offerings during your time searching for a therapist, or even during your recovery journey, surrounding groups. There are many types of groups used in the therapeutic process, and they all hold their unique advantages when it comes to supporting folks in recovery. Groups are a form of psychotherapy and can be a standalone treatment or used to supplement your existing treatment with your own personal therapist. Groups are typically focused on certain topics such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, or substance use, but they can also center around particular modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Seeking Safety, and many others.

I typically hold groups that combine psychoeducation (which basically means learning more about issues related to mental health and emotional wellbeing), skill-building, and peer support so that each member can get the most out of the experience. I’ve facilitated groups since my start as a therapist, and I’ve heard many concerns folks have about stepping into the group setting.
 

Group isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! It’s my hope that you glean something from this post that supports you in determining whether or not you would like to give it a shot. It’s important to note that my particular approach in combining types of groups is not the standard. Some groups focus on psychoeducation, which means they are aimed at educating you on a particular topic, supporting awareness of how these topics relate to your personal life, and help you develop coping skills related to the chosen area. There are also groups, such as DBT groups, which are focused on skill-building. They may use handouts to provide information on particular skills, then ask you to experiment with said skill outside of the session. They help fill your toolkit with handy tools to pull out and use when needed. There are also groups that focus on general support. They bring folks together in a safe space where they can share their stories and have a sense of fellowship during difficult times. It’s probably true that most groups mix these to a certain extent, but you may find that some focus on certain areas more than others. You can experiment with different types to know exactly what kind of support you’re seeking when you reach out for more information on offerings.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GROUP THERAPY?

So, for starters, what are some types of boundaries?

DEBUNKING GROUP THERAPY MYTHS:

A FEW MORE POINTS ABOUT GROUP THERAPY:

I hope this post has answered some questions or addressed concerns you may have about group therapy. Stay tuned for upcoming posts about the therapeutic process and issues related to mental health in upcoming weeks. Until then, take care!

 

To talk about how you can get started working with a therapist, give Jill a call at 828-407-0243 or send us an email at contact@flourishasheville.com.

Take the first step towards healing.