Group therapy

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more mental health professionals working with several clients at the same time. Group therapy often takes place at mental health clinics, private practices, hospitals, and community centers, usually in addition to a person’s individual sessions. Beyond fostering a sense of solidarity amongst group members, group therapy has several benefits for both clients and therapists, some of them so impressive that some psychologists are calling for every private practice to have at least one group offering.

When is group therapy used?

Group therapy and support groups offer a supportive environment where members can share experiences and learn from each other, which is particularly powerful in addressing specific challenges. Some applications of group therapy include working with people who have the same or similar mental health conditions, or those with histories of substance use or disordered eating.

Group therapy can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Not everyone is ready for group therapy right away, and some people may benefit from individual work before joining a group.

But for those who are ready, the shared experiences within a therapeutic group setting can help diminish feelings of isolation, providing members with a sense of belonging and mutual support. Often, group therapy is utilized for people moving through feelings of grief as well.

For those struggling with addiction, whether it’s to substances like alcohol or drugs, group therapy offers a community of support that is vital for recovery. Discussing challenges and sharing success stories within a support group can enhance motivation and provide strategies for maintaining sobriety.

Additionally, conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder can also be effectively addressed in an in-person group setting, where members can share their experiences and coping strategies. As many forms of group therapy are tailored to provide support for specific communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, group members can share similar life experiences and challenges. Similarly, individuals who have experienced life-altering traumatic events can find groups that cater specifically to PTSD interventions.

How does group therapy work?

Within the supportive environment of group therapy, members share their stories, listen to others, offer and receive feedback, and engage in therapeutic activities. These activities and interventions collectively contribute to each member’s personal growth and healing.

Group therapy leverages several psychological mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness:

• Social support – The group setting naturally provides a network of support where members can feel less isolated in their struggles. This social aspect helps to boost members’ morale and provides a sense of belonging and community.
• Group dynamics – Interacting with others facing similar issues offers unique insights and perspectives that can challenge and motivate members to change and grow. Group dynamics also allow for the development of interpersonal skills, such as communication and empathy, which are often pivotal for personal development.
• Feedback and reflection – Members benefit from both giving and receiving feedback, which fosters deeper self-awareness and insight. Reflecting on the feedback provided by peers and therapists can lead to profound changes in how individuals perceive themselves and their problems.

Is group therapy effective?

Group therapy’s effectiveness lies in a variety of therapeutic factors which exist in a setting that emphasizes shared experiences and mutual support. Through structured group interactions, individuals can experience significant improvements in various areas of their lives, making group therapy a valuable modality in the spectrum of mental health care.

• Instillation of hope – Seeing others progress can instill hope and motivate members to engage more deeply in their own therapy process.
• Universality – Learning that others have similar problems reduces personal shame and isolation, normalizing members’ experiences.
• Altruism – Contributing to the healing of others enhances members’ self-esteem and efficacy, enriching their own therapy experience.
• Imitative behavior – Group members can model positive behaviors and coping skills for one another, learning from each other’s successes and setbacks.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Many groups employ CBT techniques to help members identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns and develop healthier cognitive and behavioral responses.
• Psychoeducational groups – These groups focus on educating members about their conditions and teaching specific skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
• Process groups – In these sessions, the focus is more on the experiences and emotions of the members, providing a deeper understanding of underlying personal issues and interpersonal dynamics.

While group therapy is powerful, it’s important to talk with a mental health professional first to see if it’s the right approach for you.

What is group therapy like?

During a typical group therapy session, group members are encouraged to share their experiences, feelings, and challenges in a safe, confidential setting. The therapist or group leader facilitates these discussions, ensuring that the conversation remains productive and respectful.

Activities in group therapy may include discussion of specific topics, role-playing exercises to practice new skills, and therapeutic exercises that promote self-awareness and insight. These activities are designed to foster group cohesiveness and provide members with practical skills to cope with daily life challenges. Members are often encouraged to reflect on the discussions and apply what they learn in therapy to their personal situations. This reflection can enhance personal growth and the effectiveness of the therapy.

At the start of therapy, the therapist might ask questions to help members articulate their goals for the group, such as, “What brought you to group therapy?” or “What do you hope to achieve by participating?”

Logistical considerations specific to group therapy include confidentiality agreements to make sure that all members feel safe sharing personal information. Therapists also set clear ground rules about participation and interaction to maintain a supportive environment.

Studies have shown that group therapy can be particularly effective for building social skills, improving self-esteem, and learning to manage symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The group setting provides a mirror for individuals to see how others perceive them and offers a forum for receiving feedback and support.

How long does group therapy take?

The structure of group therapy can vary, but it generally includes a series of sessions where members meet regularly, often weekly, for an hour or two at a time. The number of sessions can vary depending on the group’s focus, ranging from a few weeks to ongoing sessions that last for several months or even longer.

How to find a group therapist

If you think group therapy might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice group therapy, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.

On top of finding someone who practices group therapy, you want to make sure they meet your other needs. For example, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder, you’ll want to find a group therapist who also specializes in treating eating disorders. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.

You can find a group therapist who accepts your insurance by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Group Therapy” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.