Group therapy is a form of counseling in which a small number of clients can be seen by a counselor or therapist, typically once per week in a group setting. In the course of this therapy, clients may discuss their own concerns and experiences as well as learn from and help each other. Although group therapy has been around for decades, it has only recently received much attention in clinical training and practice.
Despite the fact that most people naturally feel nervous about the prospect of group-based treatments, most people find that they actually prefer groups after trying them out for a few sessions. This is because group counseling offers unique benefits, including:
- Learning from and helping others: Individuals in a group can offer each other feedback and support. Clients within a group can trade tips and learn how to handle problems they share in common.
- Establishing accountability: Individuals within a group often seek to do better thanks to the encouragement of their peers, which can mean working harder to improve themselves or the way they handle certain situations.
- Eliminating feelings of isolation: Many people may feel isolated due to their mental health struggles, however group counseling shows you that you are not alone and that there are others who struggle with similar issues.
- Acting as a support network: Group counseling is a supportive environment. Clients who attend group therapy sessions can work together to tackle challenges and also offer advice and support to one another.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I benefit from group counseling?
Group counseling is recommended for individuals with a history of anxiety, depression, life adjustment, self-injury, or challenges with regulating emotions. Depending on your unique circumstance, group counseling may be recommended instead of or in addition to individual counseling.
At Transitions Counseling, we offer the following group counseling sessions at all our locations, as well as through telehealth:
- Pre-Adolescent
- Adolescent
- Emerging Adults
- Adult
- Parent Group
Since dates and times vary, please call our office for more information.
What should I expect during a group counseling session?
At Transitions Counseling, groups focus on learning dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills such as: core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation. The ultimate goal is for participants to build on their strengths and learn new skills for responding to intense emotion, conflict, or crisis. Groups meet for 90 minute sessions once a week and most participants attend for 12 weeks or more. New skills are presented weekly and options for developing skills outside of formal sessions are provided to help participants put these skills into practice.
At weekly group counseling sessions, no more than 12 participants will meet with a Transitions Counseling therapist. During the 90 minute session, participants will reflect on their past week, discuss struggles, and then learn a new skill for the upcoming week.
Do I need to share during group counseling sessions?
Group counseling sessions work best when there is open and honest communication between group members. Many people in a particular group will have similar struggles and some may be more willing to share than others. With that being said, it is up to you to determine how much you are willing to share with the other participants and there will be no pressure to share before you are ready.
