Why Seek Group Therapy?

Written by: Sabriya Charles, MA, NCC, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern | Fruits of Freedom Counseling

Therapy is a wonderful experience to help you find mental soundness, gain clarity, overcome trauma, and create new patterns of living. While most people think of the benefits of individual therapy, it is important to consider just how helpful group therapy can be in your journey to healing. The beautiful part of group therapy is that is can be done alone or in conjunction with individual therapy and you can attend different types of therapy groups at the same time.

Here are a few other reasons to seek group therapy:

It can provide perspective. Group therapy is an excellent space to have multiple viewpoints and perspectives present to address your situation. You are in for a recipe of success when you have the baseline of a guiding evidence-based provider and group members ready to help you take on your issues to reach your goals. Hearing how others approach their challenges can inspire new ways of thinking and coping. The diversity of experiences within a group can broaden your understanding of your own situation and offer fresh strategies for managing it.

You might save some money. It is often cheaper to seek group therapy than it is to seek individual therapy, especially if you are paying out of pocket. Group therapy is often a reduced rate to accommodate with shared time amongst other group members so you can often attend for a fraction of an individual group rate.

There is additional accountability. Unlike individual therapy, where your main source of accountability is your provider, group therapy has additional group members in the mix. They are likely going to want to know how things went between sessions, and they may be willing to ask you if you completed tasks that you had agreed to do. It can mean a lot more when you can bring news back to a whole group of people you trust to cheer you on! And it is a safe space to vent when you fall short in reaching your goals as your group can reinvigorate and motivate you to get back into the game.

The space can help you get more social. We are living in a very isolated world and things get lonely really quickly. Group therapy is a great way to get a community to lean on even if it is for just a period of time. Also, group therapy is an excellent way to practice social skills in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you struggle with social anxiety, communication difficulties, or relationship issues, group therapy provides a space to interact with others and receive feedback in real-time.

It fosters safe harbor and community. One of the most significant benefits of group therapy is the sense of community it fosters. In a group setting, you’ll meet others who are facing similar challenges. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others can help you realize that you’re not alone in your struggles. This shared understanding creates a supportive environment where you can feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings.

Group therapy is an excellent way to get your therapy journey off the ground if you are on the fence in getting started. It is typically a bit lower stakes than individual therapy since all of the focus is not on you. If you are already in individual therapy, group therapy might be a great way to ensure you lock in those skills you are learning and stay motivated to maintain the changes you are making.

Learn more about the concepts within the design of therapy groups by accessing our Group Therapy Guide. Find a group therapy experience today!