This type of psychotherapy involves one or several therapists who work with a small group of patients. It can be an extremely effective treatment option for a wide variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.
What Is Group Therapy Used For?
Group therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health issues. It is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, it can also be used to treat other conditions, such as eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 1
What Happens In a Group Therapy Session?
In a group therapy session, you will meet with a therapist and a small group of people who are dealing with similar issues. You will discuss your thoughts and feelings and work on coping strategies. The therapist will guide the discussion and offer support. This has proven to be effective in many different group therapy sessions.
Types of Group Therapy
There are various types of group therapy, but all center around helping individuals feel comfortable discussing sensitive personal issues with others facing similar challenges. The most common types will be detailed below.
Psychoeducational Group Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on teaching its members about a certain topic. The aim is to help people understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on changing the way people think and behave. The goal is to help people manage their emotions and improve their problem-solving skills. 2
Interpersonal Group Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on the relationships between group members. Its goal is to improve their communication and social skills.
Skills Development Group Therapy
Skills development group therapy is also known as “process-oriented group therapy.” In this type of therapy, the focus is on developing skills to cope with life’s challenges. This might include learning to communicate effectively, manage emotions, set boundaries, or deal with conflict.
Support Groups
Support group therapy focuses on a particular issue or challenge that group members are facing. This type of therapy can be helpful for people dealing with chronic illness, addiction, grief, and more.
Group Therapy Techniques and Activities
Group therapy is a type of counseling that involves a small group of people coming together to discuss their common issues and experiences. This type of therapy can be beneficial for many people, as it allows individuals to share their stories and feelings with others who are going through similar things. Group therapy can also provide support and guidance from a professional counselor or therapist.
Many different types of group therapy activities and techniques can be used to help the participants. Some of these activities may include:
Lighthouse
The lighthouse activity is a great way to get people to talk and share their experiences. This activity involves each person in the group sharing one thing they are struggling with and one thing that brings them joy. 3
Icebreaker Activity
An icebreaker activity is a great way to get people comfortable with each other and start a discussion. This activity can involve something as simple as going around the room and sharing one interesting fact about yourself.
Joyful Memory
The joyful memory activity is a great way to get people thinking positively about their lives. Each group member will share a memory that brings them happiness and joy in this activity.
Expressive Writing
Expressive writing is a great way for people to get their feelings and experiences down on paper. This activity can involve writing about a particular topic or sharing something you have been struggling with.
Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that can be said to oneself to help improve self-esteem and confidence. Each group member will share an affirmation that they find helpful in this activity.
What Conditions Can Group Therapy Help With?
Group therapy can help with a wide variety of mental health conditions; these will be discussed further below.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Group therapy can help people with generalized anxiety disorder by teaching them healthy coping mechanisms and helping to reduce their anxiety.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Group therapy can help people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning. 4
Drug Misuse
Group therapy can help people misusing drugs by providing support and accountability and helping them develop a plan to stop using drugs.
Depression
Group therapy can help people with depression by providing social support, helping them to develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improving their self-esteem.
Anger Management
Group therapy can help people with anger management issues by teaching them healthy ways to express their anger and manage their triggers.
Panic Disorder
Group therapy can help people with panic disorder by teaching them healthy coping mechanisms and helping them to identify and avoid their triggers.
Phobias
Through exposure therapy, group therapy can help people with phobias, which gradually exposes them to their fear in a safe and controlled environment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Group therapy can help people with PTSD by providing social support, helping them to process their trauma, and teaching them healthy coping mechanisms.
Group Therapy Benefits
Group therapy offers many benefits that you may not find in individual therapy, including:
Accountability
In group therapy, you are accountable to the other group members. This can help you stay on track and motivated to work on your issues.
Offers a Sounding Board
Group therapy provides a sounding board for your ideas and feelings. The other group members can offer feedback, perspective, and support.
Cost Less Than Individual Therapy
Group therapy is often more affordable than individual therapy.
Helps You Grow
Group therapy can help you grow in your personal development. The group setting can provide a safe space to explore new ideas and ways of being.
Self-Discovery
In group therapy, you can discover more about yourself. The group setting can provide a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Provides a Safe Space
Group therapy provides a safe and supportive space to share your thoughts and feelings. The group setting can help you feel less alone and more connected to others.
Joining a Group
Group therapy can be a valuable complement to individual therapy. It can provide support and perspective that may help make treatment progress. If you are interested in joining group therapy, consult with a physician. They can help you find a group that is right for you based on your personal preferences.
Explore Therapy and Healing at Genesis Recovery
If you or your loved one could benefit from group therapy, or other forms of therapy, we are here to support you. Reach out to Genesis Recovery today to begin healing; we will equip you with the necessary tools and techniques to maintain and achieve long-lasting wellness.
