As mental health treatments become increasingly destigmatized, individual therapy is often upheld as the best way to address everything from anxiety to depression to bipolar disorder—and that’s great! But there’s more than one way to explore mental health treatments, and that includes looking beyond one-on-one appointments with a therapist.
For many, mental health group therapy can be an excellent solution, either on a standalone basis or in conjunction with individual counseling. By exploring challenges in a group setting, it’s possible to learn from others in similar situations, benefit from increased exposure to symptoms and treatments and appreciate new perspectives.
However, due to the nature of speaking in a larger group or sharing with strangers, a group setting may seem overwhelming and thus off the table for some people. But setting aside the stages of group therapy without trying it can mean missing out on an amazing mental health resource. This is what you need to know about group therapy benefits and what group programs can do for you.
Group Therapy Benefits
While there are number of benefits of group therapy, these are some of the most significant advantages those who embrace the process can expect.
A Supportive Environment
Unlike a one-on-one therapy session, group counseling relies on a larger environment. This means more people to talk to, more insights to take in and more sympathetic ears ready to hear your personal struggles. An environment like this can be incredibly supportive. With kind words and encouragement from more people than a hired therapist, you can find unity and togetherness in a tight-knit, confidential space.
Build Connections
Building connections is one of the biggest benefits of a group therapy program. When in individual treatment, it’s common to feel alone or isolated, as if you’re the only one in the world facing challenges. In a group setting, you can see first-hand that this isn’t true. When sharing and listening in a group dedicated to similar mental health needs, you can form bonds, connections and friendships with others in a safe space. And, should you need a supportive ear or a shoulder to cry on between sessions, you’ll have many people to choose from who understand your circumstances.
Learn Coping Skills and Self-Awareness
There’s a lot to be said for listening to stories from those experiencing the same things you are, including unique perspectives on how other people cope in similar situations. This is often enlightening, either by showing you new ways to address common struggles you may be experiencing or providing a new point of view on how your behaviors come off to others. Regardless, exploring other stories is a key part of the group experience and can help you enhance both coping skills and mental health self-awareness.
Feedback and Accountability
When working in a group setting, you have many different avenues for support. Rather than a single therapist giving you ideas, you’ll have the chance to hear feedback from many angles. In addition, reporting back to a group about progress toward goals can do wonders for accountability. While slip-ups and setbacks are common and expected—no one is perfect, no matter how effective the treatment plan—knowing that you’ll have to discuss your successes and challenges with a larger group can incentivize behavior, even when the going gets tough.
Types of Group Therapy
For some people, group therapy isn’t appealing because it’s perceived as a one-size-fits-all approach to care. However, this isn’t the case; there are multiple group therapy definitions to keep in mind. Who knows—there may be a group therapy type you’ve never considered that would be a perfect approach to ongoing treatment. Some common types of group therapy include:
- Skill development groups: These kinds of group therapies focus on teaching specific skills, like coping skills, management skills and behavioral skills, to improve symptoms, like how to handle anger or depressive symptoms in public settings.
- Psychoeducational groups: These groups unite people with similar diagnoses, like depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders or other common mental illnesses. During sessions, therapists use specialized treatment regimens, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to prompt healing.
- Support groups: Support groups aim to connect people in similar situations who require support in a way that isn’t tied to a particular therapeutic strategy. These groups can also include help for grief, trauma and chronic illness.
- Twelve-step or substance abuse groups: While not directly related to mental health treatment, substance abuse can be a potential issue for those struggling to cope with mental health challenges. These groups support overcoming addiction and promote lasting sobriety.
No matter where you are in your journey toward a healthy mental state, your accomplishments are worth celebrating. And if you feel you need additional help, our team is always here. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options and ways to best approach mental wellness, healthiness and happiness.