What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of individuals meet regularly to discuss and explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours under the guidance of a trained therapist. This can be either in person or online. Unlike individual therapy, group therapy offers participants the opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from others who are facing similar challenges.
Benefits of group therapy
- Knowing that others are going through similar things to you – that sense of “me too” can be incredibly comforting and validating.
- Group members often become a source of genuine support to one another. Cheering each other on, offering kind words, and celebrating each other’s wins.
- Hearing how others handle their struggles can open your eyes to new ways of thinking or coping.
- A space to practice communication skills, set boundaries, or just get more comfortable opening up in front of others.
- When you’re struggling, isolation can make things worse, so group therapy can provide an opportunity to connect with other people and feel part of something bigger.
- Group sessions are often more budget-friendly, which can help to make it more accessible.
The drawbacks of group therapy
- Since the therapist’s focus is shared among the group, you might not get as much one-on-one time as you would in individual therapy.
- Talking about personal issues in front of strangers can feel intimidating, especially at first – it may take time to feel safe enough to share your own story.
- Group dynamics can be tricky and sometimes personalities clash, or one person might dominate the conversation, which can affect how comfortable you feel participating in the group.
- Group therapy isn’t a good fit for every issue or person. Some people may need more focused, individual support depending on what they’re going through. This is something that will be assessed and discussed in the pre-group assessment meeting and from there a decision can be made on whether group therapy is the right fit for you.
Who might benefit most from group therapy?
People who:
- Have difficulties in relationships, whether that’s social anxiety, trust issues, assertiveness, or conflict resolution. The group acts as a microcosm of the real world, offering a safe space to practice communication and get feedback.
- Are in recovery from addiction or people dealing with life transitions such as grief, divorce and identity changes as the shared experiences and mutual support can be huge here.
- Struggle with isolation or loneliness also benefit a lot, because the connection and validation in group therapy can be incredibly healing.
- Are willing to reflect and grow from others’ perspectives as group therapy often involves giving and receiving feedback.
Online therapy groups currently on offer