About Group Therapy
Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy in which a small group of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. Group psychotherapy is widely used and has been a standard treatment option for over 50 years.
Each of us exists in group environments-our families, schools, organized activities or work. These are the environments in which we grow and develop as human beings. Group psychotherapy is no different. It provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other.
Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety. It helps people make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
Group therapy works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual therapy, group therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes more effective, In cases of medical illness, there is substantial evidence that this form of therapy help people cope better with their illness, enhance the quality of their lives and , in some cases, such as breast cancer, has even been shown to help people live longer.
Commonly Asked Questions
How does group therapy work?
The group therapist selects people (usually 5 to 8) who would be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another. In the group meetings, patients are encouraged to talk with each other in a spontaneous and honest fashion. The therapist provides productive examination of the issues or concerns affecting the individuals and the group by guiding the discussion.
If someone is in group, do they also need individual therapy?
It depends on the individual. Sometimes group therapy is used as the only treatment approach. Sometimes it is used along with individual therapy. Often people find that working simultaneously in both individual and group therapy stimulates growth in mutually complementary ways.
How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?
Under the guidance of a professional, group therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships. Group therapy also provides individuals an opportunity to work on specific problems or challenges. The psychotherapy group is different from support and self-help in that it not only helps people cope with their problems, but also provides an opportunity for change and growth. Support groups, which are generally led by professionals, help people cope with difficult situations at various times, but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms, but not growth. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.
Why is group therapy useful?
Joining a group is useful because it provides opportunities to learn with and from other people. You learn to understand your own patterns of thought and behavior and those of others. In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you are not as different as you think or that you are not alone. You also have an opportunity to increase self-esteem by helping others.
Will there be people with similar problems in my group?
Part of the therapist's role is to evaluate each member’s problems prior to having them join the group. Usually there is a mix of members who can learn from each other. While some members will have similar circumstances, it is not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?
The time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent of your problems. Short-term groups devoted to specific, concrete issues may last anywhere from 6 to 20 weeks. In open-ended groups, individuals work at their own pace and leave when their particular needs or goals have been met.
What if I am uncomfortable discussing my personal problems in front of others?
It is not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but soon you begin to develop feelings of trust. Most patients find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others who are experiencing similar problems-in a private, safe, confidential setting.
Who Can Benefit?
Like individual therapy, group psychotherapy can benefit almost anyone. Some of the issues typically addressed include:
- Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
- Depression and anxiety
- Medical illness
- Loss
- Trauma
- Personality Disorders
- Addictive Disorders
The Group Therapy Session
The group therapy session is a collaborative effort in which the therapist assumes clinical responsibility for the group and its members. In a typical session, members work to express their own problems, feelings, ideas, and reactions freely and honestly as possible. Such exploration gives the group important information needed to understand and help one another. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues, but also become “therapeutic helpers” for other members.