The Benefits Of Group Therapy

Typically when we think of therapy we think of one on one meetings with a licensed therapist week after week. But maybe you’ve tried individual therapy and it hasn’t worked for you. Maybe you’re in individual therapy but you’re looking for more support. Or perhaps you’ve been stuck on a waitlist for months and need another option. Regardless of the reason, group therapy has been shown to be as effective as individual therapy in treating a number of disorders, including depression, anxiety, and grief. Not only are groups as effective, but they can also offer benefits that one on one therapy can’t offer. While both Individual and group therapy are effective, evidenced based forms of treatment, this article will go into more details on the benefits of group therapy as well as prepare you for what to expect or look for when pursuing this type of treatment.

What does group therapy look like? Group therapy can look different depending on the type of group. Some of the different types of groups include: support groups, psychoeducation groups, skills groups, and processing groups. Support groups are often peer led groups that create a comforting space through creating a sense of community and connection. A psychoeducation group is typically led by a mental health professional who is educating participants in a more structured manner through discussion and exercises. Skills groups are also led by a licensed mental health professional who utilize a specific modality to help participants change specific behaviors or cope with a specific challenge (such as anxiety or executive functioning). Finally, a processing group is based on the premise that the interpersonal process and dynamics between group members is beneficial and therapeutic. While all of the types of groups are effective forms of treatment, the type of group you choose will depend on your goals as well as personal preference.

Another factor influencing group structure is whether the group is open or closed. An open group means that participants can come and go throughout the course of the group.  Oftentimes, support groups are open, as they can be ongoing and unstructured. Open groups also allow for more accessibility, as some people may be unable to commit to a regular, weekly group schedule. A closed group means that a set group of participants remain together for the course of the group. This can allow for a greater sense of comfort between group members, as you can form relationships with the same group members over time. A closed group can be more effective at creating the sense of belonging that makes group therapy effective.

Why do groups make a difference? While it may feel vulnerable to be open and honest about your internal thoughts and feelings in a group of complete strangers, this can actually be extremely beneficial! Research shows that a sense of belonging, hope, and purpose are just some of the benefits that individuals gain from group treatment (Marmarosh, et. al., 2022). Oftentimes, shame and stigma exists around mental illness, causing people with severe and persistent mental health conditions to isolate and withdraw from the community. Group therapy, however, creates a space of shared understanding and commonality, for even our most shameful parts. Seeing other group members who we deem to be respectable people, and share the same concerns we do, challenges the belief a participant may have that there is something inherently wrong with them. Research shows when group therapy participants feel a stronger sense of belonging within the group, the treatment is more effective. Other benefits of group therapy, found by Marmarosh et. al. (2022), include increased hope, gratitude, forgiveness and courage. Further, personal accountability and humility were also found to be positive benefits gained in group therapy. 

Interested in experiencing the benefits of group therapy for yourself? In our efforts to broaden our impact in the community and offer the best evidenced based treatments, we are excited to be bringing group therapy to Mind and Body Therapeutic Connections! Coming this August, we will be offering a menopause support, skills and psychoeducational group facilitated by Nikki Plavec, LCMHCA, as a part of our menopause wellness program. In September we will be launching two skills groups: Mood Management and Addressing ADHD. Mood Management is an 8 week, closed group for adults, focusing on tools to understand and manage anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation facilitated by Sarah McCourt, LCMHCA. Our Addressing ADHD group is also an 8 week, closed group for adults to develop tools to tackle motivation, time management and procrastination, facilitated by Brittany Yearwood, LCSWA. Also stay tuned this fall for our Circle of Security Parenting psychoeducational group. Interested in signing up or have a question about which group might be the best fit for you? Give us a call at 919-791-5611 or visit our website.