Group Therapy

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where one or more therapists work with several people at the same time. It provides a supportive environment where you can share experiences, learn from others, and practice new skills with people who understand similar challenges.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

• What Is Group Therapy?
• Types of Group Therapy
• Benefits of Group Therapy
• What to Expect in Group Therapy
• Common Group Therapy Formats
• Group Therapy Techniques
• Challenges in Group Therapy
• Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy
• Preparing for Group Therapy
• Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy
• Finding the Right Group
• Online Group Therapy
• Specialised Group Therapy Approaches
• When Group Therapy Might Not Be Right
• Making the Most of Group Therapy
• Related Terms
• References

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy involves a small group of people (typically 6-12 members) who meet regularly with one or more trained therapists. The group provides a safe space to explore feelings, behaviours, and relationships while receiving support and feedback from both the therapist and other group members.

Key characteristics of group therapy include:

Shared Experience: Group members often share similar challenges, creating a sense of understanding and connection.

Peer Support: You receive encouragement and feedback not just from the therapist, but from others who understand your struggles.

Interpersonal Learning: The group setting allows you to practice communication and relationship skills in real-time.

Cost-Effective Treatment: Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy while still providing professional support.

Types of Group Therapy

Process Groups: Focus on interpersonal relationships and communication patterns. Members explore how they relate to others and work on relationship skills.

Psychoeducational Groups: Provide education about specific conditions or skills, such as anxiety management or communication techniques.

Support Groups: Offer emotional support and practical advice for people dealing with similar challenges, such as grief or chronic illness.

Skills-Based Groups: Teach specific techniques like DBT skills, anger management, or social skills training.

Therapy Groups for Specific Conditions: Target particular mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or substance use.

Time-Limited vs. Ongoing Groups: Some groups meet for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended with members joining and leaving over time.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Multiple Perspectives: Group members offer different viewpoints and solutions you might not have considered.

Interpersonal Skills Practice: The group setting provides a safe place to practice communication, assertiveness, and relationship skills.

Modelling and Learning: You can learn new coping strategies by observing how others handle similar challenges.

Accountability and Support: Group members encourage each other to work toward goals and provide accountability for change.

Cost Effectiveness: Group therapy typically costs less than individual therapy while still providing professional guidance.

Real-Time Feedback: You receive immediate feedback about your communication style and interpersonal patterns.

What to Expect in Group Therapy

Group Rules and Guidelines: Groups establish confidentiality agreements and behavioural guidelines to create a safe environment for all members.

Session Structure: Groups typically meet weekly for 60-90 minutes. Sessions may include check-ins, skill-building exercises, and group discussions.

Group Dynamics: You'll experience various group dynamics as relationships develop and members work through challenges together.

Participation Expectations: While you won't be forced to share, active participation generally leads to better outcomes.

Common Group Therapy Formats

Open Groups: New members can join at any time as others complete treatment or leave the group.

Homogeneous Groups: Members share similar diagnoses, experiences, or demographics (e.g., all have depression or all are teenagers).

Heterogeneous Groups: Members have diverse backgrounds and challenges, providing varied perspectives and experiences.

Structured Groups: Follow a specific curriculum or protocol with planned activities and topics for each session.

Unstructured Groups: Allow discussions to emerge naturally based on members' current concerns and needs.

Group Therapy Techniques

Process Commentary: The therapist helps the group notice and discuss patterns of interaction and communication.

Role Playing: Members practice difficult conversations or situations in a safe environment with feedback from others.

Feedback Exercises: Structured opportunities for members to give and receive honest, constructive feedback about their behaviour.

Psychodrama: Using dramatic techniques to explore emotions and relationships through role-playing and enactment.

Challenges in Group Therapy

Group Dynamics: Conflicts between members or difficult personalities can create challenges that need to be addressed.

Confidentiality Concerns: While groups have confidentiality agreements, some people worry about privacy with multiple participants.

Pace of Treatment: Progress may feel slower than individual therapy since time and attention are shared among group members.

Personality Conflicts: Not everyone will get along, and learning to work through interpersonal difficulties is part of the process.

Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy

Those Dealing with Grief: Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can be particularly healing.

Individuals with Substance Use Issues: Peer support and accountability are crucial components of addiction recovery.

People with Depression: Group support can help combat isolation and provide hope through connection with others.

Those Working on Relationship Skills: The group setting offers real-time practice for communication and interpersonal skills.

Preparing for Group Therapy

Commit to Participation: Regular attendance and active participation lead to better outcomes for yourself and other group members.

Be Open to Feedback: Prepare to receive honest feedback from others and consider their perspectives, even when it's difficult to hear.

Respect Confidentiality: Commit to keeping what's shared in group confidential and expect the same from others.

Practice Patience: Building trust and seeing progress in group therapy often takes time.

Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy

• Multiple perspectives and support sources
• Opportunity to practice interpersonal skills
• Cost-effective treatment option
• Reduced sense of isolation
• Real-time feedback about behaviour

Advantages of Individual Therapy

• Personalised attention and focus
• Greater privacy and confidentiality
• Ability to work at your own pace
• More flexibility in scheduling and topics
• Deeper exploration of personal issues

Combining Both: Many people benefit from participating in both individual and group therapy simultaneously.

Finding the Right Group

Group Composition: Consider whether you'd prefer a group with people who share your specific challenges or a more diverse group.

Therapist Qualifications: Ensure the group leader has appropriate training and experience in group therapy.

Logistics: Consider practical factors like meeting times, location, cost, and duration.

Trial Period: Many groups allow you to attend a few sessions to see if it's a good fit before making a long-term commitment.

Online Group Therapy

Benefits of Online Groups

• Greater accessibility for people with mobility or transportation issues
• Ability to participate from home
• Access to specialised groups not available locally
• Reduced travel time and costs

Challenges of Online Groups

• Technology issues can disrupt sessions
• Some people find it harder to connect virtually
• Privacy concerns in home environments
• Reduced ability to read body language and nonverbal cues

Specialised Group Therapy Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Groups: Focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.

Trauma-Informed Groups: Specifically designed for people who have experienced trauma, with emphasis on safety and empowerment.

Addiction Recovery Groups: Support people in recovery from substance use disorders through peer support and accountability.

Family Therapy Groups: Include family members to work on communication and relationship patterns.

When Group Therapy Might Not Be Right

Inability to Respect Boundaries: Those who can't maintain appropriate boundaries or confidentiality may not be suitable for group settings.

Extreme Social Anxiety: Some people may need individual therapy to build basic social skills before joining a group.

Personality Conflicts: If someone consistently disrupts the group or creates conflict, individual therapy might be more appropriate.

Making the Most of Group Therapy

Participate Actively: Share your experiences and offer support to others when appropriate.

Be Honest: Authentic sharing leads to more meaningful connections and better outcomes.

Listen Actively Pay attention to others' experiences and consider how their insights might apply to your situation.

Practice Skills Outside Group: Apply what you learn in group to your daily life and relationships.

Related Terms

• Therapy - General category that includes group therapy
• Support Systems - Group therapy provides important peer support
• Social Anxiety Disorder - Condition that group therapy can help address

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Group therapy. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy

American Group Psychotherapy Association. (2023). About Group Psychotherapy. https://www.agpa.org/home/developing-healthy-communities/about-group-psychotherapy

Malhotra, A., & Baker, J. (2024). Group therapy. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Group therapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/group-therapy

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're considering group therapy, consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if it's appropriate for your specific situation.