5 surprising benefits of group therapy

For some people, group therapy can be more productive than individual therapy. Groups consist of anywhere from four to 10 people and meetings can be weekly for up to 90 minutes. These meetings can also meet anywhere from a few weeks, months or even years. Group therapy is helpful in the following ways:

1. Group therapy helps one to realize they are not alone.

 Although everyone's situation is unique, none of us are alone with our struggles. Other "secrets" are similar in some ways. Group therapy can reduce the feeling of isolation and alienation. It can create a sense of togetherness and help normalize an individual situation.

2. Group therapy facilitates giving and receiving support.

One misapprehension about group therapy is that members take turns receiving individual therapy from the therapist while others sit and observe, however, instead of looking for therapy from a clinician, members are encouraged to turn to each other for support, feedback, and connection.

3. Group therapy helps you become more aware of your own feelings and needs by expressing them.

   Members of group therapy are encouraged to try to notice how they are feeling during the session and to talk openly about it. Some people do not recognize their feelings when they are interacting with others because it may be difficult to do this while they are connecting with others.

4. Group therapy helps you relate to others and also yourself in a more healthy way.

    Sometimes people do not understand why a relationship continues to fail.  A group gives the feeling of being in a safe atmosphere where members can give honest feedback from others.  Group therapy provides the opportunity to see how people can relate to others or relate to themselves. Members can see that they have choices available to them. They are able to get out of relational ruts and are motivated to undo unhealthy patterns that were not benefiting them.

5. Group therapy provides a safety net.

  In some group therapy settings, members may have issues with being genuine and being able to speak up for themselves in their own lives.  These skills can be learned in a group setting, and as a result, their confidence becomes stronger. If you know you can report back to a group of peers about an experience, and they will listen and support you, a sense of braveness is created. Knowing that someone will catch you if you fall gives you the courage to leap. The group has become your safety net.  At times it can be helpful to attend both group and individual therapy as one form may work better than another form for certain individuals. Group therapy may not work for everyone, but it certainly is worth the try depending on your situation.