Mental health is super important and has been the main topic for the last couple of years. Taking care of yourself also means taking care of your mental health. Therapy services have been on the rise, especially as a result of the pandemic. Speaking to a professional is highly beneficial to one’s mental health. Therapy is offered on an individual basis, one to one, as well as family therapy, couples therapy, and topic focused group therapy.
Group therapy is a form of therapy generally offered by a certified/licensed provider to a group of people dealing with a mutual issue. People are embracing this kind of therapy because they have the benefit of learning from others dealing with the same issue under the supervision of a certified/licensed provider. If you have been considering therapy and don’t really want to do it alone, this might be the type of therapy for you.
Many people use group therapy alone as their form of therapy. Others may prefer individual therapy and group therapy sessions. In general, it is up to you what you want to do. Thankfully you can try out both forms of therapy and choose what’s best for you. You should keep in mind that any form of therapy is a process unique to the individual.
Let’s dive deeper into therapy groups and how & why they work.
Benefits of Therapy Groups
Therapy groups are a primary form of mental health treatment that’s been around for years. Therapy groups are available for people of all ages, which is part of what makes them effective. Therapy groups focus on a common goal related to everyday experiences with the help of one or more therapists/co-facilitators. The interactions between the group members are part of the treatment. They gain the benefit of learning from each other’s experience as well as organized materials.
Knowing the benefits of joining a support or therapy group can help you decide whether it’s for you. So, here they are:
Therapy Groups For Adults
- Promote self-improvement
- Allows participants to support team members
- Helps with developing social skills
- Allows for Role Modelling
- Combats isolation
- Helps develop self-awareness
- Strengthens feeling of responsibility
- Assist with understanding behavioral and internal stimuli
- Provides a safe space
- Allows for interaction, observation, and feedback from a professional therapist
Ultimately there are several advantages to being a part of a therapy group. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right one for you.
Types of Therapy Groups for Adults
One of the great things about group therapy is that they come in different forms. Groups can be large or small, according to the type and purpose of the group. Groups can be focused on one issue shared by the group members, or they may address more than one issue. On average, groups range from 4 to 12 people. Groups are generally scheduled once a week for 50 mins to an hour. There are two types of groups; Open or Closed. Open groups allow participants to join the group at any interval and are generally ongoing. Closed groups are usually time sensitive with a set number of group sessions, in which members can only join within a specified time.
The 5 Types of Therapy Groups
Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThis centers on recognizing and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses. Interpersonal Therapy GroupsThis group focuses on interpersonal relationships and social interactions. That includes speaking on how much support participants get from others and how that impacts their mental health. Psychoeducational Therapy GroupsThis focuses on educating participants about their mental health disorders. Participants get to share how they cope and the tools they use every day that make living with the disorder or condition more manageable.Skill Development Therapy GroupsThis centers on improving the social skills of those with developmental disabilities and mental disorders.Support GroupsThese types of groups provide a range of benefits for people going through the same conditions or situations.
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Difference Between A Therapy Group & Support Group
While both support groups and therapy groups offer support, the goal of group therapy is to help members change, while the goal of support groups is to help members cope. They are similar in that people in similar situations come together to work toward a common cope of wellbeing. What makes them different are their goals. For a therapy group, participants are looking to change something. In contrast, those in support groups are trying to find a way to cope with a situation.
These differences should always be considered. In addition, support groups have a general theme—for example, parents with sick children or adults who just lost loved ones. In comparison, therapy groups have more conversations on various mental topics. By choosing a therapy group, you can speak your mind on different issues and find a way to change, and that is the goal.
Find a Therapy Group
Group therapy is a form of therapy that has been around for years and does work. It’s all about finding the right one for you. If you’re thinking about joining a therapy group but don’t know where to find them, we’ve got you covered. You could always search for therapy groups for adults near me or visit the MyCHN.org website. We have a great list of groups that you can look at and choose which is the best in-person or virtual group for you to join. Check us out our BH groups, and if you have any questions or you’re ready to register, feel free to contact 281-824-1480.
Sign Up For Group Therapy At MyCHN
Resources
Life Stance Health: Group support vs. Support Group- What’s Right For You
Kentucky Mental Health Care: Mental Health Group Therapy
Positive Psychology: Your Ultimate Group Therapy Guide
Very Well Mind: What Is Group Therapy?
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health-related topics. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult your healthcare provider and seek professional medical treatment. Some of the information and content in this blog has linked materials. The links should and are not intended to be construed as medical advice and should not be supplemented as medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, locate emergency services or dial 911.
