Group Therapy

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a therapeutic approach where people going through similar challenges or wanting to grow personally come together for support and healing. In a supportive and safe environment, participants gather regularly, facilitated by a trained therapist. They engage in discussions, activities, and exercises designed to encourage empathy, self-reflection, and connection with others.

Participating in group therapy is essential for achieving positive outcomes in both mental health and addiction recovery. Together with family therapy and individual counseling, group therapy offers a structure for peer support and listening. At Steps to Recovery, we emphasize various forms of therapy, especially our group therapy program. Besides providing numerous forms of therapy to clients, we also integrate clients’ families into our sessions.

How does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy sessions generally consist of a small group of individuals, typically ranging from 6 to 12 members, and a skilled therapist who guides the process. Through active participation and thoughtful dialogue, group members share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, promoting personal growth and interpersonal connections. The therapist ensures a respectful and confidential space where everyone can express themselves openly.

How is Group Therapy Different than Individual Therapy?

Group therapy and individual therapy are distinct approaches that offer unique benefits.

While individual therapy focuses on one-on-one sessions with a therapist, group therapy emphasizes the power of shared experiences and peer support. Here are some key differences:

Support Network

In group therapy, you benefit from a supportive community of individuals who are on similar paths. This sense of belonging and connection with others who understand your struggles can be incredibly empowering. In contrast, individual therapy focuses primarily on the relationship between you and your therapist. While the client-therapist bond is important in individual therapy, the support network aspect is less prominent than in group therapy.

Diverse Perspectives

Group therapy exposes you to a range of perspectives and experiences from other group members. Hearing different viewpoints and insights can broaden your understanding of your challenges and provide fresh approaches to problem-solving. In individual therapy, the focus is solely on your personal journey. While the therapist may bring in their expertise, you do not have the benefit of diverse perspectives from peers.

Social Skills Development

Engaging in group therapy offers a unique opportunity to practice and refine social skills in a safe and non-judgmental environment. You can learn effective communication, active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution by interacting with group members. Individual therapy, on the other hand, primarily focuses on your personal growth and may not provide as much emphasis on social skills development.Group therapy emphasizes the support network, diverse perspectives, cost-effectiveness, and social skills development, while individual therapy centers on the client-therapist relationship and focuses exclusively on your personal journey. Each approach has its strengths, and the choice between group therapy and individual therapy depends on your specific needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.