Group Therapy: What Therapists Want You to Know
Have you ever considered group therapy?
Many people have an idea of group therapy as something that is awkward or ineffective, but many people actually find it to be a helpful source of support. Group therapy can be effective on its own as well as in conjunction with individual therapy.
When you think of therapy, you might automatically imagine sitting in a room, one-on-one with a therapist, but that’s not the only style of therapy that can be helpful. Like individual therapy, group therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, and it has many benefits to consider.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is what it sounds like - a small group of people, usually facing similar challenges or circumstances, who meet regularly with a therapist to share experiences, offer support, and practice new coping strategies together.
Unlike one-on-one therapy, where the focus is solely on you and your personal struggles, group therapy provides you an opportunity to connect with others, hear new perspectives, and realize that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing. While it may feel unfamiliar at first, the support, community, shared understanding, validation, and insights you gain from a group setting can be deeply healing and transformative.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy can be a gathering of people talking about their problems, but it’s also more than that. It’s a structured, therapist-facilitated space designed to help you heal, grow, and learn.
These are some of the benefits of choosing group therapy:
Guidance from a professional
Therapy groups are typically led by a licensed therapist who ensures a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Group therapy facilitators provide psychoeducation about the challenges that members are experiencing, and teach coping skills that can help members navigate those challenges more effectively. Whether it’s strategies to manage distress, tools for improving communication, or insights into emotional regulation, group members receive expert guidance throughout the process.
Connection and validation
One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is the realization that you are not alone. When you’re struggling with your mental health or a challenging situation, it’s easy to feel isolated and even hopeless. In a group setting, you’ll meet others who have faced similar challenges and can relate to your experiences. You’ll hear stories of things that helped them, and things that didn’t. You may even find your sense of hope restored as you hear from people who have gone through what you’re going through. It’s incredibly reassuring and uplifting to receive support and validation from people who have been where you are. In addition, the connections you build in a group can help you feel more confident in connecting with others in the future.
Lowering shame and stigma
While it’s becoming less taboo to discuss mental health struggles, many people still feel a sense of shame for what they’re going through. Group therapy helps normalize mental health challenges, which can help lower the sense of shame you feel. When you see others openly discussing their struggles, it becomes easier to acknowledge your own without judgment.
It’s often more affordable
One great thing about group therapy is that it’s often more affordable than individual therapy while allowing you to access professional mental health support. For those who may not be able to afford weekly one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy can be a more financially accessible way to receive guidance and support.
Offers new perspectives
Members of therapy groups gain insight, not only from the therapist, but also from each other. You will hear perspectives that you may not have considered before, and you’ll get to hear how others have navigated challenges similar to yours. Learning how others have approached similar situations can be eye-opening and inspiring.
Builds confidence
Learning how to talk confidently in a group of people is a great skill that will help you outside of the therapy group. In addition, group therapy can help you improve your social skills in a safe, non-judgmental setting, so you can feel more confident interacting with others outside of therapy.
Provides accountability and motivation
It can be very helpful to find a source of accountability and motivation when you’re trying to heal and grow. Having a group of people who are rooting for you and who can help you stay on track with your goals can make a huge difference, especially in how you feel. Some people find it motivating to have updates to share with the group.
What happens in a group therapy session?
We often hear about people who are hesitant to join a therapy group because they don’t know what to expect. While every group is slightly different, most follow a structured format designed to create a safe and productive environment for all members, no matter what the focus of the group is. Most group therapy sessions consist of some combination of the following:
Introductions and Check-Ins: Sessions often begin with introductions, as well as a check-in where members can share how they feel or provide updates since the last session.
Discussion Topics and Exercises: The therapist may introduce a specific topic, such as coping with stress, setting boundaries, or improving self-esteem, and guide the group through discussions or exercises.
Sharing and Reflection: Group members will have the opportunity to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings (though if you’re not comfortable sharing, you’re never forced to).
Closing and Takeaways: The session may end with reflections, takeaways, or goal-setting for the week ahead.
Common misconceptions about group therapy
These are some of the most common misconceptions that we hear as therapists about group therapy (and why they shouldn’t stop you from trying group therapy):
It Will Be Awkward
Yes, the first group you attend might feel a little awkward, but that can be true of any new experience! Group therapy facilitators are trained to create a welcoming and supportive environment, and many people quickly find that their initial discomfort fades as they get to know the group and become familiar with how the process works.
I Have to Talk to Benefit
While sharing during group therapy can be beneficial, it’s not a requirement, and you can benefit even if you don’t share. It’s pretty common for new members to listen in the beginning and gradually become more comfortable contributing. Even if you don’t speak much, you can still learn a great deal from hearing others’ experiences and the therapist’s guidance.
It Won’t Be Confidential
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of all therapy, especially group therapy. Just like individual therapy, group members are expected to respect each other’s privacy and maintain confidentiality about what is shared in sessions. Facilitators set clear guidelines to ensure a safe and secure space, and if you have any questions or concerns, it’s okay to bring them up.
People Will Judge Me
It’s very natural to worry about being judged, especially when you're struggling with something as personal as your mental health. Remember that most people in group therapy are experiencing similar challenges and are there to heal and not to judge. In fact, you may find that the therapy group is one of the most understanding and accepting spaces you’ve ever been in, because everyone can relate to one another.
