The Benefits of Group Therapy

If you’ve never tried group therapy, it’s hard to imagine how spilling your guts to a bunch of strangers can help you with your mental health, but once you explore how it works, we think you’ll be surprised.

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where one or more therapists work with a small group of patients who share similar issues.

Here at Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, Dr. Lawrence Abah and our team of specialists take the mystery out of group therapy and explain its invaluable benefits: personal insights, practical support, and a sense of belonging.

Group therapy for all needs and reasons 

Group therapy has multiple faces and personalities. It shifts and adjusts to meet the needs of people in all walks of life, in all circumstances, and every stage of mental health. 

Here are some of its most common forms:

• Cognitive behavioral groups: Help you identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier behaviors.
• Interpersonal groups: Focus on improving social interactions and providing a support network. You work on developing better communication skills and forming stronger relationships.
• Skills development groups: Teach you specific skills to improve your daily life, such as anger management or stress reduction.
• Support groups: Provide a safe space to share your experiences and offer and receive encouragement and understanding.

Now that you know the types of group therapy, we’ll further explore the benefits.

1. Building a support network

One of the most significant benefits of group therapy is the camaraderie it fosters among participants. When you join a group, you're surrounded by people facing similar challenges. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ stories can be incredibly validating and comforting.

Feeling understood

Knowing that others are going through similar struggles can be a relief. It creates a sense of belonging and community.

Gaining perspective

Listening to different viewpoints and approaches to similar problems broadens your understanding and helps you see your situation in a new light.

Accountability and motivation

Due to the supportive environment in group therapy, participants often feel motivated to make positive changes. Hearing about others’ successes can be inspiring and encourage you to stay committed to your goals.

2. Learning new coping strategies

Group therapy sessions aren’t just about sharing experiences; they’re also an opportunity to learn new ways of coping with difficult situations. Our therapists guide your group and give you strategies for managing specific issues.

Practical techniques

We guide each group with customized, scientifically tested methods. For example, you might learn relaxation techniques and constructive ways to express emotions in an anger-management group.

Real-life applications

Through group interactions, you can see how others apply these strategies in their daily lives, gaining practical insights and examples to follow.

Continuous improvement

Group therapy encourages ongoing learning and growth. Over time, you refine your skills and gain new tools that lead to lasting change.

3. Boosting confidence and self-esteem

The supportive environment of group therapy allows you to express yourself freely and validates your feelings, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

Positive feedback

Receiving feedback from peers can be empowering. It helps you recognize your strengths and areas for improvement in a nonjudgmental setting.

Overcoming social anxiety

Interacting with others in a structured environment alleviates social anxiety, allowing you to build better social skills and confidence.

Celebrating progress

Acknowledging your achievements within the group reinforces your self-worth and motivates you to stay the course.

4. Confidentiality and trust

Group therapy works best when everyone trusts one another, so confidentiality is a vital aspect of our sessions. While participants aren’t bound by the same ethics as therapists, they usually agree to maintain confidentiality outside the group.

Creating a safe space

Confidentiality agreements foster trust among group members, promoting honest and open communication. 

Respect and empathy

Everyone in your group is in the same boat. That shared understanding encourages respect for each other’s privacy and experiences.

Building trust

Over time, the trust developed within the group allows for deeper connections and more meaningful therapeutic experiences.

Is group therapy right for you?

Group therapy can be an invaluable addition to your treatment, whether you’re dealing with a challenging relationship, want to improve your communication skills, or suffer from a mental health issue, such as:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Eating disorder
• Substance abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression 

Group therapy can be a stand-alone aid or a complementary part of your overall treatment. 

Talk with our mental health professionals to determine if group therapy aligns with your goals and challenges. Call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora or Chicago, Illinois, or Las Vegas, Nevada, for an appointment, or request one online. We also offer telepsychiatry services.