More than 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Therapy is one of the forms of treatment for a suffering person, which may or may not be combined with the use of medication.
When we talk about the benefits of therapy for depression, the group modality is certainly not the first one that comes to mind, however, this type of therapeutic care is more common and effective than you might think!
In this article, understand better the benefits of group therapy for depression, how it works, and whether it really is for you. Let’s go?
What Is Group Therapy?
A current trend, the practice of group therapy consists of therapeutic care for more than two people. Thus, in addition to contact with the professional, the participant interacts with other people present in the session.
The practice can be focused on free themes or specific discussions and, generally, bringing together participants who have common issues to work on. Thus, the objective of collective development can be considered one of the strengths of group therapy for depression sessions.
Another point of this type of session is that the use of varied techniques is favored. The psychotherapist is more comfortable conducting the service in a more dynamic way and with an exchange of dialogue between participants. Many people think that they will attend a group therapy session and be forced to share their entire life, however, this is a myth related to this type of therapy, you only share what you feel comfortable with.
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What Is Depression Therapy?
Depression changes a person’s mood and way of being. It causes a series of symptoms, such as constant sadness and a feeling of emptiness, which directly affect day-to-day activities. It is not simply a momentary weakness, and it is necessary to seek professional help to overcome it. But how does group therapy work? Group therapy for stress is fundamental in treatment, as it allows:
- Identify triggers – life events that contribute to depression. Treatment helps to find ways to change, accept or adapt to these situations;
- Set goals – realistically for the near or more distant future;
- Reframe beliefs – recognize distorted thought processes or harmful behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, characteristic of depression;
- Develop skills – to deal with symptoms and problems, in addition to identifying or preventing future episodes of depression;
- Regain self-control – and the pleasure in living.
What Are the Types of Group Therapy for Depression?
See, there isn’t just one type of group therapy. The groups change according to the psychologist’s method and the type of main complaint to be treated. Check out.
Cognitive-behavioral Groups
First of all, it is important to say that cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on how life situations affect your emotions and behaviors. Thus, from these situations, you create more constructive thoughts and ways of acting. And in a group context, how does this work?
Here, the group does not need to have defined a common theme. After all, the goal of cognitive testing is for people to suggest new, positive, real thoughts from a situation that caused bad thoughts in you.
Psychoeducational Groups
In the psychoeducation group, the psychologist passes on knowledge to patients and their families that helps them better understand what is happening to each patient. In this way, by having more information about sensitive issues, patients and family members are able to apply strategies that lead to a healthier life for everyone.
These could be topics such as chemical dependency on partners or relatives, how to deal with teenage children in the age of technology, use of psychoactive substances among teenagers or adults, toxic relationships, family violence, illness of a loved one, etc.
Support Groups
Support groups focus on reintegrating the person into the places where they lived. Therefore, other people who are part of that person’s life, such as family and friends, participate in therapy.
Then, experiences, memories, and feelings are exchanged, to improve this person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
As part of the adaptation and reintegration process, people related to the individual practice activities linked to the common good with, such as crafts, physical activity, theater, and volunteer work.
Thematic Groups
Thematic groups aim to give new meaning to traumas. Therefore, reception, validation, and reflection are part of the process of elaborating at personal and group levels the impact of events and the themes that arise from them. And people have the freedom to exchange experiences about personal events.
Thematic groups include people who suffer from physical or verbal violence, racism, prejudice, injustice, and inequalities.
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What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy for Anxiety And Depression?
As you already know, therapy promotes moments of connection with others, and the group therapy benefits we can list are really satisfying:
- Interpersonal contact: Through group therapy, you can open up to dealing with other people, especially when you identify with what is shared with the group
- It encourages the exchange of experiences: understanding the experience of others opens up ways for you to apply what you have learned in your personal life
- Possibility of being welcomed: We often feel alone because we think no one understands us, but with group therapy, these barriers are broken
- Overcoming shyness: By expressing yourself in front of other people you will be practicing your communication skills, and in the long term, overcoming shyness and fear of speaking in public
- Another model option: Group therapy for depression is an additional service option for patients, in addition to the traditional service model between just the psychologist and the person being served.
- Development of social skills: People who undergo this type of therapy consequently become more empathetic and open to listening to others. There is no doubt no one can deny the importance of group therapy.
What Is A Major Benefit of Group Therapy?
Shared support and diverse perspectives. Group therapy fosters a sense of community, offering understanding, empathy, and shared solutions.
Conclusion
Anyone who has had one episode of depression during their lifetime will probably have another at some point. However, therapy can lessen the chance of this happening or reduce the intensity of it. Talking in group therapy for depression about anxieties, fears, or bad experiences, without any type of judgment, avoids suffering and allows self-knowledge. Anyway, as you have seen, group therapy has several benefits. If you have depression or suspect it, talk to your Brainpower Wellness Institute
Did you enjoy learning about how group therapy works? If you need help or want more information, just get in touch!
