“The beauty of group therapy is that it offers a space to practice skills in real time, alongside peers under the guidance of a trained therapist.”
We all have heard the phrase, “Teamwork makes the dream work”. Dealing with your mental health conditions alone is a struggle, whether it’s depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or anxiety. Group therapy is the most effective tool that provides healing and growth. It helps you connect with other people who are struggling with the same conditions and reduces feelings of loneliness.
This article provides insight into what group therapy is, who can get group therapy sessions, and the benefits of group therapy.
What is Group Therapy & Who is it for?
It’s a form of psychotherapy that helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and provides a sense of belonging and togetherness. It involves a secure, stable, and caring environment where a small group of people gather together and share their life journey with each other. It provides a structure in our lives and makes us learn, heal, and grow. Group therapy is an evidence-based modality that can be helpful for people in many ways. Individuals who are struggling with misuse anxiety, substance use, and divorce can get help from group therapy.
Here are some other issues in which group therapy can help:
- Grief and loss
- Trauma
- Low self-esteem
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Interpersonal skills issues
- Personality disorders
- Major life transitions
What are the Common Group Therapy Activities?
Before talking about the benefits, let’s discuss what activities can be done in group therapy. Group therapy activities depend on the facilities in the group, as well as the age. It makes you feel interconnected and introspective.
Here are some of the activities that can be done in a group setting.
- Cooking
- Cultural exploration
- Listening to music
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Pottery
- Coping skills bingo
- Positive affirmation cards
- Skill building
- Family of choice
- Gratitude jar
What are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
Group therapy helps in several ways. It provides a sense of belonging and helps them to realize that they are not alone.
Here are some of the benefits:
1. Building a supportive network
Group therapy helps build trust in people; you share your heart out with other individuals and listen to their challenges as well. It helps encourage and motivate you towards every aspect of your life. Having a support network helps you to share your raw challenges and listen to others’ challenges so you can relate them to your life.
Attending group therapies regularly helps foster consistency in personal well-being.
2. Improves communication and social skills
Meeting different people in a group setting helps individuals navigate life in a different way. By engaging with different people, you will learn how to talk with others in different social gatherings. Individuals struggling with social anxiety or depression can get great help from group therapy.
3. Reduce loneliness
Group setting and peer support helps you to understand that you are not alone in the journey of mental health. Whether you are suffering from ADHD, depression, psychosis, or anxiety, knowing that there are people who will understand your situation provides a sense of relief. However, connecting with other people with the same mental health conditions can be validating and reduce loneliness.
4. Learning from experiences
Listening to the struggles of other individuals who have similar issues can help you learn more about your own self. Group therapy sessions are very helpful as you hear different viewpoints on your challenges. It provides a wide range of perspectives on your personal journey.
5. Accountability and motivation
Individuals in the group therapy motivate and encourage each other, which boosts confidence in people who are struggling with mental health conditions.
It also helps in remaining consistent throughout the treatment.
6. Groups can help you grow
The main goal of group therapy is to provide growth. Learning more about yourself and others helps in many ways to overcome the traumas and fears. Group therapy teaches us to build healthy habits, such as setting boundaries with people and remaining socially active.
7. Emotional resilience
Listening to or witnessing others’ mental health challenges helps you gain emotional stability. It helps individuals to learn from their challenges, which eventually helps in one’s own self. However, maintaining a connection with others helps you gain more strategies to overcome stress.
8. Cost-effectiveness
Group sessions are less costly than individualized therapy, while offering valuable benefits. Even though not everyone has issues with the cost. Group therapy is more effective than individual therapy, especially for individuals who feel isolated and have no one in their lives who listens to them.
9. Group therapy gives you a voice
Sometimes people don’t have the confidence to speak in public or to participate in social gatherings. If you want your voice to be heard, then group therapy is for you! Joining a group session can help you to practice, even if it makes you uncomfortable. You can try your voice unfiltered in the group sessions without the stress and anxiety you normally experience. These sessions help you bring your confidence back and motivate you towards betterment.
10. Groups provide a forum for discussion
In group therapy sessions, your group members become your friends, and you become extremely comfortable with them. You can share everything without the fear of being judged, such as if you had a fight with your partner, issues at work, or more. Discussing with your friends provides a sense of connection and helps in coping with the issues.
A Take-Home Message
“The real magic is when someone feels less alone in their struggles and feels heard, seen, and accepted.”
Group therapy can be an amazing experience and helps in various aspects of life. It helps people who have difficulty participating in social gatherings or who are struggling with mental health disorders. Some of the activities that can be done in group therapy include meditation, cooking, journaling, playing games, and spreading positivity. Moreover, it helps in making meaningful connections.
Prioritize Your Well-being at Brain Power Wellness Institute
Are you looking for support for mental health issues? Or are you looking for group therapy options? Brain Power Wellness Institute is here to help!
We have a team of professional experts who have decades of experience in providing mental health treatments. Our team provides evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as group therapy, individualized therapy, family therapy, CBT, and more. We offer a nurturing and safe environment where you can talk about your issues without the fear of being judged. You can also get comprehensive treatments from the comfort of your home, through our telehealth services.
Give us a call today and book your consultations now!
