The Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy usually involves a minimum of 4 participants and a group facilitator. Group therapy can be done in open groups and closed groups. Open groups are groups in which new members can join at any time. Closed groups are groups where all members start the group at the same time.
Group Therapy has several benefits. Group therapy:
Creates a sense of universality: Group therapy let’s you know that you’re not alone. Other members in the group are likely going through something similar and sharing can be healing.
Creates opportunities to receive and provide support: Group therapy is unique in that it lets you receive support from others as part of the bonding and therapeutic alliance that occurs within the group. Alternatively, it allows you to act as this source of support for others too. This can be great because it lets you benefit from both ends of the spectrum.
Allows for a broader therapeutic alliance: In groups, the therapeutic alliance occurs with the therapist, as well as other group attendees. This allows for you to build more bonds and incorporate more perspectives into your healing process.
Provides an opportunity for catharsis: Group therapy allows you to release strong, repressed emotions that you may not have released otherwise.
Provides an opportunity to learn from others and teach others: During group therapy, members in the group may be at different stages along their recovery journey. Groups allow an opportunity to learn from others who have gone through similar behaviours and modelled successful behaviours. This can be especially true for open groups. Alternatively, the groups allow for an opportunity to teach others too based on your experiences and teaching based on your experiences can be rewarding too.
Fosters self-awareness and self-discovery: Group therapy can create self-awareness as you reflect on the things you are sharing and also reflect on what other are sharing. The multiple perspectives encourage a deeper level of self-exploration and self-awareness.
Can promote social skills: Group therapy gives the opportunity for everyone to practice re-engaging with people and communicating with people in a respectful manner.
Can promote accountability: Seeing other group members regularly attending therapy and participating can encourage you to do the same.
Can be more affordable: Compared to individual therapy, group therapy can be a fraction of the cost. A common misconception is that because group therapy costs less, it is not as effective. This is false because both individual and group therapy can be effective in different ways.
