Why Group Therapy?

Many people have no idea why group therapy might be a viable option for them. And, after viewing all sorts of reality television shows, you might get the wrong idea of what actually occurs. So, what is the benefit of Group Therapy over Individual Therapy? Or why not Both? Actually, there are numerous benefits to each and together individual and group therapy have a synergistic effect that beats either one by itself. Group Therapy offers its members the opportunity to share their stories in a small (usually 4-8 people) group without criticism or shame. Members can speak freely about feeling isolated. When they see others nodding their heads in agreement, suddenly they are no longer alone. When they hear others going through something they are struggling with and arriving at a different solution, they gain perspective. When they give someone support and are thanked, they feel connected. And when they laugh and cry with each other, week after week, suddenly, they have community. Every person who joins a group brings their own family dynamics with them. So, the group leader as well as members of the group might remind you of your parents, siblings or friends. So group offers you the opportunity to speak up, get angry or express your hurt in a very safe place. You also have a leader that has your back. Individual therapy is amazingly powerful but there is no one but the therapist to offer feedback. In group therapy you can get feedback from many people and often this can feel like more legitimate feedback since the group members are not getting paid. Group therapy is a terrific adjunct to individual therapy especially when you’ve reached an impasse or a stuck point and can’t seem to break through. If you found this helpful, please feel free to e.mail me with questions or call me at: 847.491.1111 to schedule an appointment to discuss your options. Feel free to offer my article to others. I do this as a free service to promote relational healing.