Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Does It Work?What Can It Help With?Techniques UsedWho Should Not Try it?How to Join a GroupFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Does It Work?
What Can It Help With?
Techniques Used
Who Should Not Try it?
How to Join a Group
Frequently Asked Questions
This article discusses group therapy, including how it works, what it helps with, and who it is for.
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What Is Group Therapy and How Does It Work?
Group therapy is typically held weekly, and sessions are usually 1 to 2 hours in length. A client might attend group therapy only, or attend group in addition to individual therapy sessions.
Group therapy typically focuses on a specific topic, behavior, or diagnosis, such assubstance misuse,depression, anger management,chronic pain,social anxiety, grief, or lowself-esteem. Participants take turns talking about their experiences around that particular topic, while the therapist typically acts as a facilitator during these sessions.
What Does Group Therapy Help With?
One of the goals of psychotherapy is to learn more about yourself and how your emotions impact your life and relationships. Group therapy provides an environment for you to learn more about yourself while interacting with other people who are experiencing something similar. Having a mental health condition or emotional challenges can be isolating. Group therapy helps you to see that you are not alone in your struggle.
Group therapy provides additional support and accountability. If you keep an open mind, you will likely learn new coping skills as you listen to other people’s experiences with your particular challenges.
Techniques Used in Group Therapy
During group therapy, participants often sit in a circle so that they are able to see each other during the session. When a new group is formed, the therapist will explain the purpose of the group, and members will introduce themselves and share some information about why they are in the group.
Techniques used in group therapy are different than individual therapy. During a one-on-one therapy session, the therapist will focus on the emotional dynamics of the individual client. During group therapy, the therapist often acts as a facilitator, encouraging group members to talk with each other about their problems and work together to find solutions.
Goals for group therapy are based on specific therapeutic factors:
Who Should Not Try Group Therapy?
Group therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone. People who are very shy might find it difficult to share openly about their problems. Group therapy requires confidentiality and trust, which can be another area of concern for some people.
During group therapy, members share the spotlight with other people. Some people have mental health issues that require a higher level of attention. Other people might use the group setting to hide their issues. In these situations, individual therapy might be a better fit.
Be patient—you might not click with the first group you join. Continue to try out groups until you find people you feel you can trust.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Summary
Group therapy is atype of psychotherapythat is generally centered around a particular topic or problem. Sessions are typically held weekly and consist of five to 15 clients and one or more therapists.
During group therapy sessions, the therapist acts as a facilitator, encouraging group members to learn from each other’s experiences. Group therapy can help decrease feelings of isolation and empower people to face their challenges with the support of other people.
If you’re dealing with mental health challenges or emotional issues, group therapy could be an effective tool for you. Talk to your therapist to ensure that you are ready for a group setting, and that you choose the right type of group for your condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe cost of group therapy varies based on factors such as geographical location, frequency of treatment, and your personal insurance plan. However, group therapy is often a third to half the cost of individual therapy.Learn MoreDoes Insurance Cover Therapy?The cost of therapy sessions varies based on geographical location, type of therapy, training of the therapist, and the frequency of your sessions. Individual therapy can range from $100 to $250 per session, on average, while group therapy can be a third to half that amount.
The cost of group therapy varies based on factors such as geographical location, frequency of treatment, and your personal insurance plan. However, group therapy is often a third to half the cost of individual therapy.Learn MoreDoes Insurance Cover Therapy?
The cost of group therapy varies based on factors such as geographical location, frequency of treatment, and your personal insurance plan. However, group therapy is often a third to half the cost of individual therapy.
Learn MoreDoes Insurance Cover Therapy?
The cost of therapy sessions varies based on geographical location, type of therapy, training of the therapist, and the frequency of your sessions. Individual therapy can range from $100 to $250 per session, on average, while group therapy can be a third to half that amount.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.American Addiction Centers.Psychotherapy guide: group therapy vs. Individual therapy.Treatment C for SA.Chapter 9—Time-Limited Group Therapy. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.American Addiction Centers.Psychotherapy guide: group therapy vs. Individual therapy.Treatment C for SA.Chapter 9—Time-Limited Group Therapy. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.American Addiction Centers.Psychotherapy guide: group therapy vs. Individual therapy.Treatment C for SA.Chapter 9—Time-Limited Group Therapy. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999.
American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.
American Addiction Centers.Psychotherapy guide: group therapy vs. Individual therapy.
Treatment C for SA.Chapter 9—Time-Limited Group Therapy. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999.
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