Therapy Groups: Do You Need One?
If you’re already in therapy, are therapy groups necessary? You may already have a counselor, whether it’s for everyday life processing or something specific, such as trauma, an anxiety disorder, depression, or addiction. Here we explain what therapy groups are, how to know if one would benefit you, and what to expect. What are therapy groups? Therapy groups help a person heal in a group setting, and they are led by at least one professionally licensed mental health therapist. They can address a specific concern, help people find solace and move forward, and provide a wider perspective than one-on-one therapy alone. A therapy group is designed to be guided by a therapist who may ask questions, pose topics for conversation, and offer tips and teaching as part of the group session. Group sessions generally meet weekly for an hour or so each time. Some groups last for a specific period, such as four to six months, and others are open-ended where you can drop in and out when you need the support and have the time. However, for a group to supplement targeted therapy, attending regularly is best. What kinds of therapy groups are there? There are several types of therapy groups. They can range from dealing with a specific life event - such as grief groups for the loss of a child or divorce care groups for those dealing with the demise of a marriage - to groups that target specific mental health issues. You could be part of a group recovering from disordered eating, an addiction recovery group, or a social anxiety group. Our centers have groups to help you with all kinds of processing. What should I expect from a group? While joining a group can be nerve-wracking, it’s also a terrific way to remember that [...]