Group Therapy
Group therapy, in the broadest terms, is just more than one person receiving counseling from the same therapist. More specifically, group therapy is a treatment setting where a group of people, guided by one or more therapists, work through a specific set of struggles together. Most people are familiar with the use of group therapy as it relates to support networks for things like grief, divorce, or substance use. However, group therapy has also proven effective in helping people with a range of struggles from anxiety and depression to personality disorders and anger management. You can learn more about the benefits of joining the Manatee Associates of Counseling & Assessment in Palmetto, FL for group therapy on this page. Contact us to learn more about our current groups.
Why Should I go to Group Therapy?
Group therapy has many benefits and it’s an effective treatment option in a wide variety of situations. Some of the reasons why you may want to be involved in group therapy include:
- Receive support – you’ll be talking to a group of your peers who have similar experiences and who will offer empathy for what you’re experience.
- Give support – it’s just as important to practice empathy and hear the stories and experiences of others. This offers opportunities for you to learn and grow.
- Build community – feeling a sense of community and kinship with other people can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, leading to better overall daily experience.
- Develop communication skills – learn to listen to others and communicate your own needs effectively within a diverse group of individuals.
- Try out therapy – take a low-stakes opportunity to try out therapy sessions before committing to individual therapy. Group therapy sessions can also be more affordable if cost is a concern that is preventing you from scheduling therapy sessions.
Will Group Therapy Really Help Me?
There are many benefits associated with group counseling. For some people, the knowledge that they are in a group of people who “get them” makes it easier to open up and share their experiences. In a group therapy setting, some people feel less pressure, which can actually make it easier to get the full benefit of therapy sessions. Group therapy sessions are beneficial for working through a wide range of concerns, including:
- Addiction recovery plans
- Grief and bereavement support
- Communication, conflict resolution, and other skills
What Happens During Group Therapy?
Group therapy allows you receive some of the many benefits of traditional talk therapy by giving you a time and place to talk through concerns you’ve been experiencing. Instead of talking to just one therapist, you’ll be sharing with a group of people who have similar life experiences and who are going through some of the same struggles. You’ll get the support and empathy of talking to a community of your peers while receiving feedback and guidance from a knowledgeable professional. Group therapy can be centered around completing a specific set of tasks that require the group members to take part for a set period of time. Group therapy may also be more flexible. Support groups, like alcoholics anonymous meetings, are good examples of a more flexible, long term group therapy format. Before you join a group, talk to the therapist or facilitator about what you should expect and how you can prepare for your group therapy sessions.
Let’s Get Started!
We know it can be intimidating to take this next step to schedule an appointment with our team. You may have had negative experiences with therapy in the past, you may be worried about stigma surrounding counseling, or you may just be worried. We get it. The good news is we can help you put some of those worries aside and start feeling like yourself again. When you’re ready, the Manatee Associates of Counseling & Assessment team is here for you.