Group therapy can be a transformative experience in your mental health journey. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is one therapeutic approach where skills training group is a major focus in treatment. Research shows that comprehensive DBT including weekly individual and weekly DBT Skills Group offers the highest chance of success in achieving your goals. A major difference between meeting with your therapist one-on-one versus in a group setting is that you have the opportunity to connect with others who are likely experiencing similar issues to you. This can result in feeling less alone and receive feedback from peers that can help support you in your healing. Many different types of therapy groups exist, such as DBT and CBT groups focused on building healthy coping skills, support groups for various topics such as grief, eating disorders, anxiety, relationships, and more, and psychoeducation groups centered on learning important knowledge about the conditions and experiences you are facing. Even licensed therapists are part of therapy and support groups because it is an essential part of a personal support network. If you feel that you are not gaining the progress you’ve hoped for in individual therapy, are feeling isolated and alone in your struggles, or are in a position where individual therapy isn’t accessible to you, the advantages of group therapy might be an experience that can offer you the help you are seeking.
Advantages of Group Therapy
- Affordability – Group therapy is typically a lower cost than individual therapy as it includes multiple members rather than the focus being solely on yourself. There are many free, peer-led (not facilitated by a licensed professional) support groups that are virtual or in-person that can offer many of the same benefits through hearing the experiences of others and getting genuine, honest support. Most insurance plans that cover individual therapy will also cover group therapy the same. If you are unable to afford or do not have the option to obtain an individual therapist, group therapy is often more accessible and feasible to get support.
- Validation and Camaraderie – What makes group therapy so unique is it provides you with a safe, nonjudgmental space to connect with others who can in some way understand what you are going through. Mental illness can be very isolating and knowing that others have been through similar experiences can give us hope to see a future where we are less affected by our afflictions. Group allows us to get gentle support from others we can relate to and feedback/alternative perspectives we may not get elsewhere. It can also be rewarding to hear from someone who may be in a place you have persevered and offer them your experience to help them overcome the same obstacles. Professionals often share that group members are frequently surprised by how helpful and fulfilling the experience can be.
- Accountability – Meeting regularly with a group of people who know your stories and goals helps foster the accountability to stay on track with your goals and do it alongside you. Fellow group members will regularly inquire about things you have previously shared in group because they genuinely care. They can help hold you to your promises and commitments and help you troubleshoot if you are having difficulty following through or encountering struggles.
- Finding Your Voice – Sharing our imitate thoughts and feelings is intimidating, especially if it’s something you don’t regularly do. If you are not used to being open and vulnerable with others, group therapy will push you out of your comfort zone to become more comfortable in doing so. Most groups will not force anyone to participate or share things you are not ready to share. Seeing others be open and speak freely about their experiences and have a positive response from others will likely motivate you to take a chance on sharing so you can relate or seek support yourself. Therapy always mirrors real life, therefore, group sessions can help you build your confidence in speaking up and expressing yourself, which helps us strengthen relationships and feel more secure in ourselves.
How To Get The Most Out of Group Therapy
- Find the Right Group for You – As we said, there are so many different types of groups that exist. They can be very specific, whether it’s for first-time moms, young adults with addiction, college students struggling with academics and the transition to adulthood, parents of teens with depression or eating disorders, or working professionals with ADHD. You might be surprised that a group in your area is the exact place you are looking for. Consider what you are hoping to get out of group therapy. Are you looking to meet others who can make you feel seen? Are you seeking problem-solving strategies and better coping skills? A group is out there that is right for you. Starting with a simple Google search such as, “support groups in [your city]” is a great place to help you find what you are looking for.
- Be Open-Minded – While a group may introduce you to people you relate to, everyone has a unique, individual experience. You will likely encounter people who have different beliefs or have a shared problem that looks very different from your experience. With group comes diversity and group therapy is very focused on finding common ground and resolving conflict. This can be helpful in allowing us to view situations differently and find comfort in engaging with people who may disagree with us. It is also important to be open to trying new things like sharing things you’ve never shared before or trying activities/exercises you may not normally do. We get the most out of a group when we are willing to expand our mindsets and challenge ourselves.
- Learn to Give and Accept Feedback – Group teaches us essential communication skills in a safe environment. It is beneficial to learn how to balance validation with honesty. Group can help you learn how to communicate with your personal loved ones by teaching you how to understand their viewpoint while also offering your own perspective in a gentle, firm manner. Learning to accept feedback is also a necessary skill group therapy will teach you. We learn how to listen to others and consider their suggestions without feeling attacked or criticized, because your group members are sharing their perspective in a genuine and constructive way for your benefit. Others can help us see blind spots in ourselves and our situations and combined with support, it can lead to finding a new perspective that helps us move forward.
It is understandable to feel concerned, worried, or nervous when thinking about joining group therapy. Anyone who has been in groups has likely felt the same way in the beginning, but they continue to come back because being a part of group therapy has lessened their worries and offered them the necessary support they are seeking. If you are unsure if group therapy is right for you, you won’t know unless you give it a try! Healing involves taking risks to find what brings you success and you may be surprised to find how group therapy can change the course of your journey.
