What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of therapy where one or more therapists work with a group of people together. Sessions usually involve members talking about their experiences, thoughts and feelings, with the therapist helping to guide the discussion.
Being part of a group can also offer opportunities to hear different perspectives, connect with people experiencing similar concerns and explore how you relate to others.
Integrative Counsellor Gerry Ritchie, MNCPS Accred, CSTIP, explains what group therapy is, the advantages of group therapy, and the various types of group therapy available to you.
What to expect from group therapy
Group therapy typically involves a small group of people and one or more therapists.
During the first therapy session, members of the group may start by introducing themselves and sharing why they are there. After this, the therapist may encourage members to discuss their experiences and progress. The way a therapy session is structured depends on the style of the therapist running it and the nature of the concerns being explored.
Group therapy is intended to be a confidential space. Your therapist should explain how confidentiality works within the group, including any limits to confidentiality and what is expected of group members. When you agree to attend group therapy, you may be asked to commit to a certain number of sessions.
Some sessions may involve discussion only, while others may involve group therapy activities. Such activities could include skill development, problem-solving or trust-building exercises. If you do not want to talk or take part in the activities, you do not have to.
For some people, it takes a few weeks of sitting in and listening before they feel ready to talk about their own experience, so you should not feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do.
Group analysis
Group analysis is a type of group psychotherapy that focuses on how we relate to and communicate with other people. Through talking and interacting as a group, members can explore patterns in their relationships, thoughts and feelings.
What are the aims of group therapy?
Group therapy and individual therapy can have similar aims. In group therapy, however, the therapist can use interactions between group members as part of the therapeutic process. Some of the aims of group therapy are explored below.
1. To help you understand your behaviour and relationships
Being in a group therapy setting can help you notice patterns in your behaviour and relationships. Feedback and interactions with other group members may help you understand how you respond to different situations and people.
2. To help with emotional difficulties through feedback
Discussing emotional difficulties with your therapist and other group members can offer different perspectives. Feedback from the therapist and experiences shared by other members may help you develop ways of coping with difficulties.
3. To offer a supportive environment
Group therapy is not only an opportunity to receive feedback and advice, but also to reach out to and support others. Group members are usually expected to respect each other's privacy outside of sessions. Speaking with people going through similar issues can also help you feel less isolated and more supported.
The bond that people build in the group becomes an important part of the therapeutic process. Once you join a group you belong to the group, even after members leave they are remembered as a part of the group's experience and history. Many people find the idea of being part of something bigger than them containing and supportive.
- Counsellor C. Barnes, What are advantages of group therapy?
What can group therapy help with?
Group-based psychological therapies can be used to support people with a range of mental health concerns. The type of therapy offered, and whether a group approach is suitable, will depend on your individual needs, preferences and the concern you are seeking support with. This can include:
Addiction
Connecting with others with similar experiences can provide valuable support. For some people, this kind of network isn't available at home, and they may benefit more from the support of others with addiction. Hearing how others cope, developing interpersonal skills and exploring how your behaviour can affect your relationships may help you better understand and manage addiction.
To find out more about group therapy for addiction, read 12 Step Treatment and Group Therapy for People with Addictions.
Anxiety
Connecting with others who have similar experiences may help some people feel less alone. A supportive group setting can also provide opportunities to practise interacting with others, which may be helpful for people experiencing social anxiety.
Depression
People experiencing depression may feel isolated or disconnected from others. For some, taking part in a professionally facilitated group can provide an opportunity to connect with people who have similar experiences and explore ways of coping.
Eating disorders
Group-based therapy can form part of treatment for some eating disorders, although the recommended approach will depend on the type of eating disorder and your individual needs. If you're concerned about how a group setting might affect your recovery, speak to your treatment team or therapist.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Some forms of cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder can be delivered in a group setting. This can provide an opportunity to work on difficulties alongside others who may have similar experiences.
Relationship difficulties
If you find it difficult to forge and maintain relationships, attending group therapy could help. Being around other people on a regular basis may help you explore how you relate to and communicate with others.
Self-harm
For some people who self-harm, professionally facilitated group support may provide an opportunity to feel less isolated and explore ways of coping with difficult thoughts and feelings.
Group therapy activities
Some therapists like to incorporate group therapy activities into their sessions. The purposes and types of these activities depend on the concerns being explored and are often tailored to the members' needs.
Activities you may come across include:
Icebreakers
Icebreakers are activities that help group members get to know each other and feel more comfortable. In some cases, this simply involves going around the circle, introducing yourself and explaining why you are attending group therapy. Some therapists introduce games and activities to help you relax and explore alternative ways of thinking.
Psychological exercises for insight and self-awareness
Exercises of this kind are designed to help you think in different ways and understand why you, and others, think or behave a certain way.
Support groups and self-help groups
A trained therapist leads or facilitates group therapy, while support groups and self-help groups may be led by peers or other facilitators. Support groups often bring together people with similar experiences to share emotional support, while self-help groups may focus on sharing experiences, information, and coping strategies.
The right option depends on what you're looking for and the type of support you need. You can find out more about the differences between group therapy and support groups.
Finding a group therapist
If you're considering group therapy, a counsellor or psychotherapist can explain how their group works, what you can expect and whether it may be suitable for you. Use our advanced search to find a group therapist.
