As I add group therapy to my services, one of the big questions I get asked is some variation of “what does group therapy look like”?
Many people have never experienced group therapy and are both curious and suspicious at the same time. It’s a hard enough thing to trust one stranger (therapist) with your secrets. But add multiple strangers (group members) and it’s understandable there are some questions.
What I find is that there are a few questions being asked, so I’m going to break it down.
What is group therapy?
First, a therapeutic group is a gathering of people with a similar goal that is led by a facilitator. Groups can offer any or a combination of the following:
- Support for group members who have similar shared experiences
- Education about symptoms and coping skills
- Processing of emotions and experiences
Group therapy is a group that is facilitated by a trained mental health professional that has a clinical focus (i.e. abuse, anxiety, depression, etc.).
What can I expect in a group with you?
As a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, you can expect a lot. If you are currently (or were formerly) in individual therapy with me, you know my style is a combination of education about the why behind what’s going on for you, teaching skills, and processing difficult emotions and situations. I bring all of this to the group therapy experience as well.
The groups I lead tend to have the following elements:
- Check-in: Each group member has an opportunity to briefly share about how they are doing, progress since the last session, or whatever prompt I provide.
- Education: I provide a topic and give information about it. I may talk about specific topics or themes that are occurring in the group.
- Discussion/Processing: I invite group members to share their experience based on the topic. I will facilitate this to ensure everyone is feeling emotionally safe.
- Activity: I lead a breathing, grounding, mindfulness, visualization, or meditation activity.
- Closing Check-Out: Each group member briefly shares one thing they will takeaway from the group.
- Homework: I assign an activity for group members to complete (if they choose) before the next group.
The first group is a little different since we are all meeting together for the first time. We will discuss the group rules and expectations and the check-in will be a little longer than usual as we get to know each other.
What is expected of me in group therapy?
You are expected to show up, follow the group rules, and participate to your comfort level. Some people are more quiet and reserved than others, especially at first. That’s okay. I ask that everyone at least participate in the check-in and the closing check-out. I know that sometimes just listening to others share can be therapeutic.
If you have additional questions about group therapy and whether or not one of my groups would be helpful in your healing journey, please book a consult with me.
