People talk about individual therapy. It's depicted in movies, TV shows, and in books (although not always accurately). It seems like most of us have an idea of what to expect walking into a therapists office and even if we don’t it’s a one on one experience. So even if you are anxious (and most people are at least in the first session) it's only one person to be worried about. Group therapy seems to be more of a mystery to most and can seem far more intimidating. People considering joining a group often think; "So many people! What will I say? How will all of them react to me?" These are all totally natural worries. To help to calm those anxious thoughts and expand your ideas about what group therapy is and how it can help you, I compiled an overview of what group is, what it can offer, and how you will benefit if you give it a shot.
There are many different types of groups. The three most common types are interpersonal (process), support, and psychoeducational. An interpersonal group focuses on how members feel about each other and relate to one another. A support group is often theme based (addiction, parenting, etc) and allows members to share and support one another. A psychoeducation group is led by a mental health clinician who is teaching the group behavioral or interpersonal skills.
The best way to find a group is to ask your therapist. Therapists have a large network of colleagues they communicate with as well as professional organizations they are a part of. They have ways to help you find a group that will fit your needs. Not in therapy? Reach out to a local mental health clinics and hospitals and ask if they know of any groups in your area.
Groups are often cheaper than individual therapy. So if you can't afford individual and want to start exploring your issues joining a group can be a less time consuming and more affordable option for you.
Group therapy will make you feel less alone. It is a unique shared experience that bonds people in a way that is different than most experiences we have in daily life.
Ever feel like you struggle communicating? Group will help you to talk about things that you are uncomfortable with and after some time you should become more comfortable not only communicating with the other members of the group but also outside the group.
Group can be intimidating and scary. Most people are anxious walking into a space where they don’t know anyone and are expected to talk. But try and remember, everyone was new to this group at some point and they were all anxious as well. Groups are built on mutual respect and caring so you can expect group members to support you when you are ready to talk.
Change can occur more quickly in group. You would think sharing your time with others would make the therapeutic process slower but actually many people have reported that participating in groups bring issues they were unaware of to the surface and that they learn from the other members new ways to look at what is going on with themselves.
Your social skills will change as a result of being part of a group. The feedback you receive from other members will help you to see what is working and what isn't in how you relate. This in turn will help you identify things you would like to change.
The group facilitator will model behaviors that are healthy, giving members a visual display on how they can behave differently. For example a group facilitor will show how best to handle an angry member and in turn it will help members to utilize those skills.
If you share your feelings as best you can you are bound to get something out of a group therapy experience. Even thought it can be difficult saying what is on your mind, it will help you to feel unburdened and it will help the group to understand you (and themselves) better.
References:
https://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cp/top-10/
http://psychcentral.com/lib/5-benefits-of-group-therapy/
http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/services/counseling/caps/group/faq.cfm
http://psychcentral.com/lib/about-group-therapy/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/benefits-group-therapy-mental-health-treatment/