Are you considering group therapy? It’s something a lot of people are wary of. How can you open up in therapy when there are so many people there? Of course, people manage it. But is it as effective as individual therapy? And why do people choose it?
Peer Support
Group therapy provides a support network of people who are going through something similar to what you are. By being able to relate to others and get support from them, it can really help us deal with the more difficult things going on in our lives. It’s especially helpful to know that we’re not alone in whatever this feeling we’re dealing with is. It can be good to see that in others, too.
Differing Perspectives
Another way in which group therapy can be helpful is that it allows you to get perspectives from new people. This diversity can really help you grow as a person and find out more about yourself and how you relate to the world.
Social Skills
Participating in group therapy can be one major way to improve your social skills. Even if you think you’re too shy to actively participate. Some people may take a while to become comfortable participating in group. Others may never participate actively. But being there can help you learn a lot about how to interact with others in healthier ways.
Accountability
In a lot of groups, one of the aspects of group therapy is goal setting. Each week, each different member will have a goal they’re working on. The next week, they’ll all report how they did. Having this extra accountability of knowing you’re going to be sharing how you did all week with a group of people can help you achieve your goals..
But How Effective Is it?
Formal group therapy has been shown to be as effective as individual therapy. It can be paired with individual therapy, as well. Self-help groups are less effective from a clinical standpoint but still are shown to be immensely helpful to the members in the group.
Why Do People Choose Group Therapy?
There are a lot of reasons someone may find themselves in a group therapy situation. Sometimes, it’s mandated by a court or other government entity. Most of the time, it’s voluntary. Many people will choose to participate in group therapy for many of the reasons already mentioned. For some, it can feel less intimidating to participate in a group session versus an individual session. With less attention on you, it can make it a little more comfortable. Mostly, people like the community it can bring them.
