Benefits of Group Therapy
The benefits of group therapy may vary based on each participant's personal circumstances and ability to adapt to a group setting, but in general, there is a lot to love about group therapy.
- Self-Discovery
- All of us have blind spots about ourselves, some of which may hold us back from effectively addressing those things that be at the root of our problems. Through interacting with other members of the group you will see reflections of yourself from their perspectives, allowing for those blind spots to be uncovered and improving your ability to cope with the situations for which you need help.
- Sense of community
- Addiction and mental health disorders thrive in secrecy. While working with a therapist can foster a much needed sense of connection, group therapy expands on this to help patients feel less alone.
- New points of view
- Group session can help you learn about yourself as you hear and understand more about other people's struggles. Because you all tend to share similar experiences, group therapy sessions can be very beneficial in terms of gaining insight that you may not otherwise be able to see.
- Find your voice
- Finding your voice can be difficult. using it can be even harder. If you are not used to making your voice heard, group sessions can offer a place where you can practice, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Knowing how to clearly and effectively articulate how you feel can build your confidence while empowering you to truly believe that you deserve to be heard.
- Sounding boards
- After a while, your group will likely be a comfort zone for you. At the same time, it can be the objective point of view you've been looking for. If you've had a fight with your partner, or if you're struggling with a conflict at work or school, or if you have anything else you want to deal with, your group can be that sounding board you need.
- Social skills
- The very nature of a group helps you learn how to navigate situations and relationships with others. By engaging and then re-engaging with your group, you can practice being in various social situations.
- Cost savings
- Even if it's not an issue for you, most people appreciate it when things are more cost-beneficial. Group therapy most often costs less than individual therapy.
- Personal growth
- The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you grow, and group therapy can be very successful in this area. Learning about yourself and others is a great way for you to overcome fears, learn how to set healthy relationship boundaries, practice and hone your communication skills, and so much more. Growth is rewarding and group therapy can help you achieve it.