Group therapy is a form of psychotherapyalso calledtalk therapy.
Psychotherapy is a main component of treatment for people with mental health conditions and emotional challenges.
Group therapy involves one or more therapists counseling a group of people at the same time.
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FatCamera / Getty Images
What Is Group Therapy and How Does It Work?
Closed groups are made up of a specific group of people who all join at the same time.
Group therapy is typically held weekly, and sessions are usually 1 to 2 hours in length.
A client might attend group therapy only, or attend group in addition to individual therapy sessions.
What Does Group Therapy Help With?
Having a mental health condition or emotional challenges can be isolating.
Group therapy helps you to see that you are not alone in your struggle.
Group therapy provides additional support and accountability.
Techniques used in group therapy are different than individual therapy.
During a one-on-one therapy session, the therapist will focus on the emotional dynamics of the individual client.
Goals for group therapy are based on specific therapeutic factors:
Who Should Not Try Group Therapy?
Group therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone.
People who are very shy might find it difficult to share openly about their problems.
Group therapy requires confidentiality and trust, which can be another area of concern for some people.
During group therapy, members share the spotlight with other people.
Some people have mental health issues that require a higher level of attention.
Other people might use the group setting to hide their issues.
In these situations, individual therapy might be a better fit.
Talk to a mental health professional to ensure you make the best decision.
Be patientyou might not click with the first group you join.
Continue to try out groups until you find people you feel you’re free to trust.
Summary
Group therapy is atype of psychotherapythat is generally centered around a particular topic or problem.
Sessions are typically held weekly and consist of five to 15 clients and one or more therapists.
However, group therapy is often a third to half the cost of individual therapy.
American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.
American Addiction Centers.Psychotherapy guide: group therapy vs.
Treatment C for SA.Chapter 9Time-Limited Group Therapy.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999.
