By Jennifer Morrison, PsyD, Christian Psychological Association
If you are like most people, you probably picture visiting a therapist alone once a week for an hour. However, there are other options. Most of us have heard about couples therapy and family therapy, but few ever think about or consider group therapy. However, group therapy can be a valuable and more affordable option for receiving quality mental health treatment.
Groups are typically designed to address a specific topic and can be tailored to addressing a specific group of people as well. Some people participate in group therapy and individual therapy, but some people just attend group therapy. Joining a group of people you don’t know can be scary at first, but group therapy provides benefits that individual therapy may not. Group therapy can provide a support network and sounding board. Other members of the group can brainstorm with you to help with difficult situations and life challenges. These members can also help you keep striving for your goals and will hold you accountable. Groups are often diverse, and people use their unique experiences and styles to look at situations in different ways. Talking and listening to others helps to put your own problems into perspective. Group therapy can help you feel less alone with your mental-health difficulties.
Groups are more than just support, however. Groups are typically led by therapists with specialized experience who help provide concrete skills to help you tackle your problems. If you were to attend a group that provided treatment for anxiety, you would learn about the ways anxiety can present and learn strategies that treat it, like mindfulness or relaxation training.
Another benefit includes improving your confidence. Seeing others successfully achieve their goals helps propel you forward to continuing working on yours. Groups can help you improve your social skills too. Groups focus on engaging their members, and a crucial part of a group is learning how to get along with the other members. Groups are typically more affordable than individual therapy. Finally, groups teach you about yourself. Oftentimes, we are too close to our own problems to see them clearly. Other members of the group will see things that you don’t and help you understand how you are in the world.
“But, what would I talk about?” Talk about what sparked your interest in that group. Tell the group what is most concerning you. If you need support and understanding, let the group know. If you want direct feedback about something you say or do that seems to have a negative impact, let them know. It’s important to communicate your feelings as unexpressed feelings are a major reason people experience difficulty. Group members agree to keep information confidential, but how much you talk about yourself is up to you.
If you are interested in group therapy, talk to your individual therapist, family doctor, or check out your local mental-health center. In Peoria, two new groups are being formed now for teens and adults, and are presented by Christian Psychological Association. For more information or to join one of these groups, please call 309-692-7755.