How to Maximize the Benefits of Group Therapy

Some might think of group therapy as the last thing they’d want to try. They might picture a group of surly people sitting in chairs in a drab room,  simultaneously enduring awkward silences and being forced to share the most personal details of their lives.

Fortunately, most who actually participate in group therapy find it helpful and sometimes more beneficial than individual therapy. Often, group therapy is extremely beneficial and becomes a meaningful part of a person’s life. It can help people change in positive, unexpected ways to reach their goals and develop intimate relationships with others.

Like anything in life, you get out of group therapy what you put into it. What follows are some of the ways that it can be helpful and advice for maximizing the benefits of group therapy.

Five Benefits of Group Therapy Techniques

While group therapy may be less common and less understood than individual therapy, its benefits are undeniable. In fact, one study showed that those who had participated in group therapy ended up with better results than 72 percent of those who did not participate in group therapy.

Here are five unique benefits of group therapy:

1. It costs less than individual therapy. On average, group therapy sessions typically cost participants 33 percent less than individual therapy.
2. Group therapy can be more effective than individual therapy. For the right participants, group therapy can be more effective in achieving treatment goals than individual therapy. This can include treatment for conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.
3. Participants can learn, practice, and develop new social skills in real time with guided supervision and support. This includes improved listening and speaking skills, developing increased empathy for others, and increased confidence.
4. Participants can experience decreased feelings of loneliness. Through group therapy, participants can connect with others who are enduring the same struggles at the same time. Often, people in group therapy experience levels of intimacy in conversation with others that adds tremendous value to life.
5. Group therapy offers opportunities to inspire and be inspired. Working towards similar goals as others while experiencing similar struggles allows group therapy participants to learn from others, teach others, receive support, and give support. Often, one participant may serve as a mentor of sorts to another and a mentee to others. This can help build confidence and give some a sense of purpose and community.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Group Therapy Sessions

Knowing what to expect and how to optimize your time in group therapy can help to ensure positive results. Here are some tips for making the most of your group therapy sessions:

• Make sure group therapy is a good fit for your needs through a proper screening.
• Know what to expect and set clear goals for yourself with your therapist.
• Focus on the process, not the outcome.
• Understand that group therapy is a growth process for you as an individual and the group as a whole. For example, an article by the National Institutes of Health shows that therapy groups can transition through five distinct phases: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.
• Participate and share with others. Remember that what and how much you share is up to you and what you’re comfortable with sharing.
• Be patient with yourself and others.
• Be fully present in the moment as much as possible.
• See every interaction as a learning experience.
• Review and practice what you learned in the session outside of the session throughout the week.
• Practice listening fully when others speak. You can learn just as much and even more from others going through similar experiences as you can from speaking.
• Practice not judging others or yourself. Know that there’s something to learn from everyone you encounter, even if the lesson may not be what it seems at first sight. In others, you may see a reflection of yourself, and you may learn a new way of looking at or handling certain things.

How to Overcome Common Group Therapy Challenges

People often say, “I don’t know what to talk about in group therapy!” Along with its benefits, there are common challenges people may experience that are unique to group therapy. Below, we’ve listed the most common problems people encounter in group therapy and how to overcome them.

Common Problems in Group Therapy and How to Overcome Them

1. Shyness and/or social phobias and anxieties. This could include feelings of embarrassment, shame, freezing, and not wanting to speak or share. If you experience any of these feelings, know that they are normal. Most people feel some degree of stress, fear, or nervousness when trying something new.

Give yourself some understanding and patience. Know that these feelings are to be expected. In each session, you will likely feel more comfortable as you gain experience with the group and get to know the others.

2. Privacy concerns. You’re talking to regular people and not just a qualified, certified professional counselor or therapist. It’s normal to have concerns about your privacy when discussing personal matters in your group. To overcome this, remember that it is completely up to you how much you want to share about your life.

Additionally, your counselor should establish the group’s confidentiality agreements. If they don’t, ask that this be discussed.

3. Experiencing conflict or opposing views. Conflicts in a group setting may arise, leading to fears of judgment from others. Remember, other participants’ words or feelings reflect their opinions and have nothing to do with you or your situation.

It’s natural for people in any group setting to disagree. However, your group therapist should be able to moderate any situation to make sure everyone remains respectful and supportive. Conflicts in this type of safe setting may provide an enormous potential for experiencing growth.

4. Not knowing what to talk about. If you struggle with this, keep a little notebook and, throughout the week, write down any things that happen that you may wish to bring up. This can also be helpful if you struggle to identify and communicate your feelings or thoughts in the moment.

You Can Thrive in Group Therapy

If you’re experiencing stress or mental health issues that may be impacting your life, don’t be discouraged. FHE Health is here to help and may be able to suggest some beneficial options, such as group therapy. For more information, contact us at (866) 653-6220.