It is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with a group of several people at the same time.

Types of Group Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral groups- focus on changing distorted thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors

• Interpersonal groups- focus on social interactions and relationships, including the impact of relationships have on mental health

• Psychoeducational groups- focus on educating of their disorders and ways of coping

• Skills development groups- focus on improving social skills of those with mental disorders or developmental disabilities

• Support groups- provide a wide range of benefits for people with mental health conditions as well as for their loved ones

Techniques:

• Group will meet in a room with chairs arranged in a circle, so everyone can see each other

• Session might begin with members introducing each other or if continuation, share progress or experiences since last meeting

• Flow of meeting and activities during meeting depend on therapist

• Some therapist might encourage a more freestyle form

• Others might have a specific plan for each session

• Group therapy activities include:

• Icebreakers

• Gratitude activities (ex: “I am thankful…”)

• Sharing, where group members ask each other questions

• Writing activities to explore experiences and emotions

• Goal visualization to help set goals and accomplish them 
  

What Group Therapy can help with:

• ADHD

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Anxiety

• Panic disorder

• Phobias

• PTSD

• Anger management

• Divorce

• Grief and loss

• Weight management

Benefits:

• Get support and encouragement from a community of people

• People can see others going through the same thing and feel less alone

• Other members can serve as role models, seeing someone with successful coping can give hope to recovery for them

• The therapist can see how each individual interacts and behaves in social situation
  

Is group therapy for you? In order to consider group therapy’s benefits, the willingness to share with a group should be considered. Being open and transparent with strangers is hard, but if this is a right fit for you it will be beneficial.