Group therapy can be a powerful therapeutic modality that offers group members the benefits of empathy, understanding and healing that comes from group feedback and support. It it for everyone? Probably not. Some personalities and treatment of some disorders are better suited to individual therapy. For the client, it takes patience to sit and truly listen to difficulties that others are experiencing. However, when you become comfortable with listening and sharing, you may find that I'm not the only one who has experienced this! I'm not the only one who feels this way!"
There is power in being supported by others who genuinely understand your distress. Is group work for you? Read on.
A few ways group and individual therapy differ.
1. Obviously, in group therapy, you share the floor with others. In groups that I lead, I structure them to provide each participant with time to "check in," that is, to share recent developments, challenges and accomplishments related to their therapeutic goals. Then, typically, we open the floor to individual members who have issues or challenges (preferably related to the group's work together) they wish to share and gain feedback on.
2. In many groups, there can also be an educational component provided by the therapist. For example, in groups on drug and alcohol addiction, I often provide the group with information on how people change, how various drugs affect the body, as well as group exercises to help participants understand the effects of addiction on their own emotions, values and relationships.
3. Sometimes there is homework where, individually, you are invited to examine some of your personal beliefs, behaviors and values; then, back in group, you're invited to share what you're comfortable sharing with the group. In my groups, and in most groups I know of, no one is forced to share anything. Keep in mind, sharing is an invitation, not a command.
4. Group therapy sessions usually cost less than individual sessions. This can be a consideration when deciding on the treatment that you want. Typically, group session charges can be half of the cost of individual work or more. Your therapist will discuss cost with you prior to your enrollment in group.
5. Group therapy sessions are typically longer than individual sessions. While my individual sessions are 50 minutes, my group sessions usually last between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the group.
Making a commitment to your group experience.
In groups that I hold, in order to ensure that the group setting is a safe and comfortable place for group members and, to ensure group continuity, all members are asked to make these commitments to the group:
There is power in being supported by others who genuinely understand your distress. Is group work for you? Read on.
A few ways group and individual therapy differ.
1. Obviously, in group therapy, you share the floor with others. In groups that I lead, I structure them to provide each participant with time to "check in," that is, to share recent developments, challenges and accomplishments related to their therapeutic goals. Then, typically, we open the floor to individual members who have issues or challenges (preferably related to the group's work together) they wish to share and gain feedback on.
2. In many groups, there can also be an educational component provided by the therapist. For example, in groups on drug and alcohol addiction, I often provide the group with information on how people change, how various drugs affect the body, as well as group exercises to help participants understand the effects of addiction on their own emotions, values and relationships.
3. Sometimes there is homework where, individually, you are invited to examine some of your personal beliefs, behaviors and values; then, back in group, you're invited to share what you're comfortable sharing with the group. In my groups, and in most groups I know of, no one is forced to share anything. Keep in mind, sharing is an invitation, not a command.
4. Group therapy sessions usually cost less than individual sessions. This can be a consideration when deciding on the treatment that you want. Typically, group session charges can be half of the cost of individual work or more. Your therapist will discuss cost with you prior to your enrollment in group.
5. Group therapy sessions are typically longer than individual sessions. While my individual sessions are 50 minutes, my group sessions usually last between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the group.
Making a commitment to your group experience.
In groups that I hold, in order to ensure that the group setting is a safe and comfortable place for group members and, to ensure group continuity, all members are asked to make these commitments to the group:
- Commitment. All group members are asked to agree to attend for a minimum time period ranging from several weeks to several months. Because the group benefits from each other’s input and support, you agree to make this commitment a high priority. You agree to arrive on time for each group, as latecomers can be interruptive to a group in progress.
- Confidentiality. You agree to keep confidential the identities of other members in the group. I also ask you to agree NOT to have discussions about group content with other members of the group or anyone else outside of the group setting.
- Dual relationships. Because dual relationships can create experiences outside of the group that can be problematic for the rest of the group, I ask that you agree not to socialize with, date, or have sexual relations with any other group member while active in the group.
- Payment. I ask members of every group honor the payment schedule that we agree on in advance. Because your commitment to the group ensures you a seat each week that cannot be given to someone else, I ask that you agree there will be no refunds for missed groups.
- Goals. Because it is important to know what you want from your group experience, I ask that you agree to establish some goals, giving some thought to what you want from the group and how you would like things to be different for you when group therapy ends.
How is group therapy sounding so far? For many, it can be a life-changing experience or, at least, one which helps your clarify your own thoughts, values and goals by entertaining differing perspectives.
Next time: Guidelines for getting the most out of your group experience.
Until then, thanks for listening.
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