Group Therapy

In a group therapy setting, while it’s true that each of us is unique and may have unique circumstances, none of us are alone in our struggles. It increases the sense that “we’re all in this together,” and normalizes suffering. Rather than getting support solely from the clinician, members of a group therapy session are encouraged to turn to each other for support, feedback, and connection. The members also share their own experiences. They share how they’ve navigated loneliness or overcome isolation, offering hope, inspiration, encouragement, and sometimes offer suggestions. In the safe atmosphere of group therapy, members can get honest feedback from their peers.

We strongly encourage members to notice how they’re feeling throughout the session and to talk about it. It is common that people don’t know how they are feeling when they are interacting with other people, because it can be tough to be self-connected when connecting with others. Recognizing your experience of yourself can be an eye-opening experience. Instead of asking someone a question, group therapy allows individuals to divulge into why they’re asking that question. Instead of just giving advice, the advice sharer also shares what is motivating them to give that advice.

Through group therapy, clients discover new options for how to relate to others. It helps people get unstuck from patterns of relating that are not serving them. The opportunity for genuine connections allows the practice of being authentic and speaking up for themselves.

Group therapy is especially valuable for individuals dealing with depression, social anxiety, and life transitions. Discussions in private therapy differ from those in group therapy by addressing internal reactions in a group therapy session and getting feedback from peers supports the healing process.