Group Psychotherapy: Connection Through Shared Experience
In the world we live in today, there is an increasingly high value placed on individualism, productivity, and “being able to handle our own problems”. It can be challenging to admit when we are hurting to even ourselves, let alone others. Asking for help can often feel shadowed by a genuine fear that we will be judged or misunderstood. Why put ourselves out there if people won’t get it anyway? Group therapy challenges this notion, powerfully demonstrating that through community there is healing and our struggles are not only valid but felt by many -
We are not alone.
While individual therapy is also incredibly impactful, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Group therapy is helpful for a variety of issues and a wide range of people, allowing them to explore interpersonal patterns in real-time. As it progresses, the group becomes a cohesive unit that models healthy behaviors, builds trust, and reflects on experiences both within and outside of the group setting. Members are able to root each other on while also holding each other accountable. Additionally, the group provides a safe place to increase coping skills, gain resources, develop one’s sense of self and cultivate relationships. One is surrounded by people who know what they are going through, feel it themselves, and are working to make similar changes in their lives. This process is unique to group work in that the group itself is the “client”, made up of the joint experiences of the individuals and how they relate to one another.
So what does group therapy actually look like?
While specifics will vary, it typically involves 1-2 therapists working with about 5-10 people. Groups may be much bigger or smaller than that and can be tailored to a diverse array of issues, symptoms, and contexts. There may be a specific topic highlighted, or members may be guided to focus on what comes up for them in the present moment. They are often screened by the clinicians prior to meeting commencement in an effort to ensure a good fit for everyone involved. Part of maintaining a safe space for members means that boundaries for the group will be established at its onset, and all members will be expected to respect and honor them. Confidentiality absolutely exists within a group, and members may not disclose to others outside of the group who members are or what is discussed during sessions. Some groups have a cost associated with them, and some are free to members. Meetings may be held in person or virtually, and their frequency will vary.
The therapists work with the group as a whole, facilitating both one-on-one and group interactions. Members are invited to check-in and share, as well as listen to and support others as they do the same. This involves learning to identify and express their thoughts and emotions through words, all words are welcome as long as you are open to the impact (on other members) of those words. Some groups are “open”, meaning members can come and go and meetings are generally ongoing. At the same time, members frequently entering and exiting can be disruptive to group progress and dynamics. It is common that in an open group members will be asked to commit to a specific time period, such as 3 months, in an effort to give themselves time to do the work and feel its benefits. Other groups are “closed”, meaning there is a predetermined amount of time the group will run, and membership will remain static for the duration of that time.
Within the group, there will be many opportunities to navigate “real-life” relational dynamics, and these interactions not only help members learn about themselves and improve their relationships but also provide the therapists with useful insight into how each person responds to their social surroundings in which the therapist can help the member find productive ways to share any thoughts and feelings. Just as with any type of therapy, results are not instant, and true healing takes collaborative effort and consistency from both the client and therapist. Sitting with others and allowing yourself to be vulnerable as they witness your experience is not an easy thing to do, and takes great courage.
Yes, group is anxiety-producing but also INVIGORATING.
Where else can you explore attraction, repulsion, hate and love with a group of people who all agree not to make contact outside of the group? Yep, that’s right. This is not a place to make friends. This is a place to work, learn, and play. What happens when member agrees to protect the shared space and not make contact outside of group? Members feel more inclined to take emotional risks knowing that it is a talking group, not an acting group. You can share your fantasies, fantasies are allies. “I have a fantasy of meeting you for coffee.” Ever experienced having a friend in need who is not physically close and what to help them but don’t know how? Share a fantasy, “If I were there, I would bring soup over, sit on the couch with you and rub your back.” You can create emotional closeness without taking action! I would LOVE to tell you more about how energizing and transformative group is, just click the link!