What is Group Therapy?

One or more therapists work with a number of clients in a group setting during group therapy, which is a type of psychotherapy. It is carried out in settings like private offices, hospitals, and community centres and serves as a stand-alone mental health intervention or as a supplement to individual treatment.

While group therapy employs methods resembling those of individual psychotherapy, therapists must also manage group dynamics. In particular, therapists and clients must collaborate to create a group environment that is safe, respectful, honest, private, and dedicated. Members of the group accomplish this through actively listening to one another, thinking on what is said, challenging ideas, asking probing questions, and empathizing with one another. People can find strategies to deal with their worry, fear, shame, guilt, loneliness, and other emotions related to mental health issues by developing good interactions with others who struggle in similar ways. 

Although some individuals might be wary of receiving treatment in a group setting, group work may have important advantages. Group therapy, as an approach, enables members to establish a support network, hold one another accountable, and challenge one another. Members are also given insights into how to deal with challenging life circumstances.   Additionally, group work can help put things into perspective because it enables group members to feel relief when they realize they are not alone after hearing other people express similar difficulties. Last but not least, when group members witness those who struggle in similar ways make positive and long-lasting improvements, it may inspire hope, optimism, and motivation in them to do the same for themselves.