During mental health treatment in Colorado and Illinois, our licensed and certified group facilitators dedicate their time to helping clients overcome mental health disorders and improve their overall well-being in group therapy.
In group therapy, a small group of individuals meets regularly with trained therapists for treatment. It provides a supportive and structured environment for individuals to share their experiences, learn from others, and receive feedback and guidance from both the therapists and fellow group members.
Elevare Behavioral Health offers group therapy as an integral part of our mental health treatment programming. Our team of professional and experienced mental health clinicians presides over group therapy sessions with the goal of helping you feel comfortable, included, and accepted while you share your experiences with your peers.
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What Is Group Therapy?
Group counseling isn’t a new idea. It’s been around for well over 100 years thanks to research conducted by Dr. Joseph Pratt in 1905. Pratt started to hold a regular group session with his tuberculosis patients to discuss the disease and how to care for it. He saw a positive change in the emotional health of his patients that came with the community setting. This was the very first therapeutic group, and it established the framework for future group therapy in the field of mental health treatment.
Today, group therapy is a staple mental health treatment used by facilities around the country. It’s a treatment technique proven effective in each level of care, from residential to outpatient services. Group therapy involves a trained therapist or counselor leading a group of individuals who struggle with their mental health. It is an effective treatment option that offers several benefits for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
Who Provides Group Therapy?
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Licensed professional counselors
- Social workers
- Family therapists
At Elevare, the therapist leading your group will create a safe and supportive environment as they facilitate group interactions and therapeutic progress.
What Is Group Therapy Used For?
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Bipolar disorder (BD)
- Personality disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder (SUD)
Group therapy can also help improve your social skills as there’s lots of collaboration with your peers during sessions. Learning better communication and listening skills can help improve many aspects of your life including personal relationships, professional interactions, and anger management.
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Different Types of Group Therapy
Group therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are many different types of group therapy, all with unique goals, structures, and attendance requirements.
- Process-oriented groups
- Talk therapy groups
- Trauma-focused groups
- Self-help groups
- Nutrition counseling groups
- Psychodrama groups
- Mindfulness meditation groups
- Yoga groups
- Spirituality groups
- LGBTQIA groups
- Gender-specific groups
- Veterans groups
- Art therapy groups
- Music therapy groups
- Journal groups
- Sound healing groups
- Experiential groups
- Psychoeducation groups
- Social skills groups
- Team building groups
- Life skills training groups
- Grief counseling groups
- DBT skills groups
- Peer support groups
What to Expect During Group Therapy
Before attending group therapy, it can be helpful to understand what to expect. Every group is different, but they share some similarities in terms of structure, size, meeting schedule, and discussion topics. Here’s what to expect when you attend group therapy sessions at Elevare:
Group Structure
Typically, the structure of a group therapy session is set by the therapist, who will ask questions and provide guidance throughout the session. The goal of this structured approach is to ensure that all members have a chance to speak and are heard with respect. During group therapy, it’s important for members to stay focused on their own thoughts and feelings instead of talking about other people in the group.
Group Topics
During group therapy, the therapist typically begins each session with introductions before focusing on topics and issues that the group members are experiencing. The discussion methods and therapy techniques often depend on the expertise of the group therapist who facilitates conversations and provides coaching. In most cases, the flow of conversation during a group will also dictate the discussion points as well. During the meeting, the group facilitator will invite different members to share their thoughts and experiences. The conversations may cover topics related to challenges faced during the week or patterns that emerge over time.
Group Size
Group therapy includes anywhere from 6 to 12 individuals. Generally, the size of the group is often determined by the therapist’s clinical goals. The group composition may be diverse, including people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. This diversity can provide a range of perspectives and insights, which is one of the many benefits of attending group therapy.
Group Schedule
Group therapy follows a regular, weekly schedule set by your clinical supervisor. Typically, meetings last between an hour and 90 minutes. Participating in regular group therapy sessions improves the quality of conversations and allows for a deeper exploration of issues.
Group Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of group therapy. Members are expected to respect each other’s privacy and maintain confidentiality regarding the personal information shared within the group. These groups also provide a safe and supportive environment, where participants are encouraged to express themselves without fear of judgment.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
The old expression ‘power in numbers’ is a good way to describe the benefits of group therapy. When people struggling with similar problems come together and share, it establishes a system of support and accountability. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are a myriad of research-backed benefits you can receive from group therapy sessions.
Support
Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and emotions with others who can relate to their struggles. This sense of belonging and validation can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote emotional healing.
Shared Perspectives
Interacting with others who have similar mental health issues allows individuals to gain different perspectives on their challenges. Through listening to others' stories, participants can gain insights, alternative coping strategies, and new approaches to their situations.
Peer Learning
Group therapy provides an opportunity for peer learning, where participants can learn from each other's successes and failures. They can share helpful strategies, techniques, and resources that have worked for them, fostering personal growth and skills development.
Skills Development
Group therapy offers a unique setting for individuals to practice and improve their social skills. It provides a safe space to learn and experiment with healthy communication, empathy, active listening, conflict resolution, and boundary-setting with others.
Emotional Regulation
Engaging in group therapy can assist individuals in developing emotional regulation skills. By witnessing and processing the emotions of others, participants can gain insight into their own emotional experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and practice self-regulation techniques.
Improved Self-Esteem
Group sessions can enhance self-esteem and empowerment by offering opportunities for individuals to express themselves, receive support, and contribute to others' journeys. By sharing their own experiences and insights, individuals can feel a sense of purpose and value.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services
At our Colorado and Illinois mental health facilities, we offer a wide range of group therapy services during our treatment programs. Group therapy can be a powerful tool in helping individuals cope with challenges in their daily lives. By encouraging open communication between peers and teaching helpful coping skills, group therapy helps clients gain insight into their own struggles. Clients leave with valuable skills that will bring lasting change to their lives.
Our professional team is here to give you all of the information you need to help you make an informed decision for your best health. Give us a call, anytime.
