Group Therapy

In 2022, an estimated 59.3 million individuals over the age of 18 in the United States had some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Each year, millions of people struggle with their mental health, and mental health disorders can have a significant impact on every part of their daily lives. This includes their relationships with family and friends, their work responsibilities or schoolwork, and even how they view themselves. The weight of mental illness can make it difficult for individuals to connect with those around them, which can make achieving lasting, meaningful recovery challenging.

However, for those suffering from mental illness, help is available. Not all mental illnesses can be cured, but comprehensive treatment that considers the whole individual can help manage symptoms. Group therapy has been found to be at least as effective as individual therapy, and it offers a wide range of benefits that can guide many individuals in restoring balance to their lives.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, learning about the options available to you can be the first step in receiving treatment. Below, learn more about group therapy, including what it can be used to treat, its benefits, and any potential drawbacks to this approach.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy. In these sessions, one or more licensed health professionals lead a small group of patients.

There are many groups designed to treat specific problems, such as 12-step group therapy, but other types may focus more on addressing mental health as a whole. Group therapy can include components of different forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

The Importance of Community in Group Therapy

One of the largest factors of group therapy is the importance of community. In many ways, group therapy is similar to individual psychotherapy. However, this form of treatment can provide many individuals with an invaluable resource during their mental health journey: peer support.  

In some cases, mental illness may lead to isolation. Individuals suffering from conditions like anxiety or depression may not have the energy to engage in social activities or interact with those around them. Social interaction can also heighten the emotional responses associated with anxiety.

Whether an individual doesn’t have a strong support system at home or lacks the means to actively engage with others in day-to-day life, group therapy can provide an essential sense of community and belonging for those struggling with mental health. Here, individuals are able to talk about their feelings and challenges without any judgment or bias.

In group therapy, peers are also able to help each other grow. Members of group therapy can act as accountability partners for one another, helping others meet their goals in treatment. During sessions, they may also have the opportunity to share anecdotes and healthy coping mechanisms that other individuals may not be aware of.

Studies have shown that social support can be crucial for those navigating the challenges of mental illness. Group therapy provides an environment where individuals can come together, learn from the leading psychologist, and grow alongside one another.

What is Group Therapy Used to Treat?

In many cases, group therapy is a format of treatment rather than a definitive type of treatment. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of treatment that can be held on an individual or group level, although there are some differences between each format. As a result, group therapy can be employed as a valuable treatment approach for a variety of conditions or situations.

Some of the common conditions group therapy may be used for include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Alcoholism
• Non-substance addictions, such as a sex or gambling addiction

When many people think about therapy and its uses, many only consider its uses in mental health disorders. However, group therapy can also be beneficial for overall mental health, supporting individuals as they navigate:

• Grief and loss
• Anger issues
• Loneliness
• Self-esteem

Not everyone who is struggling with mental health may benefit from group therapy. No form of treatment is a one-size-fits-all solution, and, just as nobody experiences mental health concerns the same way, not everyone will have the same experience with group therapy. There are various factors that can impact how successful group therapy is for someone suffering from a mental health disorder or struggling with managing intense emotions, and other forms of treatment may be better suited for some.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

One of the largest benefits of engaging in group therapy, as mentioned above, is the sense of belonging it can provide. Because these sessions are typically held with up to a dozen or more patients, individuals can interact with one another and develop strong support systems with people facing similar challenges.

However, the community that group therapy is able to supply many people with is only one of the potential benefits. Some of the other benefits someone in group therapy may receive can include:

• Stigma reduction: Individuals in group therapy can see that they aren’t alone in their struggles. This can help reduce the stigma surrounding not only certain mental health disorders but also mental health treatment overall.
• A better understanding of healthy coping mechanisms: Many people enrolled in a group therapy program also utilize other forms of treatment, including individual therapy. As a result, when they come together for group therapy sessions, they can share healthy coping mechanisms and techniques they’ve learned.
• Self-awareness and mindfulness: As much as group therapy is about sharing your experience, it’s about listening with any judgment or bias. This promote mindfulness as individuals actively listen to one another, and it can bolster self-awareness as people hear from those with similar struggles.

Can Group Therapy Be Used With Other Treatments?

For many mental health disorders, group therapy can be an effective form of treatment. However, many people choose to utilize group therapy alongside other treatments. This includes other types of group therapies as well as other approaches.

Some of the types of treatment that individuals may use with group therapy include:

• Individual therapy: Although group therapy provides a sense of community and fellowship, individual therapy instead focuses on personalized treatment tailored to the needs and preferences of the patient. One-on-one sessions may also be more comfortable for talking about certain concerns.
• Medication-assisted treatment: For those with severe mental health disorders, such as substance use disorders, medication can be an essential component of treatment. For example, individuals with a SUD may need medication to help target withdrawal symptoms. This can reduce discomfort and make it easier to focus on treatment and recovery.
• Complementary therapies: There are several types of complementary therapies available, including options like art therapy or music therapy. However, they often aren’t used on their own in a treatment plan. As a result, patients may choose to combine group therapy with one or more complementary therapies, helping personalize their treatment.
• Holistic treatments: Recovering from mental health often requires an approach that takes into consideration the whole being of a person. This includes their physical, mental, and social needs. Holistic treatments like yoga and meditation hone into this approach, and, when used alongside group therapy, can help treat the entire person.

Potential Drawbacks to Group Therapy

Group therapy can provide a variety of benefits, and its versatility allows it to be implemented into comprehensive treatment plans alongside other approaches. However, despite how effective group therapy can be, it may not be the best plan for everyone.

Some people may not be comfortable with the group atmosphere of this treatment approach, and other people may find that different treatments better target their struggles.

As a result, while group therapy can be invaluable, here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Requires active participation in and out of meetings in order to achieve the best results
• Less confidentiality compared to individual therapy
• Less flexibility in terms of meeting times, making it less accessible for those with other responsibilities
• Potential for triggering experience when others are sharing their own stories and struggles
• Challenges with group dynamics

Maintaining Involvement in Group Therapy for Long-Term Recovery

Like with any form of therapeutic treatment, finding lasting recovery and meaningful growth and development through group therapy goes beyond session time. As individuals learn new skills and coping mechanisms, it’s essential that they employ them outside of group therapy as well, implementing these habits into their day-to-day lives. Although this can be daunting for some, especially when they’re faced with the challenges or triggers of their daily routine, embracing the skills taught in group therapy can be crucial to finding success in treatment.

Here are some different ways that you may able to incorporate what you learn during your group therapy sessions into your daily life:

• Celebrate the small milestones and victories in your mental health journey
• Identify the key takeaways of each session, including what tools and techniques apply best to your situation and how to utilize them
• Practice mindfulness throughout the day, being aware of what you’re feeling without any judgment
• Identify negative self-talk and replace it with a healthy internal dialogue that supports positive development