What is Group Therapy?
The hardships and challenges throughout life can be difficult to navigate on your own. When seeking support, individual or group therapy may be an option you are considering. So how does one know which option may suite their needs, and goals while feeling supported.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy which is facilitated by one or two therapists who work simultaneously with multiple people (CAMH, 2022). Group therapy brings together a group of people with a similar goal or aim. Group therapy aims to relieve distress through discussing and expressing feelings shared by a common experience or hardship.
Is group therapy for me?
In group therapy, one is met with others going through a similar experience. Group therapy is a safe space to share ones experience of events and to normalize the emotions and feelings surrounding the experience while processes feelings with the support of peers and therapists. Within a group framework, we gain insight into ourselves and safely explores ways in which to communicate, work through and cope.
Benefits of group therapy
You are not alone: We are not alone in the experience of hardship and challenges, and meeting with people who also share similar experiences can provide support and often leave people feeling relieved and connected.
Offers various perspectives: Within a group framework, it allows to hear a wide range of perspectives and various ways to work through challenges. Group therapy provides a safe environment to hear how others have navigated, confronted, or understood the experience.
Promote social skills: Group therapy helps ease the sense of isolation and provide an opportunity to engage with people and learn about the community.
Sharing can be healing: Sharing your experience with others who understand, recognize, appreciate and ‘get’ your perspective can feel incredibly comforting.
Fortitude Wellness Journey offers individual and group therapy services.
Sources
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2022). Group Psychotherapy. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/group-therapy
Group Therapy. (2018). GoodTherapy.org
Psychotherapy: Understanding Group Therapy. (2018). American Psychological Association.