“Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.” – Queen Elizabeth II

Group therapy involves one or more therapists who lead a group of people, typically five to 15 clients. Groups usually meet once a week for an hour or two. Groups often target a specific problem, such as depression, obesity, social anxiety, or substance abuse, therefore group members tend to have a shared commonality.

Joining a group of strangers may sound intimidating at first, but group members are usually surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be. There are many benefits in joining a group.

“Life is not a solo act. It’s a huge collaboration, and we all need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife.” – Tim Gunn

Knowledge and Understanding: Groups are led by mental health professionals with specialized training who teach members proven strategies for managing specific problems. Additionally, group members often learn strategies from others in the group who have shared experiences.

Perspective and Acceptance: Regularly listening to and talking with others helps put your own problems in perspective and provides social engagement. Group is a safe place to share and to grow. Group members support one another. In group you learn to accept yourself and others.

“It’s when we start working together that the real healing takes place” – David Hume

Forward Counseling currently has several groups open. To learn more about our group therapy offerings, visit http://forwardcounseling.com/summer-2014-group-therapy/.

Written by Catherine Clubb-Brown, Forward Counseling intern

Photo courtesy of sepsistrust.org

Additional Resources:

https://counseling.appstate.edu/pagesmith/158

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/group-therapy.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-support-group