Group Therapy Online In Canada: Finding Virtual Peer Support
Online group therapy may be a valuable option for people seeking compassionate care in a safe environment. In group settings, individuals experiencing similar challenges can discuss symptoms, coping strategies, and personal experiences. Online options also reduce barriers to care, possibly allowing more individuals to join sessions without disrupting their daily lives. Group therapy offers quality mental health support for adults and young adults seeking connection and healing on their mental health journey. This article takes a deeper look at online group therapy in Canada, how group therapy environments foster mental well-being, and the types of mental health challenges that can be addressed.
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What is group therapy online in Canada?
Group therapy is a structured form of treatment, where a number of people – typically between 5 and 15 – come together to work through mental health challenges. Research suggests that 8-12 participants is optimum during a group session to provide balanced perspectives and meaningful relationships. Guided by social workers, psychologists, or other trained professionals, participants can interact with one another, sharing challenges and discussing thoughts, feelings, and experiences from the comfort of their homes.
Why group therapy online in Canada is becoming more popular
In recent years, especially since the pandemic in 2020, more people have been using online therapy services in Canada. In a national survey of 1,003 participants, 70.2% reported regularly using online mental health care services. Since online therapy can remove barriers such as travel time, cost concerns, stigma, and geographical limitations, more people in Canada can attend sessions that support their mental health and well-being.
What to expect in group therapy sessions online
Oftentimes, group sessions begin with getting to know each other. Clients have an opportunity to share their story, and therapists explain how the therapy process works. Rather than deep diving immediately, therapists may take the time to create a safe and supportive environment, build positive therapeutic relationships, and establish group trust before moving into deeper work. Some online platforms offer free workshops, where individuals can get a feel for what happens in therapy sessions.
A typical first session in group therapy includes a getting-to-know-you period in which the leader outlines the goals and core concepts of the group, and facilitates a cohesive group dynamic to ensure a safe, supportive space for all. Leaders are qualified therapists and trained facilitators with experience in the specific topics being addressed by the group. Participants can schedule meetings online or by phone, which makes it super easy to join even for those who may feel anxious about taking part in a group experience.
A safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental therapy space
Counselors and therapists strive to create a group setting where clients can share their stories without fear of judgment, ensuring sensitive topics remain within the group. Mental health professionals can set clear guidelines, group rules, and boundaries to maintain this safe and respectful environment.
The role of group therapy in improving mental health
In treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, group therapy may be just as effective as individual therapy. As well as treating negative symptoms, sessions can promote a sense of purpose, belonging, and other mental health benefits.
Benefits of group therapy
Group therapy sessions can be a chance to build a sense of community and share experiences with others facing similar challenges. There are many benefits to group therapy sessions, including some of the following:
- Catharsis – the chance to emotionally express and release pent-up emotions in a safe and supportive setting
- Altruism – the positive impact individuals can have on others within group settings by sharing their own journeys, as well as what has harmed or helped them
- Social development – learning to share and actively listen can help individuals connect and relate to others more effectively
- Self-awareness – reflecting on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as actively listening to others, can help people develop insight, wisdom, and personal growth
The impact of sharing experiences in mental health care settings
As well as having the opportunity to release pent-up emotions, reflect on experiences, and explore the thoughts and feelings they trigger, sharing with others can have additional benefits. Hearing from others can provide the chance to gain diverse perspectives, often from people who may have faced similar challenges or found effective ways to cope.
A sense of connection and mental health support
When individuals share experiences, it can build a sense of connection, friendship, and respect. Research suggests that group therapy may be associated with a sense of belonging. Individuals may feel like they are part of a community where everyone can lean on each other for support.
Common concerns addressed in group health care settings
People in Canada can attend group programs for a variety of concerns, from anger management to relationship counseling. Whether dealing with individual health symptoms, conflict with family members, or even work productivity, there may be specialized sessions available.
Group therapy sessions for anxiety and other mental health challenges
According to the National Library of Medicine, group therapy can be used in the treatment of various mental health conditions – including anxiety, depression, and trauma. For common mental health conditions such as anxiety, individuals can learn coping strategies and practice emotional regulation in a supportive group environment. Through shared experiences and guided techniques, participants may reflect, gain insight, and lean on peer support, which can make managing symptoms easier.
What to expect: Your journey toward healing and growth
Therapy groups are run by qualified therapists who hold at least a master’s degree and who maintain professional standards of care. They offer guidance to help their clients progress through the journey of group therapy, teaching coping skills, building relationships, and finding the right support for long-term well-being.
Types of evidence-based approaches used in group therapy
Group therapy is typically run using the principles and techniques of one or more therapeutic approaches, with common ones being cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, different types of cognitive behavioural therapy like dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), mindfulness therapy, and other evidence-based forms of psychotherapy. These approaches teach participants emotional regulation, can help improve relationships, and offer tools to manage disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Group therapy vs individual counselling
Individual counselling and group sessions are two different avenues that can assist in meeting different unique needs and goals. While individual therapy offers a more personal approach, group therapy offers the support of a cohort of individuals experiencing similar life situations which can be both motivating and full of practical help. However, it is important to note that each of these types of therapy can complement each other, and many people combine the one-on-one support of individual therapy with group sessions to support deeper healing.
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Is online group mental health support beneficial for anxiety?
Therapists with expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and other anxiety-related treatments may offer their services online, in both individual and group settings. In a study on college students, online group CBT reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. This research suggests that reassurance, validation, and shared experiences with individuals in a similar stage of life can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
The convenience of online health support
With the advancement of online care, especially since the pandemic, individuals may have more opportunities to connect with group members and therapists online. Online platforms such as BetterHelp offer group sessions for a wide range of mental health conditions, so people can connect with peers, receive treatment, and practice coping strategies from the comfort of home.
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Group therapy and online health support
Research suggests that digital treatment can be beneficial for conditions such as anxiety and depression. Online group therapy may also improve engagement and attendance, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for adults and young adults dealing with stress, relationship issues, pain, or major life transitions. Group therapy sessions help participants focus on developing coping strategies and maintaining emotional resilience.. With the combined support of peers, therapists, and a structured group setting, participants may make faster progress and learn more effective ways to cope with challenges in their daily lives.
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Takeaway
What are the stages of group therapy and how do they work?
Four stages of group therapy treatment can be thought of as:
- Making introductions
- Building rapport
- Setting an agenda
- Engaging in structured group conversations
The way they work is: The mental health professional who leads the group will have a plan for the discussion topics and activities that will take place in each session. They will usually work to help group members feel comfortable in gradually opening up to each other.
Can group therapy be done online in Canada?
Yes; group therapy can be done online in Canada. It usually involves a mental health professional or other type of facilitator leading the discussion via group video call.
What are the different types of group therapy available online?
You might find online group therapy sessions for topics like:
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Substance misuse
- Trauma
- Depression
You might also find groups based on specific therapy approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety or mindfulness-based groups for trauma.
Who is not a good candidate for online group therapy?
Online group therapy may not be the right choice for someone who needs individualized, one-on-one care—such as for more severe mental health symptoms. It may also be difficult for a person to participate in online group therapy if they do not have a stable internet connection or do not feel comfortable sharing with other group members while on video.
What are the disadvantages of group therapy compared to individual therapy?
One key disadvantage of group therapy is that you’re likely to receive less personalized attention than you would in one-on-one therapy. Another potential disadvantage has to do with comfort levels. Some people might not feel comfortable sharing their story or talking about their symptoms with several others and may instead prefer one-on-one care with a professional.
Is online group therapy effective for anxiety and depression?
Research indicates that online group therapy can often be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. For example, a 2025 study suggests that an online group therapy treatment decreased depressive symptoms and rumination in people with major depressive disorder. A 2024 study suggests that online group therapy may have “comparable effectiveness” to in-person interventions for treating social anxiety disorder.
How does online group therapy compare to in-person group therapy?
Research suggests that online group therapy can often be as effective as in-person group therapy for treating certain symptoms and conditions. That said, the experience can feel somewhat different, since you’re discussing mental health topics with others via video rather than together in the room in person.
What is the role of peer support in online group therapy?
Peer support is usually a key component and a core advantage of group therapy, whether it takes place online or in person. In addition to receiving guidance from the mental health professional leading the group, participants can give and receive support, encouragement, and advice with each other during sessions.
Are online group therapy sessions led by licensed therapists in Canada?
It depends on the organization running them, but many online group therapy sessions in Canada are led by credentialed therapists or other types of qualified mental health professionals. For example, optional group sessions are a part of a BetterHelp subscription, and these are led by credentialed mental health professionals.
What therapy approaches are commonly used in online group therapy (such as CBT)?
CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one of the most common approaches used in group therapy sessions. Some providers may also use mindfulness-based or trauma-informed approaches, depending on the focus of the group.
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