What Is Group Therapy, And Is It Effective?

There are over 400 modalities of therapy available worldwide, and many formats of these modalities. One such format is group therapy, involving sessions with more than one client, often led by one mental health practitioner like a therapist or psychologist. You can find many ways to incorporate group therapy into your treatment plan or utilize it as a standalone treatment.

Group therapy's benefits have been shown to reduce distressing symptoms in those living with mental health conditions and physical diseases, including coronary heart disease. The group experience may enable clients to benefit from a supportive and positive environment where they can meet others going through similar experiences or having similar treatment goals. 

Group therapy may benefit many clients. For example, group psychotherapy may be particularly beneficial in treating substance use disorder as long as the group leader has received specialized training for group therapy. One study published in Indian J Psychiatry concluded that for individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder, treatments that combined group therapy with pharmacological interventions were more effective than treatment plans in which pharmacological interventions were used alone. Additionally, individuals in the early stages of anxiety have been shown to benefit from cognitive behavioral groups teaching preventative measures.    

What Is Group Therapy? 

By definition, group therapy involves one or more clinicians facilitating group counseling activities with more than one client simultaneously. It is offered in many mental health settings, including exclusive practices, hospitals, clinics, and community centers. 

Clients can sometimes join group therapy sessions with others who are at different stages in their progress, allowing everyone to share experiences and positivity at different points in their treatment. However, in a closed group, all members begin treatment at the same time. In either case, sharing experiences is part of the therapeutic process and can offer support, inspiration, and insight into symptoms and behaviors. In many groups, therapists often spend time addressing the whole group and leading group activities. 

One unique benefit of group therapy is that members may be encouraged by witnessing the success of other members. 

Listed below are some group therapy modalities: 

• Psychoeducational groups, which educate clients about their disorder
• Skills development groups, which teach clients better coping skills
• Cognitive behavioral groups, which address patterns of thinking and behaving
• Support groups, in which members hold each other accountable for change 
• Interpersonal process group therapy, in which members explore cognitive distortions and learn new behaviors that may improve interpersonal skills

The Principles Of Group Therapy 

In Irvine D. Yalom's The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, a distinct set of guidelines and principles are outlined describing the commonly reported experiences from individual reports by those who have experienced various types of therapy on top of their group experiences. The Irvin Yalom group therapy process consists of the following principles. 

1. Persistence Of Hope: As sessions contain individuals at different stages of group therapy, seeing the success of others during the process may instill a sense of hope in others that may be starting group therapy activities for the first time.
2. Being One: Discussing and moving past challenging events or experiences with others in group therapy who are doing the same can allow a sense of oneness and camaraderie that may be unattainable with one-on-one treatment.
3. Imparting Information: By working as a group, group therapy participants can share information that may be vital for another individual's treatment and healing.
4. Altruism: Sharing strengths with other group participants during the sessions can boost morale, self-esteem, and confidence in those just beginning group therapy activities.
5. Corrective Behavioral Commentary: The therapy group may take the form of a primary support system in each client's life. During sessions, participants can explore past childhood experiences they believe shaped their personalities and behaviors. By sharing these experiences and behaviors, group therapy participants can learn new habits from others that are more effective, positive, and empowering.
6. Remaining Social While Healing: The social aspect of group therapy is often beneficial. Many people withdraw when recovering or attempting to recover from a challenging experience or symptom. In therapy, others do not turn away when challenges arise.
7. Imitation: Group therapy offers the ability for members of the group to imitate others' responses and actions to scenarios that are beneficial and positive. These ideas can translate into helpful everyday social techniques.
8. Interpersonal Learning: Interacting with others and receiving feedback in real-time can teach interpersonal skills. By getting feedback from other group therapy participants and the group therapist, new perspectives and techniques can be developed in a safe and welcoming environment without risk.
9. Catharsis: Allowing yourself to share your feelings and experiences with a group of people confronting similar experiences can allow you and the others in sessions to let go of unwanted emotions.
10. Existential Factors: While working through traumatic issues in a group therapy setting, a sense of responsibility is also absorbed through the guidance and support of group participants. Through this process, individuals become aware that they are responsible for their actions and choices.

What Does Group Psychotherapy Treat?

Group therapy can be used to treat a wide array of different mental health conditions and symptoms, including but not limited to the following: 

• Low self-esteem or low confidence
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Grief and loss 
• Emotional or physical trauma
• Social anxiety or interpersonal difficulties
• Personality disorders 
• Anger management 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 

One common specialized form of group therapy is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can also be done in an individual setting. DBT groups are often targeted toward those experiencing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) or intense emotional reactions. 

What Activities Are Done In Group Therapy? 

Understanding group therapy can facilitate a positive experience. Some therapy groups focus on group sharing, while the focus in other groups may be more on individual concerns or lessons. Before entering a group, you may be educated about the types of activities commonly practiced in the group and any requirements for workbooks or homework. Below are a few activities that you might encounter in a group setting: 

• Educational, cultural, or social outings or activities
• Expressive group therapies like art, writing, acting, or dance
• Integrative group therapies like yoga, Pilates, or acupuncture
• Sharing stories for support and validation 
• Educational lectures or workshops

Often, group therapy sessions are around one to three hours in length, depending on the group. In an open group, new members may join at any time, whereas in closed groups, all group members begin at once. Groups may be held in smaller numbers so as not to overwhelm clients. Many therapy groups include about eight to 12 individuals with one mental health professional present. The flexibility of weekly group sessions can be up to your therapist, depending on if you are incorporating group therapy into your treatment plan or are attending sessions on your own. 

Group therapy topics and content can vary depending on who shares their experiences. With this sense of group cohesiveness and oneness persisting in sessions, the group inadvertently provides support to all those who share or allow themselves to be vulnerable. A sense of objectiveness may also be achieved during group sessions. Since other group members aren't personally involved with your life, the people in these groups have the opportunity to share opinions and ideas to help you work through challenges. 

For example, if you are going through a divorce, you might share your feelings or experiences and gain invaluable perspective from others who have gone through a divorce. The group participants may have learned a technique that helped them and can share the information with you as you cope with your experiences. 

Group therapy topics can also lead to the inspiration of others. Learning about the success of other group participants in their treatment can give you hope that you can also achieve your goals. Group activities may also strengthen your social skills. Even when isolation feels like the best option, small groups offer a chance to socialize in a safe and structured environment. 

How To Get The Most Out Of Group Therapy 

The most effective way to benefit from a therapy group may be to take it seriously and do the work requested by the therapist. If you use group therapy to meet new friends or sit back and never share, you might not experience the full expected benefit of sessions. Note that the insights you share may prompt someone else to open up and feel less alone. Three common ways to get the most out of group therapy can involve the following. 

Pledge

Group therapy is a serious process for each client. Many therapists have the clients sign a contract or discuss boundaries and rules for the group during the first session before they set up meeting times. When you pledge to participate in group therapy, you may also commit to finishing the sessions outlined during the sign-up process. 

Participate

Even when you don't feel like attending group therapy or in moments where you're expected to share but think about skipping, try to participate in group discussion. Participation can also benefit others in the group, and partaking in the planned activities can help you learn more about yourself. 

Share

Sharing your trauma with others in the group allows you to remove the burdens of your experience from you while also allowing others to relate to you for their recovery. By sharing your healing journey and inner thoughts, you can support others.

Group therapy focuses on the benefit of all group participants. Although you are in the group to address your own concerns, other group participants may look to you for advice, input, or solidarity. Although you are not responsible for anyone else's healing, you can support yourself and others by participating in the group, finding commonality through vulnerability, and growing through your experiences. 

Counseling Options 

Participation, research, and responsibility may be crucial in group therapy. Researching where these sessions are offered and what type of group therapy you want to try can be beneficial. Many exclusive practice therapists provide group therapy outside individual sessions, whereas others may work online or in a clinic setting. 

If you choose an online therapy group, know that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy. For example, one study found that people who used BetterHelp experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression symptoms.

Online therapy groups enable therapists and group participants to connect from separate locations. Having a way in to multiple cultural viewpoints and ideas can also benefit clients. This benefit potentially opens up more doors to greater perspective and understanding on various topics. Additionally, online therapy is often more cost-effective than face-to-face therapy services, as therapists do not have to pay to rent out an office space or parking spot. Although platforms like BetterHelp do not offer group therapy, speaking with an individual therapist remotely can also be beneficial, and some platforms, like ReGain, offer couples treatment through the internet, as well.