What Topics Are Discussed In Women's Group Therapy?

Women's group therapy provides a supportive environment where women from diverse backgrounds can connect and discuss challenges affecting their mental health, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. However, it may be challenging to find therapy groups that cater specifically to women, and it's common to wonder which topics might be discussed. 

To understand what you might encounter in group therapy, looking at the most popular women's group therapy topics and their benefits can be helpful. 

Women's group therapy topics

Common themes for women's group therapy include challenges related to self-image, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, including the following. 

Self-esteem and self-image

A positive self-image can be critical to mental wellness. However, low self-esteem is often an area of concern for women and may impact many areas of life, including relationships and one's career. In group therapy, women can discuss how omen’s issues and body image may impact self-esteem, as well as coping skills to work through these issues and find support. 

Body image 

Some women's group therapy options may focus on body image concerns. In these sessions, participants can discuss the impact of societal expectations, family and peer influences, and personal experiences related to their body image. 

Some groups cater specifically to those experiencing eating disorders, while other groups may discuss a broader range of body image-related topics. Through group discussions and exercises, participants connect with others and learn how to challenge negative beliefs about their bodies. 

If you are experiencing a crisis related to an eating disorder or would like further resources, contact the ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-888-375-7767 from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm CT. ANAD offers women’s support groups and other support groups. 

Self-worth and confidence

Women's therapy groups often discuss confidence and self-worth. Low self-worth can result from negative self-talk, failure, perfectionism, and childhood experiences. Its effects can impact relationships, career prospects, and overall quality of life. 

Women's groups offer a safe and supportive space for telling experiences and learning effective strategies for improving self-image. They may incorporate techniques from other modalities like individual therapy or art therapy, as well. 

Social comparison and competition

It can be common for women and girls to experience mental health challenges related to social comparison, especially regarding social media use. Frequent exposure to idealized portrayals of life and womanhood through media may lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Women’s group therapy can provide support in relationship issues and social anxiety. 

Women's group therapy may benefit those experiencing social comparison and perceived competition, as it offers a space to connect with others in a positive, comfortable, and supportive environment. 

Relationships and communication

Whether familial, platonic, or professional, relationship dynamics may be influenced by sex and gender. Women's group therapy can offer a new space for women to discuss relationships openly and without judgment. 

Family and motherhood

Some women struggle to balance their potential roles as mothers, partners, caregivers, and professionals. In women’s group sessions focused on these concerns, women can explore motherhood and family challenges while learning coping strategies for managing the demands of parenthood. 

By exploring these challenges in a non-judgmental space, women can develop a stronger sense of identity and improve relationships with family members.

Dating and romantic relationships

Dating and romance can be a source of joy and stress, making them a common topic of discussion in women's group therapy. 

In group therapy, women can tell their experiences with dating, relationships, and intimacy. They can also gain support and insight from other group members. 

As a result, they can learn effective communication and boundary-setting skills, address behavior patterns that may impact relationships, and build fulfilling romantic connections. 

Assertiveness and boundary setting

Women's groups often discuss strategies for assertiveness and setting boundaries with others. It may be challenging for some women to assert their needs due to social conditioning, trauma, or unhealthy relationships. 

Through group assertiveness training, women can learn and practice skills for setting and enforcing healthy boundaries.

Professional relationships and communication 

Due to social conditioning and gender norms, some women may feel unprepared to navigate professional relationships. 

For example, research has shown that women are less likely than men to negotiate higher salaries, affecting job satisfaction and financial outlook. Women may also have different needs concerning healthcare, pregnancy, and family leave. 

In group therapy, women can learn and practice effective communication skills to better serve them professionally. This step may include negotiation, assertiveness training, and boundary-setting.

Mental health and wellness topics addressed in group therapy 

While mental health challenges can affect people of all genders, some women find attending group therapy in women's spaces helpful. Below are a few mental health topics that might be discussed or treated. 

Anxiety and depression

Women are more likely than other genders to experience depression and anxiety. As a result, some women can benefit from therapy groups related to overcoming the challenges posed by these mental health conditions. 

Group sessions can provide an empathetic space to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Some groups may focus on a particular therapy, such as mindfulness, relaxation and meditation, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). 

Coping mechanisms and self-care

Some women may find it difficult to prioritize their needs or develop practical coping skills to manage stress. In group therapy, women can learn and practice self-care techniques such as self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring them joy.

Addiction recovery

Those managing addiction may benefit from attending an addiction-focused group therapy session. A women's addiction recovery group can provide a safe and comfortable space for women to discuss their experiences without fear of judgment. They may also learn valuable skills that help them maintain their sobriety and navigate challenges that arise in the future.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Trauma and abuse

Women's group therapy can be a valuable resource for women experiencing the effects of domestic violence or sexual abuse and assault. 

The opportunity to hear and learn from others can be helpful for processing one's experiences, gaining support, and giving resources. Group therapy can also provide a platform for advocacy and social change as women come together to raise awareness and advocate for their rights. 

If you are facing or witnessing abuse of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 for support. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788. You can also use the online chat. 

Benefits of women's group therapy

While one-on-one therapy with a trained mental health professional can be a vital resource for those wishing to improve their mental health, women's group therapy may offer several unique benefits to consider. 

Support and connection

Women's group therapy can offer a space for women to connect through experiences and discuss potentially sensitive subjects. For some, opening up in a group setting may be easier than in a one-on-one therapy session. 

Additionally, in group therapy, there may be less pressure to talk; women can open up when they are ready or connect with other group members to discuss experiences individually.

Perspective and insight

Group therapy can provide a place for women to tell their ideas, insights, and experiences in an open, collaborative space. The group therapy format often offers a more casual, understanding space for women to exchange perspectives. 

It can be helpful to learn from each other, and by listening to others and discussing within a peer group, women may develop a greater understanding of themselves and others.

Community and empowerment

The sense of community that group therapy often provides can help women build a support network for exchanging advice, emotional support, and validation. Often, mental health concerns and trauma can lead to feelings of isolation, and bonding with other women through experiences may help combat loneliness. 

Finding women's therapy groups

You can begin your search for women's therapy groups near you by searching online for support groups in your area. It may also be possible to find groups through your faith community, community center, or by searching online mental health databases. 

If you are unsure whether group therapy is right for you, consider connecting with a mental health professional first. In addition to offering valuable mental health support, a therapist can provide resources and help connect you with support groups in person or online. 

Wondering which therapy groups are right for you?

Speak with a licensed therapist

Alternative support options 

Barriers can come up that might affect someone's ability to attend in-person therapy, such as finances or scheduling conflicts. For this reason, some people may prefer online therapy because it tends to be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy. 

Therapy has been shown to benefit those living with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and those who have recently experienced trauma. Additionally, studies have found that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy. One meta-analysis found that out of 17 studies, online therapy was determined more effective than face-to-face options in treating depression.  

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer complimentary group webinars and once-weekly individual meetings with a therapist. These options may be helpful for those who prefer to focus on one particular issue in their weekly therapy sessions but wish to explore other areas in a group setting.