Benefits

Joining a group of strangers may sound frightening at first, but group therapy provides benefits that individual therapy may not. In fact, group members are almost always surprised by how rewarding and effective the group experience can be. The following are just a few of the many benefits of Group Therapy.

• Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board.
• Group therapy facilitates giving and receiving support in a safe and therapeutic environment. 
• Group therapy isn’t about the therapist providing support to one member at a time while others observe. Instead, every member is encouraged to provide feedback and support to others, so everyone has a chance to connect with one another. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way.
• People have different personalities and backgrounds, and they look at situations in different ways. By seeing how other people tackle problems and make positive changes, you can discover a whole range of strategies for facing your own concerns.

Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective. Many people experience mental health difficulties, but few speak openly about them, even to close friends or family members. Group therapy helps you realize you’re not alone. Working in a group with others who suffer from the same problem removes this feeling of isolation. While it’s true that each of us is unique and may have unique circumstances, none of us is alone in our struggles. It can be a relief to hear others discuss what they’re going through, and realize you’re not alone.