Since we get wounded in our relationships with people, it makes sense that we do our healing in relationships with people. However, the people who injured us in the first place are usually not available, not willing, or not able to help us heal. That is one of the reasons I form therapy groups, to assemble people with a common goal of healing who will assist each other, benefiting from both the giving and receiving of support.
Preparing for Group Therapy
As you get ready to participate in a therapy group, certain thoughts or misconceptions may come to your mind. Please review this information so you can be prepared to enter a group.
Group Therapy is not second-class therapy. It’s not a ‘cheap’ alternative to individual therapy. It is a very powerful therapy method that is very different from individual therapy. Just because the time is shared between participants does not mean that each participant receives ‘less’ each session. A strength of group therapy lies in the shared interactions of the group members that simply cannot be experienced in individual therapy.
You will not be forced to share anything you don’t want to share. You won’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer. Group is supportive and nurturing, not abusive and exploitative. Oh, it may be awfully uncomfortable at times, particularly when you’re really working on your issues, but the group will wait until you are ready.
Some people do not want to enter group therapy or let their children participate in groups because they’re worried that other, ‘sicker’ group members will rub off negatively on them. They are afraid that if there are really seriously disturbed individuals in group, it will be harmful to them to participate. First, it is the therapist’s responsibility to assemble group members who will be able to work together. We would not put an actively psychotic war veteran into a group of middle-aged housewives.
Additionally, when people are really sharing honestly with each other, it helps some people to hear that there are others who have it much worse than they do and it helps others to know that someone cares what they went through. There will always be a variety of coping, health, and wellness in a therapy group and it is a very beneficial aspect of the group experience.
The benefits of Group Therapy are very powerful, but they are not immediate. You will not go home from your first, second, or maybe even your third group in a much improved state. You may not even like Group very much. That’s okay and that’s normal. There is a warm-up period during which the group members get to know each other and the hard work doesn’t begin until some trust is established. If you can make it over the initial, uncomfortable, period, I think you will be pleased that you did.
Social & Family Issues for Girls aged 13-15
Is Life Getting Confusing?
Want to Sort it Out?Come to Group! Topics: Boys, School, Dating, Music, Promises, Drugs and Alcohol, Boys, Jealousy, Friends, Boys, Parents, Homework, Secrets, Teachers, and, did we mention, Boys?
Transitions for Young Women aged 15-17
Are You An Adult Or A Child?
Sometimes It’s Hard To Figure Out!We Invite You to a Group That’s Just For You!Topics: Jobs, College, Boyfriends, Homework, Chores, Siblings, Parents, Sex, Alcohol, Smoking, Drugs, Confusion, Fears, and Anger.
Mother. Daughter. Wife. Sister. Coach. Friend. Co-Worker. Employee. Aunt. Wow, that’s a lot!If you’re feeling overwhelmed, out of balance, confused, stressed, depressed, or angry about the many relationships you have to juggle, come to group and find some serenity.
Topics: Romantic Relationships that Sizzle, Fulfilling Your Destiny, Achieving Goals, Rest & Relaxation, Managing Multiple Relationships, Satisfying Friendships, Healthy Lifestyle Choices, and Raising Happy Kids
Pulling Your Hair Out? Tackle Trichotillomania
This is a six lesson class that can be completed in as few as six sessions, or may take up to 12 or 18 sessions. You progress at your own, comfortable speed. There will never be more than 8 learners in a session, and there will often be only one learner in a session, since people are allowed to move at their own pace. You will contract your individualized schedule with the therapist.
Psychodrama is an effective action method done in a group therapy setting that explores the human psyche through dramatic enactment. Clients focus on personal areas of concern in their lives — whether past, present, or future. Participants are able to experience, understand, and overcome obstacles in their lives to make desired changes.
Cost: $100 for 2.5 hours. 72 hour cancellation required. We will prepare receipts for you to submit to insurance companies, but many will not cover a session of this type or length, especially if you do not have a mental health diagnosis.
