Group therapy is conducted in many different formats and has various benefits. Click below to learn more about how groups may operate.
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which several clients meet together with their therapist or co-therapists to work on common issues. Clients sometimes only participate in group therapy, or they may participate in group and individual therapy with the same or different therapist(s). Group therapy is commonly integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that is customized to meet the individual needs of the client.
Intake and Selection
An intake session is conducted to determine the client’s specific needs and issues, and to assess the client to make sure group therapy is a good fit. The composition of the group members is important. Clients are invited to join a particular group if the therapist believes the mix of clients will allow everyone to have the opportunity to benefit from the process.
Size, Frequency, and Duration
Groups can be as small as three or four people, but more often involve between eight to twelve individuals. Group size is a clinical decision and is made by the therapist with the goals and needs of the group members in mind. The group typically meets one to two times each week, for about one-hour, and in some cases one-and-a-half hours, depending on the age range of members and other factors. Depending on the nature and purpose of the group, some groups may be time-limited and may last anywhere between eight and twelve weeks. Other groups may last four, six, eight, or twelve months, or be ongoing.
Open versus Closed
Groups may either be open or closed. In open groups, new participants may join at any time. In a closed group, there is a start and end date for all members who are invited to participate.
Effectiveness
Group therapy is a powerful form of treatment. There is abundant psychological research that demonstrates the benefits of group therapy for a variety of issues, and disorders including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, phobias, panic, bi-polar, obsessions/compulsions, social skills, emotional regulation, personality, substance use, attention/focus, post-traumatic stress, domestic violence, grief, chronic pain, identity development, and more.
Approaches
Groups range from unstructured (e.g., support groups) to very structured (e.g., a set curriculum, psychoeducational, use of workbooks, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and more). One of the valuable benefits of group therapy is the opportunity to learn and practice new skills in a safe environment where everyone is supported, challenged, and accepted. Group therapy also helps members develop and hone their communication, self-awareness, and socialization skills. The group environment provides a safe and confidential space where members can learn how to express their feelings clearly and appropriately, learn to hear and accept feedback from others, and learn how to truly listen and empathize with others.