Group Therapy

A Different Kind of Support

Group therapy offers something that individual counseling can't always provide: the opportunity to see how other people navigate similar emotions, situations, and challenges.

Participating in a group may help you:

• Recognize that you're not alone in what you're experiencing
• Gain new perspectives on personal challenges
• Develop healthier ways to cope with stress
• Practice communication and interpersonal skills
• Become more comfortable expressing yourself
• Learn to establish and maintain healthy boundaries
• Receive encouragement and constructive feedback
• Build confidence in connecting with others

You don't have to walk into your first session ready to tell your entire story. Listening can be an important first step.

Who Might Benefit From Group Therapy?

Group therapy can be useful for people working through a range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges.

Groups may provide support for concerns such as:

• Anxiety and panic
• Depression and mood difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Trauma and PTSD
• Stress and emotional overwhelm
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship concerns
• Major life changes
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Other mental health concerns

The focus and makeup of each group can vary. A mental health professional can help determine whether a particular group matches your needs and treatment goals.

What Happens in a Group Session?

While every group has its own focus, sessions are generally structured and guided by a licensed clinician. Depending on the purpose of the group, you may spend time discussing experiences, learning about mental health, practicing new skills, or working through real-life situations.

Sessions may include:

• Guided therapeutic discussion
• Coping and stress-management strategies
• Emotional regulation exercises
• Communication and relationship skills
• Problem-solving techniques
• Mindfulness or grounding exercises
• Opportunities to practice new skills

The therapist helps keep the conversation productive, respectful, and focused on the goals of the group.

Group Size and Session Format

Group size and session length can vary depending on the specific program. Groups are typically designed to remain small enough for participants to have opportunities to participate while still benefiting from different perspectives.

Sessions may generally run 60-90 minutes, with approximately 6-12 participants when applicable.

Some groups may be ongoing, while others may have a defined number of sessions or focus on a particular topic. Before joining, your provider can explain the schedule, format, expectations, and goals of the group.

What Makes Group Therapy Different?

Individual therapy gives you dedicated time with your therapist. Group therapy adds another dimension: learning and practicing alongside other people.

In a group setting, you may have the opportunity to:

• Hear perspectives you may not have considered
• Practice communication in real time
• Learn from how others approach challenges
• Receive feedback in a supportive environment
• Build confidence in social interactions
• Apply coping strategies outside the therapy room

Group therapy can stand on its own or complement individual counseling when both are clinically appropriate.

Creating a Comfortable Group Environment

Feeling comfortable enough to participate is important. Our clinicians work to create groups where people can speak openly while treating one another with respect.

Group members are expected to:

• Listen respectfully to others
• Avoid judgment or criticism
• Give everyone space to participate
• Respect personal boundaries
• Protect the privacy of what others share

Your therapist will review group expectations and confidentiality at the beginning of treatment. While clinicians follow applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements, confidentiality between group participants cannot be completely guaranteed.

Is Group Therapy a Good Fit?

You may find group therapy helpful if you want professional guidance while also learning from other people's experiences.

It may be worth considering if you:

• Want to feel less isolated
• Learn well through conversation and shared experiences
• Want to practice communication or relationship skills
• Would like additional opportunities to develop coping strategies
• Want support alongside individual therapy
• Feel comfortable participating in a structured setting

If you're uncertain whether group or individual therapy makes more sense for you, your provider can help you explore both options.