Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a small group of people, typically 8-12, who meet regularly to share their thoughts and feelings with one another. Group therapy can help people who are struggling with mental health issues connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This form of therapy can help people feel supported and understood while they simultaneously work on their underlying problems. Group therapy can be particularly helpful for people who are struggling with addiction or eating disorders.
People who are working to recover from substance addictions can benefit from group therapy because it can help people learn how to better deal with their mental health issues without resorting to drugs and alcohol.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a psychotherapy treatment modality that involves a small group of people who gather together to share their thoughts and feelings about their common issues and concerns. Group therapy can be helpful for individuals who feel shy or uncomfortable discussing personal issues in front of large groups of people. It can also provide a sense of support and community for those who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues.
There are multiple types of group therapy. Some groups are small and casual, while others are highly structured. Some groups function as a support group, while others provide more hands-on guidance. Group therapy can be used to help people deal with specific issues or problems, including relapse, triggers, and other challenges addicts face in early recovery.
Group therapy most commonly involves a form of psychotherapy (such as CBT) practiced by one or more therapists working with several clients at one time. This type of therapy is widely available at many locations, including private therapeutic practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and community centers. It is also available at NuView Treatment Center.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Group Therapy?
Group therapy can be beneficial for anyone who is looking for support and wants to connect with other people. If this sounds like just about everyone, it is! However, there are some populations that require group therapy more urgently than others.
Some people might require therapy due to an experience or event in their life, such as the death of a loved one, a traumatic experience, or a major change. Other people might require therapy due to a mental health condition, such as anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Therapy can help these people manage their conditions and live happier lives. Individuals who have recently quit drugs and alcohol can benefit considerably from working in a group therapy session, even if they are already seeing an individual counselor.
Group therapy has been shown to benefit a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders
Since addiction and mental health conditions are often comorbid, it is important to get treatment for underlying mental illnesses while quitting drugs and alcohol.
What Are The Benefits of Group Therapy to While in Rehab?
Now that you know what group therapy is, it’s easy to grasp its main benefit. Group therapy shows patients that they are not alone and their issues are not strange to others. Group therapy sessions can be highly beneficial for individuals who are looking to improve their mental health, self-confidence, and personal relationships. When an individual is in a group setting, they can gain many things from the experience.
Research shows that the relationships members develop may be the most critical component. One study showed that having more social support is associated with lower rates of relapse and higher rates of treatment engagement. Given that addiction often leaves people quite isolated, this is a very important benefit indeed.
Within a group therapy cohort, individuals with similar struggles can support and empathize with each other. Each member provides the rest of the group with a safe place where they feel accepted. They also can offer each other advice and experience that they might not normally be able to receive from clinical experts. Clients can also act as living examples for members of their group therapy session who may have begun their rehabilitation process at a later time. Looking at a successful recovery case, these individuals can observe that achieving sobriety is possible. Demonstrating success in this way can provide positive effects, increase accountability, and boost a person’s confidence.
Should I Do Group Therapy or Individual Therapy for Addiction?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists and a small group of people who are experiencing similar psychological problems. Group therapy can be helpful for people who want to learn how to better cope with their problems and share their experiences with others. The risks of group therapy include feeling uncomfortable or vulnerable, feeling judged, or feeling overwhelmed. However, many people find that getting through these feelings in the context of a supportive group is healing in and of itself.
Some people may prefer individual therapy over group therapy because they feel that they will get more personal attention from the therapist. Individual therapy can also be beneficial for people who want to focus on one specific problem. Other people may want to try both group therapy and individual therapy. A trained clinician can help you decide which treatment type is best for you during your initial evaluation. At NuView Treatment Center, we recognize that everyone has unique needs, because everyone’s addiction story is totally different. However, in most cases people benefit from a combined approach consisting of both group therapy and one-on-one therapy.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to whether or not group therapy is right for you, as the best way to find relief from your mental health condition may vary depending on your specific situation. However, it is generally wise to seek out therapy that is tailored specifically to your needs and find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable communicating. Additionally, it can be helpful to join groups that focus on topics related to your particular disorder or concern. Addiction rehabs in Los Angeles California like NuView Treatment Center, for instance, specialize in group therapy for recovering addicts and alcoholics.
How Do I Find Group Therapy for Addiction in Los Angeles?
Group therapy can help you feel supported, connected, and heard. It can also help you learn about yourself and others. It is a critical component in most recovery plans for people who are trying to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
If you’re considering group therapy, you may be wondering how to find a group therapist. There are a few ways to find group therapists in your area. One way is to ask your doctor for a referral. Your doctor may know of groups that are accepting new members. You can also search for group therapists online. There are many websites that list group therapists in your area. If you are living in Los Angeles and looking for group therapy, NuView Treatment Center makes sure that treatment is both effective and affordable. Reach out today!
