Understanding And Solidarity: The Benefits Of Group And Family Therapy

When it comes to a typical psychotherapy session, many people envision a single person working with a therapist. However, group therapy and family therapy are two other types of therapy that can offer several benefits and can be just as effective as individual treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between group and family therapy, the different types of techniques used in each of these interventions, and the benefits of both approaches.

Group therapy vs. family therapy

Although both group therapy and family therapy involve multiple people present for the session, the two differ in their goals and approaches. Family therapy often operates on the premise of the family as a unit, with each one being a part of the whole. The goal of family therapy, then, is often to improve the functioning and strength of the family unit. These improvements may include enhanced communication skills, healthier conflict resolution, or taking responsibility for one’s mistakes.

Group therapy, on the other hand, allows people to work through their concerns in a group setting, which can facilitate a sense of community and belonging. Group therapy often focuses on a specific mental health concern, such as anxiety or substance use disorder, and the people who attend the sessions are there to receive support for that issue. In group therapy, individuals can work on their issues while also forming social connections and learning from fellow group mates. 

Benefits of group therapy

Group therapy can be a beneficial form of therapy for many reasons. It may be more available than individual therapy since it is often less expensive than one-on-one therapy. Additionally, group therapy usually has fewer waitlists compared to individual therapy, meaning people can get help sooner rather than waiting months to receive help. There are several other benefits of group therapy, including:

Support

When you’re in group therapy, you can reap the benefits of receiving support, advice, and guidance from other group mates who may have experienced similar struggles. Other people in the group might have interesting perspectives and useful personal experiences that can help you understand your own problems and how to work through them. If you’re going through a difficult time, others can offer encouragement and give you tips for getting through to the other side.  

Solidarity

When you’re going through something challenging or experiencing a mental health condition, you may feel like you’re all alone and no one else understands your struggles. However, in group therapy, you will likely be surrounded by people who have experienced the same mental health struggles as you. Simply knowing that you’re not alone can be incredibly healing.

Accountability

In group therapy for substance use disorder, it’s common for them to tell how long they have been able to avoid substances and whether they have relapsed. Some may find that a group setting can help them stay accountable in reaching their goals – whether that’s avoiding substances or something else – since group mates check in with one another and keep each other on track.

Making new social connections

Another benefit of group therapy is that it allows you to create meaningful connections with fellow group mates. It may be easier to form friendships with people you meet in group therapy since there is an understanding of a mental health concern or condition and since you are all working toward the common goal of improvement and healing.

Cost-effectiveness

Group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy since therapists simultaneously offer services to several clients. Prices vary, but you can usually expect group therapy to be half the price of individual therapy or even less. Additionally, many support groups, such as AA or NA, are free. 

Types of group therapy 

There are many types of group therapy, and specific modalities are used to manage and treat different issues and mental health concerns. Some group therapies may focus more on educating people about their mental health conditions and teaching them new ways to cope with them; other group therapies may take a cognitive-behavioral approach, which involves teaching groups to focus on reframing harmful or negative thoughts.

Benefits of family therapy

Studies show that family therapy can be an effective tool for improving family functioning and familial cohesion. Family therapy can be a useful intervention for families where one or more people experience a mental health condition. This type of intervention can also be helpful if there is conflict in the family, whether it’s between parents and children, spouses, or all individuals in the family. Family therapy can take place with the entire family present, or it can be between select people in the family. People who seek family therapy can benefit in many ways, including:

Creating healthy boundaries

Boundaries are rules and guidelines we set for ourselves and others in relationships. Some families struggle with tension or conflict when there is a lack of boundaries; teen children may feel their parents don’t respect their space, for example, and family therapy could help them develop boundaries so that everyone feels safe and respected.

Facilitating empathy

Families experiencing conflict may struggle to feel compassion toward one another. However, family therapy can allow each person or participant to discuss their feelings and perspective in a safe and affirming space. This open dialogue can create more understanding and empathy from other people in the family, allowing them to move forward as a stronger unit.

Closer relationships

Learning to resolve conflict, improve communication, and work through difficult situations in a healthy way can lead to improved family relationships. Nearly 90% of people who attend family therapy report an improvement in their emotional health, and improved emotional health can lead to enhanced relationships.

Healthier communication

One of the major benefits of family therapy is that it can help families learn to communicate more effectively – with one another and with other people in their lives. Healthy communication involves honesty, an ability to hear and validate other perspectives, and a willingness to be clear and open. Learning these healthy communication skills can improve familial functioning and provide invaluable tools for communicating in all interpersonal relationships.

Types of family therapy

The type of family therapy you receive often depends on the concerns or issues faced by the family. If someone in the family has a substance use disorder, family therapy sessions may focus on coping with that as a unit. If the concern is conflict within a marriage, then marriage or relationship counseling may be the right fit. Additionally, family therapists may combine different therapeutic approaches depending on the circumstances.

Some examples of types of family therapy include:

Functional family therapy

This type aims to directly address recurrent problems happening in the family (i.e., children breaking curfew).

Strategic family therapy

SFT focuses on the patterns and dynamics between families and works to recreate healthier patterns and set positive goals. 

In couples counseling

Romantic partners receive therapy to work on specific issues or the relationship overall.

Structural family therapy

This works to identify the hierarchies and roles in the family and restructures them in a more helpful way.

Systemic family therapy

Systemic family therapy looks at the family’s belief systems and works on specific problems with each person individually and as a whole unit.

Considerations of family and group therapy

Though family therapy and group therapy can both be effective forms of treatment for life difficulties and/or mental health conditions, there may be some drawbacks for individuals to consider. First, note that in group or family therapy sessions, you will not be the focus; rather, the attention will often be spread relatively equally between participants. This means that you may not get the amount of focused attention from the therapist as you would in one-on-one sessions. 

While many people find group therapy and family therapy to be affirming and supportive atmospheres, not everyone is comfortable expressing their feelings in front of others. If you are someone who prefers more space, these types of interventions may not be the right fit for you. Lastly, family therapy is often most effective when all are willing to show up and commit to the process. Family therapy may not be beneficial if one or more people in the family are unwilling to participate. 

The benefits of therapy

Depending on the type of care you’re seeking, you might prefer a specific kind of therapy. Some people may benefit from the support of a group therapy setting, while others might desire focused attention from a mental health professional in one-on-one therapy. If you have a busy schedule or cannot make it to in-person sessions, online therapy may be preferable since it allows for flexible scheduling and appointments that take place from the comfort of your own home. 

Through online platforms like BetterHelp, you can connect with a therapist who meets your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re searching for someone who has experience with a particular mental health disorder or who can offer guidance in romantic relationships, you can conveniently connect with a therapist through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging by utilizing online therapy. 

Research has demonstrated that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Online group therapy can also be just as beneficial for improving mental health as individual therapy delivered virtually. In one study, researchers found that an online group psychotherapy intervention successfully reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased feelings of self-esteem. Whether you’d like to receive support individually or in a group, online or in-person, it can be essential to find the right kind of therapy for you.