Strength In Numbers: Four Types Of Group Therapy
Virtually everyone has heard the phrase, "There's strength in numbers." When it comes to therapy, this couldn't be more accurate. When most people think of therapy, they're reminded of one-on-one sessions in a comfortable office with a specialist sitting across from them. While that individual setting is common, it is just one form of the treatment options that are out there.
Group therapy is another type that can be very helpful. There are also many types of group therapy that offer a range of benefits to the health of its patients with the help of therapists and other patients’ support. Therapy groups are also created for various reasons, including group counseling activities.
Understanding group therapy
A sounding board and a great support system are some of the biggest perks of group therapy, as they can often be helpful for mental health. The benefits of different types of group therapy for treating specific mental health concerns have been widely reported in peer-reviewed studies, with evidence supporting the belief that routine practice of group therapy can lead to significant improvements in symptoms for patients with depression, anxiety (especially social anxiety), stress disorder, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.
Different types of group therapy
In some situations, different types of group therapy may offer more benefits and be recommended by a primary care doctor or mental health professional for the betterment of mental health. These different types of group therapy offer unique benefits.
Research into group therapy models and interpersonal process groups has shown that they help normalize healthcare problems by assisting people to see that others face similar struggles. Different types of group therapy are also valuable in installing hope through the group environment, where people can see themselves and others recover from problems and improve. Group treatment can help people find a sense of community and spend time outside of their homes when they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. These can be potent ingredients in helpful therapy.
If you are someone who struggles with connecting with others, group therapy may be helpful to you and your mental health. Not only will you be surrounded by like-minded individuals, but you can also get used to being around other people. One of the best ways to improve is to push and challenge yourself.
Types of group therapy for mental health
Group therapy comes with many benefits, and since it’s a diverse treatment, it can be effective for people with a range of mental health issues. There are many types of group therapy tailored to different challenges, concerns, and therapeutic modalities (e.g., psychoeducation groups and psychotherapy groups).
In other words, you have many options, and this variety can help you find one that best suits your needs. There are also large and small groups for people with a specific mental health condition, like group psychotherapy for individuals with depression.
The number of sessions will also differ depending on the kind of therapy a person opts for. There are open or closed groups; an open group allows new participants, and closed groups don’t. So, it’s important that you discuss your details with your healthcare provider or therapist to help you figure out what types of group therapy and interpersonal group dynamics are best for you.
Psychotherapy groups
Psychotherapy is another word for talk therapy and is usually the type of therapy that comes to mind when people think of what a therapist does. Group psychotherapy has many commonalities with individual psychotherapy, but rather than just being one-on-one with a therapist, the client also engages in conversation with a group of people.
These groups are based on the theory and practice that relationships built between people are needed to manage daily living and improve mental health. Group psychotherapy can be helpful for those who live with mental health conditions that affect their ability to engage, such as anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy groups
These groups use cognitive behavior therapy and similar styles to help people identify patterns of behavior that have kept them stuck in whatever problem they're facing. Identifying thought processes as they relate to behaviors and learning new tools to cope with situations in daily life are significant parts of cognitive behavioral therapy groups. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common form of therapy and has seen the most success since it helps people to re-examine their thoughts and engage in exercises that promote a more positive way of viewing their feelings and thoughts.
Most groups include some form of CBT in their group therapy techniques. Potential benefits of cognitive behavioral group therapy include:
Building a support network with members of the group
Practicing CBT techniques with other group members
Improving interpersonal relationships
Learning from the other group members
Cognitive behavioral groups may not be the best option for everyone. For example, someone with social anxiety or secrecy concerns may feel uncomfortable talking in a group setting.
Dynamic group therapy
According to a research article published by Cambridge University Press, dynamic group therapy is a type of therapy that applies techniques typically used in individual therapy in a group setting. During a dynamic group therapy session, the therapist loosely guides the conversation while allowing the relationships and connections between group members to aid them in developing better self-awareness and self-esteem, ultimately improving their well-being.
This therapy group is often used in addiction to overcome addictive behaviors and substance use disorder (sometimes known as substance abuse). Dynamic groups can also be effective in treating depression and other mental health conditions. The group focuses on deficits in managing behavior, which can also lead to poor health care. An example of one popular type of dynamic group therapy is AA. This group focuses specifically on substance use disorder as it applies to alcohol to help its members live sober.
Psychoeducation group therapy
Psychoeducation group therapy sessions offer specific instruction to people dealing with specific problems, such as substance abuse treatment. Psychoeducational groups can offer a combination of support and education to improve mental health, especially in the long term.
Psychoeducation groups focus on teaching one new skill at a time using an educational approach. The experience is likened to taking a class on specific psychological topics.
Many of the group types featured in this list focus on building relationships and communication between the members, but not psychoeducational group therapy. These groups differ from other groups because they emphasize the therapist leading the sessions and educating the group on specific techniques and skills. For people who feel uncomfortable sharing in front of many people, this may be a more effective approach to group therapy than traditional group psychotherapy.
Self-help or support groups
Self-help and support groups are not necessarily therapy sessions, as they may be run informally. They meet for various reasons and may or may not involve a licensed therapist to facilitate the group. Some types of group sessions meet at community centers or churches for a particular reason, like caregiver support groups, AA, and others. These groups are meant to provide social support to people who participate. Community-based free support groups can be a more affordable alternative than hiring a therapist.
Group therapy works for many people. Individual therapy is helpful as well. The choice about which to proceed with is up to you, and you can be guided by input from a therapist as well. Before joining a group administered by a licensed therapist, they will ask questions to determine if the group is right for you. It also matters which setting is most comfortable for you.
Rational emotive behavior therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, also known as REBT, is an active-directive, empirically- and philosophically-based form of psychotherapy for mental disorders that functions as a behavioral group therapy method. The goal is to resolve behavioral or emotional problems in those living with poor mental health so that they can live fuller and happier lives. This therapy focuses on people who have cognitive distortions about the situations they’re involved in. Through the treatment options available, such as counseling groups, these distortions can be disputed and altered.
Process-oriented psychology and therapy
Process-oriented therapy, also known as process work, is a relatively new form of psychotherapy that focuses on the whole spectrum of human consciousness. This is achieved through group therapy activities that seek to examine and understand the human experience and how it changes over time. Following this flow from one experience to the next can improve mental health because it can help teach awareness of the self and the world around it in relation to those experiences.
That is why process-oriented therapy can be used in combination with other treatment options for depression, addictions, and anxiety.
Process groups are typically made up of around 5-10 group members, with one or more psychologists or other mental health care professionals present. This type of group therapy most often takes place in therapy offices. Process group therapy sessions combine principles of CBT, psychoeducation, interpersonal therapy, and skills development. Process-oriented therapy may take place over 6 months or more.
The process-oriented approach to therapy takes an intentionally unstructured approach that focuses on building connections between the members. One of the potential benefits of process-oriented therapy is that it may address cultural and situational factors better than some other forms of therapy because it enables people to connect directly with their peers. Research has shown that developing relationships with peers in group settings can help facilitate honest communication that aids people in gaining deeper self-awareness and better self-esteem. For example, during a session, the group may reflect on issues brought up in the last meeting and show support for the progress that people have made since then.
Art therapy
Group art therapy is one of the treatment options that has been used since the 1940s to diagnose and treat mental disorders. The goal isn’t to make the best piece of art, but to allow those in the psychotherapy group to express themselves in a way that doesn’t have to involve words. Research suggests that art group therapy appears to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, increasing self-esteem, and promoting self-discovery and creativity.
Art therapy doesn’t involve only painting and drawing either. It can involve dance, playing music, or playing a part in a small play.
But for psychotherapy groups, the more common form is visual art, which can include:
Collages: images are cut out of magazines and glued together on a poster board to create a collage. The choice of images and the colors used can give a mental health practitioner some insight into the person’s early life experiences and mental health. Questions are usually asked about the piece to help the person recognize thoughts and feelings they hadn’t considered before.
Feeling codes: this is less artistic but can provide a lot of insight for those living with mental disorders. They are given notebooks and a poster-sized piece of paper; they then make a list or draw pictures that are codes for certain feelings.
Making masks: not everyone is comfortable speaking face-to-face with others in psychotherapy groups. To improve their mental health symptoms, making a mask that they can use to speak through can help them to identify what they’re feeling on the inside.
Creating puppets: like making masks. creating a puppet is a form of play therapy that helps a person utilize another means of speaking their thoughts.
Helping out those living with mental disorders, especially those in counseling groups, can be quite rewarding for both the therapist and those involved, as it’s much easier to see their long-term progress and how much they’re improving.
Becoming a group therapy leader or mental health professional
For those who are licensed and certified group therapists and are interested in starting their own group therapy sessions, being a group leader does require some essential skills other than finding common group therapy activities to keep therapy sessions feeling as natural as possible.
As a group leader, you need to develop management strategies to ensure that the atmosphere of the group psychotherapy sessions is constant. Small, infrequent changes can help the mental health of those in the therapeutic group adjust to their stages of recovery and facilitate group cohesiveness.
A group therapy leader also helps set clear and consistent boundaries, ground rules for speaking, and guidelines for active listening. This helps provide the information and setting a group leader needs to provide effective therapy for everyone involved.
Formulas and easy answers don’t often work when helping those who have concerns related to mental disorders. Attempting to “solve” issues in this way can even be counterproductive for some people.
Attributes of a group leader working in mental health treatment
Group leaders working in the mental health field should have a firm sense of their own identities, or else they can lose themselves in the emotional whirlwind that takes place during group treatment sessions. In sociology, primary groups are defined as small social groups that have close personal relationships. Primary family groups are an example of this.
The best therapy groups usually resemble family groups. This is why trust, humor, and empathy are also strong qualities that a therapeutic group leader should possess. Clients who learn to trust their group leader often learn to trust themselves by extension, which can make positive treatment outcomes more likely.
Types of group therapy vs individual therapy treatment
Group therapy and individual therapy both offer treatment options that can improve the lives of patients and clients. Understanding the difference between the two can help you decide which one you’d like to try or if you’d like to have both methods in your life.
Group therapy
In group therapy, the emphasis is often on connection with and relation to other people. You’ll share experiences, show compassion, and complete exercises as a group, which sparks bonding between people who might have similar challenges and concerns.
This can help improve social skills and a sense of connection with the world around you, easing feelings of loneliness and isolation. It can also provide accountability for your mental health goals.
Individual therapy
In individual therapy, the focus is on you. Your therapist will prioritize your concerns, experiences, and opportunities to share. You can talk about things you’d hesitate to discuss in a group, trusting that you’re with an outside party who only has your best interests in mind.
This can help you build a better connection with yourself and feel reassured that you always have someone you can talk to about your thoughts, emotions, and challenges.
Online therapy can help
Individual and group therapy can take place in person or online. If you’d rather not add a long drive or if you feel more comfortable at home, online therapy might be a good fit for you.
Providers like BetterHelp can connect you with trained professionals who specialize in individual talk therapy. There are also plenty of platforms for online group therapy as well.
What the research says: Online cognitive behavioral therapy
Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy. Recent studies have looked at the efficacy of many styles of online therapy. The modality that has attracted the most attention has been online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Internet-delivered CBT has been shown to have benefits for individuals who experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other conditions. It may even provide benefits to those coping with physical illnesses like fibromyalgia.
CBT is a method that can offer benefits in individual and group therapy settings alike, and it may be an ideal option for those interested in both types of treatment.
Takeaway
No matter who you are or what type of therapy you decide to pursue, taking action when you need help is important for your mental health in the long term. Therapy is a great place to grow, learn, heal, and improve mental health. Therapy groups provide that foundation of trust and safety that some people may need.
BetterHelp has licensed therapists who can work with you individually and in group sessions to learn valuable information about struggles you may be facing. These meetings happen online, from the comfort of your home, and on a flexible schedule.
Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as its in-person counterpart for a multitude of conditions across the mental health spectrum, both in individual and group settings. It is also often a more affordable option than in-person therapy.
What is the most common type of group therapy?
Group therapy refers to the treatment of multiple clients at the same time. Group members typically share mental health concerns, such as substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or anger management issues.
There are many different types of group therapy, but some of the most common include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral groups help clients recognize dysfunctional automatic thought patterns and learned behaviors, utilizing the group environment to promote healthy coping skills.
Skills-development groups: Through skills-development groups (sometimes called “skills-based groups”), clients are taught healthy coping and communication skills, such as deep-breathing exercises, active listening skills, or meditation. This is a short-term type of therapy that often includes homework.
Psychoeducational groups: These groups are highly structured educational programs that help clients learn about their mental health challenges and treatment strategies.
Support groups: These group therapy sessions emphasize peer support and promote daily functioning. In this type of group therapy, the therapist typically acts more as a facilitator than a teacher.
Interpersonal group therapy: This type of group therapy focuses on relationships, social interactions, and communication skills building.
The best type of group therapy for you will depend on your goals, challenges, and personal preferences—such as how involved you want the therapist to be.
What is an example of a group therapy session topic?
Group therapy sessions can focus on a wide range of topics and challenges. Some types of group therapy, like psychoeducation or skills-development groups, might have more structured material prepared for each session, whereas other group therapy sessions might be more flexible.
Here’s an example of a topic that might arise during a typical support group session: If the support group focuses on substance use disorders, the therapist might ask a prompt like, “Let’s discuss a time in the past week when you craved a substance and how you handled that urge.” Then, the participants can share their personal experiences and discuss coping skills to manage cravings together.
What are the techniques of group therapy?
Group therapy refers to any type of psychotherapy conducted in a group setting. Within group therapy sessions, there are a wide range of techniques that therapists might use, including the following:
Group discussions: Discussion sessions are one of the most common techniques used in group therapy. The therapist generally acts as the facilitator, allowing participants to share personal stories, build trust, and support each other.
Experiential activities: These hands-on activities may include art therapy or expressive writing, which help teach self-awareness and emotional expression.
CBT techniques: Cognitive behavioral groups often use techniques like cognitive restructuring to challenge maladaptive thought processes.
Role-playing: This technique can help people practice new skills, like active listening or boundary setting, in a safe and supportive environment.
To foster an ideal group therapy environment, therapists sometimes use tools like Group Readiness Questionnaires to gauge whether an individual might be a good candidate for group therapy, or if individual therapy might be a better fit.
What are some examples of forms of group therapy?
Here are some common types of group therapy:
Cognitive behavioral group therapy (or other types of psychotherapy)
Interpersonal group therapy
Psychoeducational groups
Support groups
Skills-development groups
Dynamic group therapy
Regardless of the type of therapy you choose, there are some benefits of group therapy over individual therapy. For example, group therapy can provide opportunities to give and receive support, remember you’re not alone, relate to people with shared experiences, and practice healthy communication skills.
What type of approach is used in group therapy?
Many types of approaches can be used in group therapy settings. For example, many therapists use cognitive behavioral techniques to reframe dysfunctional thought patterns and teach participants to recognize unhealthy thoughts in themselves and their peers. Therapists might also use group discussions, homework, self-care exercises, or other techniques to help group therapy participants.
What is the purpose of group therapy?
The goal of group therapy is often to help participants manage mental health conditions, reduce symptom severity, develop healthy coping skills, and improve their ability to function in daily life.
The benefits of group therapy include that participants can practice skills together, give and receive peer feedback, and foster a sense of togetherness. This can make group therapy more efficient than individual therapy in helping clients reach their goals.
What type of conditions benefit from group counseling?
Group therapy is commonly used to address these mental disorders and challenges:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Social anxiety disorder
Depressive disorders
Traumatic experiences
Minority stress
Any challenges causing stigma, shame, or feelings of isolation
The American Psychological Association (APA) has found that group therapy is often as effective as individual therapy, although some disorders and individual factors might not be as amenable to group therapy.
Why is it called group therapy?
Unlike individual therapy, group therapy has multiple participants and one or more mental health providers. The term “group therapy” can refer to any psychotherapy that is given to a group of participants.
What are the stages of group therapy?
Some group therapists track stages to monitor group dynamics and progress. These stages include:
Forming: In the first stage, participants tend to follow the lead of the therapist and look for direction. The group members may look for acceptance from group members and be hesitant to discuss their mental health challenges. During the forming stage, the therapist may discuss the purpose of group therapy and provide more direction.
Storming: In the second stage, conflicting ideas, beliefs, feelings, personality types, and expectations may arise. It’s expected that these tensions and conflicts will arise, and the therapist should guide the group through conflict resolution when needed.
Norming: The third stage of group therapy involves achieving cohesion and a shared understanding of group dynamics. At this point, participants may begin sharing more personal information, asking for feedback, and building trust.
Performing: In the performing stage, participants should feel a sense of belonging and cohesion, productive problem-solving, and the ability to adjust to balance group dynamics.
Adjourning: In the last stage of group therapy, sessions are brought to a conclusion.
By observing where group members are in the bonding process, the therapist can determine when and how to bring up vulnerable topics and provide an environment that creates opportunities for connection and community.
How do therapists conduct effective group therapy?
Facilitating successful group therapy requires different skills than individual therapy. Some strategies that the American Psychological Association recommends for conducting group therapy include:
Get adequate group therapy training
Ensure each participant is an appropriate match for the group
Set clear expectations from the beginning
Promote group bonding with icebreakers and small-group activities
Solicit frequent feedback
Address disagreements and facilitate conflict resolution promptly
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