5 Signs You'd Benefit from Group Therapy
When most people think about therapy, they picture one-on-one sessions with a therapist. But there's another deeply powerful option that many people overlook: group therapy!
Group therapy brings together a small number of people facing similar challenges, guided by a licensed therapist. It's not just sitting in a circle sharing feelings (though that is definitely part of it!). It's a structured, evidence-based type of treatment that offers unique benefits you simply can't get from individual therapy alone.
So how do you know if group therapy is right for you? Here are five signs that you'd benefit from joining a therapy group.
1. You Feel Isolated and Alone in Your Struggles
Do you ever think:
"No one understands what I'm going through"
"Everyone else seems to have it together—what's wrong with me?"
"I'm the only one who struggles with this"
"I feel so alone, even when I'm around other people"
Well, surprise: You're not alone. Not even close.
One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is the immediate realization that other people share your struggles. You realize this not just on an intellectual level, but on a felt, experiential level when you’re in a therapy group. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, people-pleasing, or relationship issues, there are others who genuinely understand.
What happens in group therapy:
You hear others share experiences that mirror your own
You realize your challenges are valid and shared by others
You build connections with people who "get it" without needing to over-explain yourself
You reduce feeling like you’re bad/broken/sick/wrong/etc.
This sense of universal humanity—recognizing that suffering and imperfection are part of being human—is incredibly healing. When you see others navigate similar challenges, it normalizes your experience and reduces the isolation that often makes mental health struggles worse.
2. You Keep Hearing the Same Feedback About Your Behavior Patterns
Have multiple people (maybe even your individual therapist) in your life told you that you:
Struggle to set boundaries
Have trouble expressing your needs
Avoid conflict at all costs
Come across as defensive or reactive
Take on too much responsibility for others
Have difficulty receiving feedback
If you're noticing patterns but can't seem to change them on your own, group therapy offers something individual therapy can't: real-time relational feedback.
In group therapy, you'll:
Observe your patterns as they show up in the group dynamic
Receive honest, caring feedback from peers who want you to succeed
Practice new behaviors in a safe, supportive environment
Learn how your actions impact others and vice versa
Develop self-awareness through multiple perspectives
This is especially valuable for interpersonal (relationship) patterns. You might intellectually understand that you're a people-pleaser, but in group therapy, you'll notice yourself immediately agreeing with everyone. Others will help you realize when you’re doing it. You'll see it happen in real-time, get gentle feedback, and practice responding differently—all while building healthier relationship skills.
3. You Want to Build Better Relationship and Communication Skills
Do you struggle with:
Expressing yourself clearly without becoming emotional or shutting down
Listening to others without getting defensive
Handling conflict in healthy ways
Setting boundaries that stick
Asking for what you need
Building authentic connections
Group therapy is like a relationship laboratory. It's a safe space to practice communication skills, test new ways of relating, and get immediate feedback—all without the high stakes of your real-world relationships.
What makes group therapy effective for communication:
You practice vulnerable sharing in a supportive environment
You learn to give and receive feedback constructively
You navigate disagreements and repair ruptures safely
You witness healthy communication modeled by others
You build confidence in expressing yourself authentically
For women who struggle with people-pleasing, codependency, or putting everyone else first, group therapy offers invaluable practice in speaking up, taking up space, and prioritizing your own needs—skills that translate directly to your relationships outside of therapy.
4. Individual Therapy Isn't Enough (Or Isn't Accessible Right Now)
Group therapy doesn't replace individual therapy—it complements it. But there are other situations where group therapy might be the right fit:
Financial accessibility: Group therapy typically costs significantly less per session than individual therapy, making it more affordable for people paying out-of-pocket. At Rosebud Psychotherapy, our therapy groups offer high-quality mental health support at a more accessible price point.
Scheduling flexibility: Most therapy groups meet weekly, biweekly, or monthly at consistent times, which can be easier to plan around than finding individual therapy appointment availability.
Different learning style: Some people learn better by watching and interacting with peers rather than in one-on-one conversations.
Skill-building focus: Groups like DBT skills groups focus on teaching concrete, practical tools you can use immediately—perfect for people who want actionable strategies.
You've plateaued in individual therapy: Sometimes individual therapy reaches a natural pause, and group therapy offers fresh perspectives and new growth opportunities.
Many people find that combining individual and group therapy creates the most comprehensive support system. Individual therapy addresses your personal history and specific needs, while group therapy helps you practice new skills and build community.
5. You Want More Than Just Talk—You Want Community and Connection
Therapy isn't just about symptom reduction. It's about building a life worth living, creating meaningful connections, and feeling like you belong.
Group therapy offers something fundamentally different from individual therapy: community.
In a therapy group, you'll:
Build genuine friendships with people who understand your journey
Give support to others (which research shows is healing for the giver too)
Feel witnessed and validated by multiple people, not just your therapist
Experience belonging and acceptance
Create accountability and motivation through shared goals
Celebrate victories and process setbacks together
For people who feel disconnected from others—whether due to anxiety, depression, life transitions, or simply lacking close friendships—the community aspect of group therapy can be life-changing.
Think about it: When was the last time you were in a space where you could be completely authentic, without pretending everything is fine? Where you could share your struggles without judgment and receive genuine support? For many people, therapy groups become that rare, precious space.
Types of Group Therapy Offered at Rosebud Psychotherapy
Not all therapy groups are the same. At Rosebud Psychotherapy in Marietta, Georgia, we offer specialized groups designed for different needs:
Adult DBT Skills Group
Best for: Anyone (all genders) struggling with emotional regulation, impulsivity, relationship challenges, or overwhelming feelings
What you'll learn:
Mindfulness skills to stay present and reduce reactivity
Distress tolerance techniques to survive crises without making things worse
Emotion regulation strategies to understand and manage intense feelings
Interpersonal effectiveness skills to communicate needs and set boundaries
Format: Structured, skills-based curriculum with weekly practice assignments. Meets in-person at downtown Marietta, GA office.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills are incredibly practical tools that help you manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, and build a life that feels meaningful. You don't need a specific diagnosis to benefit from DBT—these skills help anyone who feels emotionally overwhelmed or struggles with people-pleasing and boundary-setting.
Dungeons & Dragons Therapy Group
Best for: Any adults (all genders) who are a bit geeky, enjoy being creative, and want a unique therapeutic experience
What makes it special:
Combines the fun and engagement of fantasy role-playing with therapeutic processing
Builds social skills and confidence in a low-pressure environment
Explores identity, values, and relationships through character development
Creates community through shared storytelling and adventure
Format: Monthly D&D sessions with intentional therapeutic debriefs and embodiment of your character’s traits that match your personal goals. Virtual over Zoom.
This innovative group uses role-playing games as a vehicle for therapy. You'll work on real-world challenges like assertiveness, decision-making, collaboration, and emotional expression—all while having fun in a fantasy world. Perfect for people who learn best through experience and creativity.
Women's Interpersonal Process Group
Best for: Adult women with anxiety who are working on relationship patterns, self-esteem, authenticity, and personal growth
What happens:
Explore relationship dynamics as they emerge in the group
Practice authentic self-expression and boundary-setting
Process experiences with other women who understand
Build deeper self-awareness through relational feedback
Create meaningful connections and mutual support
Format: Open-ended, process-oriented group focused on here-and-now interactions. Meets every two weeks on Monday evenings over Zoom.
This group is less structured than skills groups—it's about real, authentic relating. You'll explore your patterns, practice being seen, and develop healthier ways of connecting. It's especially powerful for women recovering from people-pleasing, codependency, perfectionism, and low self-esteem.
What to Expect in Your First Group Therapy Session
Feeling nervous about group therapy is completely normal. Here's what typically happens:
Before the first session:
Individual consultation with the therapist to ensure the group is a good fit
Review of group guidelines and confidentiality agreements
Opportunity to ask questions and address concerns
During the first session:
Introductions and group norms
Overview of the group's purpose and structure
Initial sharing at whatever comfort level feels right
No pressure to overshare before you're ready
As the group continues:
You'll build trust gradually
Participation increases naturally as comfort grows
The group becomes a safe space for vulnerability
Real connections and therapeutic progress develop
Important to know:
Everything shared in group is confidential
Groups are facilitated by licensed therapists who ensure safety
You participate at your own pace—no one forces you to share
Groups typically have a maximum of 6-8 members for optimal interaction
Is Group Therapy Right for You?
Group therapy works best for people who:
Are open to connecting with others
Can maintain confidentiality and respect boundaries
Are willing to both give and receive support
Want to practice interpersonal skills in a safe setting
Value community and shared experiences
Are ready to see themselves through others' eyes
Group therapy might not be the best fit right now if:
You're in acute crisis and need intensive individual support first
You're not comfortable with any level of sharing
You're actively experiencing symptoms that would disrupt the group process
You need very specific, individualized treatment planning
Don't worry—during your consultation, we'll help determine if group therapy is right for you and which group would be the best fit.
The Research: Does Group Therapy Actually Work?
Yes, absolutely.
Research consistently shows that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many mental health concerns, including:
Depression and anxiety
Trauma recovery
Substance use issues
Relationship problems
Low self-esteem
Additional benefits supported by research:
Faster development of interpersonal skills
Increased sense of belonging and reduced isolation
Improved ability to give and receive support
Cost-effective treatment without sacrificing quality
Lower dropout rates due to group accountability
Group therapy isn't a "lesser" option—it's a powerful treatment modality with unique benefits you can't get anywhere else. Some people joke that it’s the grad school of therapy for folks who have done their fair share of individual work.
Ready to Try Group Therapy in Marietta, GA?
If you recognized yourself in any of these five signs, group therapy might be exactly what you need.
At Rosebud Psychotherapy, we offer specialized therapy groups for adults in Marietta, Georgia, with both in-person and virtual options available. Whether you're interested in learning practical DBT skills, exploring D&D therapy, or diving deeper into relationship patterns in our women's group, there's a space for you.
Take the next step:
Ask questions about our therapy groups
Find out which group would be the best fit for your goals
Join a community of people committed to growth and healing
You don't have to do this alone. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is reach out and let others support you. We heal in relationships with others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy
How much does group therapy cost? Group therapy is typically more affordable than individual therapy, making it accessible for people paying out-of-pocket. Contact Rosebud Psychotherapy for current group therapy rates and availability. Many of the rates are also posted on the group therapy pages.
How long do therapy groups last? This varies by group type. DBT skills groups typically run for 6-12 months. Process groups like our women's interpersonal group are ongoing, and members participate as long as it's beneficial. The D&D therapy group runs in campaign arcs.
What if I don't connect with the other group members? Not every group member will become your best friend, and that's okay. The therapeutic benefit comes from the shared experience and working through relational dynamics—even challenging ones—in a safe space.
Can I do individual therapy and group therapy at the same time? Absolutely! Many people find the combination most helpful. Individual therapy addresses your unique history and needs, while group therapy helps you practice new skills and build community.
What if I'm too anxious to talk in front of others? Your therapist will never force you to share. Many people start by listening and observing, then gradually participate more as comfort grows. Ironically, group therapy is excellent for social anxiety because you practice being seen in a safe, supportive environment.
Is group therapy confidential? Yes. All group members agree to confidentiality as a core group rule. What's shared in group stays in group. Therapists also maintain confidentiality according to professional ethics and legal requirements.
What happens if I miss a session? Life happens! Specific attendance expectations vary by group type and will be discussed during your consultation. Generally, consistent attendance helps you get the most benefit, but occasional absences are understood.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to join a therapy group? No. While some people join groups as part of treatment for diagnosed conditions, many participants simply want to build skills, increase self-awareness, or find community support. You don't need to be "sick enough" to benefit from group therapy.
About Rosebud Psychotherapy
Rosebud Psychotherapy, located in Marietta, Georgia, specializes in helping adults build healthier, more fulfilling lives through individual therapy, couples therapy, and specialized group therapy offerings. Our therapy groups provide evidence-based treatment in a supportive community environment. Learn more about our services or schedule a consultation today.