Group Therapy:

What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a highly effective form of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and to help one another. While there are different approaches and types of groups, they all share in common the goal of creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship and societal issues. 

Who can benefit from group therapy?
Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, loss, relationship issues, and more. Group really benefits people seeking more self-development and insight by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow with peers. 

How does group work?
Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of a therapist, you will learn about yourself and improve your relationships with other people. You will gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns.

Group therapy sessions can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. During a session, members work to express their own challenges and aspirations, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible.

Groups are held both in-person and online, and you can speak with the therapist about what they offer. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become therapeutic helpers for other group members.

If I’m in a group, do I also need individual therapy?
Group therapy may be used as the main treatment approach, or it can be used along with individual therapy. It’s best to talk to a therapist to see which would work best for you in reaching your therapy goals. If you are in both, your individual and group therapist can work together to support you and your therapy goals.

How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?
Group therapy is different from support and self-help groups because it not only helps people cope with their problems but also provides opportunities for change, growth, and discussion. Group therapy focuses on relationships, helping you learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a trained professional. It may also focus on learning a specific skillset to help you with different mental health or relationship concerns.

In contrast, support groups, which may or may not have professional leadership, help people cope with difficult situations  but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms, rather than addressing underlying patterns. Similarly, self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist. They often discourage feedback and discussion.

Why is group therapy so unique and powerful?
We all are in relationships, and we all have different struggles that may make us feel isolated or alone. In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you’re not alone or as different as you think. You’ll meet and interact with people, and give and share helpful feedback; the whole group learns to work together on common problems — one of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy!

The group is a microcosm of the larger world in which we live, so the work we do in the group is applicable to your life outside of the group. The group provides a space to process different struggles, changes, and concerns we have about the larger world. In group, one can expect to experience the confluence of race, class, and gender; the effects of the present as well as the past will be felt. The group space helps us explore and define how we shows up in these different facets of life.

Will there be people with similar concerns in my group?
The group leader’s job is to meet with and assess each person prior to forming the group. Usually, there is a mix of people who can learn from each other. While some group members will have similar circumstances to you, it's not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another. Still, you typically find you have more in common with your group members than you may expect, even if they seem very different from you.

What if I’m uncomfortable with others in my group?
It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting. Sometimes allowing ourselves to get uncomfortable allows for the most growth!

What kind of commitment do I need to make?
The time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent of your goals. Short-term groups that are devoted to concrete issues can last anywhere from 4 to 20 sessions. Some groups are open-ended; you work at your own pace and leave when your goals have been met. Therapists often ask for some time commitment when you join a group so that you can really experience being part of the group, get the most out of it, and won’t disrupt the group if you come and go quickly. Talk with your therapist to determine the length of time that’s right for you.

What does group therapy cost?
Typically, group therapy is a more cost-effective option than individual therapy, though that may depend on the type of group and the area of the country you live in. Some groups can be covered by insurance, or even if they are private pay groups, you may be able to receive superbills to get some Out of Network reimbursement from your insurance company. At Rosebud Psychotherapy, most groups cost anywhere from $50 - $75 per group. You can also inquire about reduced fee slots, which tend to be claimed quickly.