The Benefits of Group Therapy

By Riley Glassett, CSW

When people think of therapy, their mind may automatically imagine one-on-one sessions with a therapist. However, therapy can expand beyond this notion. I began my therapeutic career by facilitating groups, and I immediately fell in love with the process. Group therapy creates a sort of magic in the room (physical or virtual) that really speaks to the need for human connection and community. Each time I have the privilege to facilitate a group, I walk away with new lessons and an ever growing love for the process. I have been able to witness group members form lasting friendships, root for one another through the highs and the lows, and work to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcome and cared for. As I reflect on my time working with groups, I have a few key takeaways about what groups can offer that individual therapy may not.

• A Sense of Community

  One of the most powerful aspects of group therapy is the sense of belonging that can be fostered. The connections that form in group therapy are unlike any other, and that may be in part due to the fact that many people seek out group therapy for a particular challenge or purpose. I have witnessed people who thought they were alone in their feelings be wholly validated by the community that group therapy offers. This offers a sense of acceptance, belonging, and solidarity, which can be incredibly powerful in the healing process.

  Shared Experiences May Offer New Insight

  We all get stuck in our own patterns and thoughts. Group therapy allows for a collective exploration of challenges and solutions, and helps you get out of your own head. Hearing the story and experience of another may offer you new perspectives. Many people may offer more grace and kindness to others than they do to themselves. When you share space with people facing similar challenges, it may offer you more room to gain greater insight into your own needs and experiences.

  Reduce stigma and shame

  While the landscape has been shifting over time, it’s no secret that speaking about mental health can still be considered taboo. Group therapy creates a shared space to help normalize struggles, thereby working to reduce stigma. The comment that I often hear the most in group therapy goes something like this: "Until I joined this group, I was afraid to share this with other people".

  Cost effective

  Group therapy often has a lower cost than individual therapy, making it significantly more accessible to a greater number of people. Mental healthcare should be within the grasp of anyone who wants to engage, and group therapy offers the ability for that to happen on a greater scale.

  Diverse Perspectives

  Everyone has their own story, their own difficulties, and their own ways of coping and moving through the world. When you are a part of a group, you get to learn what has been beneficial for others, as well as have space to collaborate on new solutions that you may have otherwise not thought of. When I reflect on previous groups that I have been a part of, one of the main takeaways that many group members share is that they were able to not only better understand themselves and other options that they may have, but that they also gained greater appreciation for others and the world around them, because of the diverse perspectives that they were able to bear witness to.

Conclusion: A Powerful Path to Healing

Like individual therapy, group therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. However, for many people, it can be an invaluable resource. After being a part of many groups, I feel confident in my belief that group therapy can be incredibly empowering and enriching, and offer benefits that are hard to come by anywhere else. If you're seeking support and community, I highly recommend trying on group therapy to see if it's a good fit for you!

The Healing Group currently offers an online Postpartum Therapy Group and a Women’s Sexuality Education Group. Contact our front desk at 801-305-3171 to learn more and register!