When you think about therapy, you might picture sitting one-on-one with a therapist. While individual sessions can be essential, they aren’t the only kind of therapy used in mental health treatment. Group support can also be a powerful tool. According to the American Psychological Association, group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Whether you’re engaging in clinician-led group therapy sessions or looking to join an online support group, connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference.

Group therapy can help you make connections, learn new coping skills and build supportive relationships. It can be valuable for people managing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions and more. Regardless of your circumstances, support groups and group therapy can provide a safe space to grow and heal together. Learning about the different types of mental health group-related activities can help you understand what kinds of support are available.

4 types of group therapy activities for adults

• General support groups — A general support group is exactly what it sounds like: It’s a group of people who come together to share experiences, offer encouragement and support each other. These groups aren’t necessarily focused on learning specific skills or doing structured activities. Instead, they’re about open conversations where members can talk about their challenges, emotions and personal experiences. A general support group might hold meetings online or at an in-person location. These groups can help people who feel alone in their struggles and are looking for a safe place to connect with others and express themselves.
• Virtual support groups — Not everyone feels comfortable attending in-person therapy or support groups, and that’s OK. Online options can be helpful as well. If you’re looking to join a support group without traveling from your home, you may want to look into virtual support groups. As with other support groups, these will not necessarily provide therapy or therapeutic care. However, they can still be a great resource. Here’s how online support groups work: Meetings are held over online video calls. During a meeting, group members share experiences and offer support. A therapist will typically facilitate the group meeting to keep the discussion focused and productive. Online support groups can be valuable for people with social anxiety or agoraphobia who struggle with in-person meetings. They can also help people with limited transportation and those who live in rural areas with limited access to in-person options.
• Family therapy — Family therapy is a form of group psychotherapy. For many people, family therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment process. A comprehensive mental health care plan might incorporate regular family therapy sessions along with one-on-one sessions and other methods. Mental health struggles don’t just affect one person. They can also impact everyone else in that person’s family. At the same time, interpersonal conflicts in the family can make mental health symptoms worse. Family therapy groups focus on improving communication and understanding within families. Guided by a therapist, family members can learn healthy communication strategies to improve relationships. Family therapy can also build empathy and understanding of mental health challenges.
• Skill-building groups — Skill-building groups focus on teaching practical coping skills. These groups often follow a structured plan, with each session focused on learning a new tool or strategy. During a given session, the therapist leading the session will introduce a specific skill. This might be a strategy for stress management or a mindfulness technique to improve emotional regulation. Group members will then practice the skill together. This might involve role-playing scenarios where the skill could be applicable. You may also discuss personal experiences with the skill. These groups can be a great way to get real, actionable tools you can use in everyday life.

You don’t have to work on your mental health alone. At Lightfully, we understand the value of communal support. Our free online support group is just one way we can help you connect with others.

Group therapy is an important part of our treatment approach. Whether you’re receiving in-person care at a Residential Treatment Center or you’re engaging in a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP), group therapy will likely play a role in your treatment journey. Our virtual IOP, for example, involves three hours of group therapy, starting at five days a week.

Change is possible. Contact us to learn more about various support group resources. If you think you might need professional treatment, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.