Imagine a safe space where you can openly talk about your challenges and know you’ll be understood. That’s the essence of group therapy. It’s a form of therapy where a small group of people meet regularly with a therapist to discuss their concerns and learn from each other’s experiences. It might sound intimidating at first, but group therapy can be a powerful tool to help you manage a variety of issues and foster a sense of belonging. 

Types of group therapy

There are many types of group therapy. Each type is designed to help address specific needs. Here are some common examples of group therapy:

• General support groups — These support groups focus on broad topics like stress management, anxiety or depression. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn healthy coping mechanisms and gain encouragement from others who are facing similar struggles. 
• Skill-building groups — These support groups are focused on helping you to develop specific skills. These groups can teach you communication techniques for relationships, anger management strategies or social interaction skills.
• Psychoeducational groups — If you’re dealing with a particular condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar depression or complicated grief, there may be a group that is specifically tailored to offer support and guidance related to that condition. 
• Interpersonal groups — This type of group therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and social interactions. This can include how much support you have from others and the impact these relationships can have on your mental health. 

Finding the right group type for you

The type of group therapy you choose will depend on your specific needs or goals. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with anxiety, a general anxiety support group may be a good starting point. If you’re struggling with communication in your relationship, couples therapy could be beneficial. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your needs and what kind of group may be the best fit for you.

It’s important to find a group that feels like a good fit for you. Factors to consider may include:

• Group size
• Type of therapy offered
• Personalities of the therapist and other group members

A lot of therapists may offer a brief consultation to discuss your needs and see if group therapy is right for you. They can also answer any questions you may have about group therapy. This can be a great opportunity to get a feel for the therapist’s approach and see if you feel comfortable with them. 

It’s also important to ask about the size and makeup of the group, as well as the specific type of therapy offered. If you feel like a smaller group would be a better fit, you can keep looking until you find a group that feels like a good fit for you. Don’t feel like you have to make a permanent commitment to a group either. If things don’t work out, you can look again for a group that’s a better fit for you as you grow and change on your mental health journey. 

Group therapy can be a very rewarding experience, and sharing your struggles with others takes courage and strength. The support and connections you can gain from group therapy can be truly life changing. 

Benefits of group therapy

Group therapy can offer a unique blend of support, learning and accountability that can be highly beneficial. Here are some key advantages of group therapy:

• Reduced isolation — Sharing your struggles with others who understand can be tremendously comforting. You don’t have to feel alone in your challenges, and knowing that others are going through similar struggles can be incredibly validating. 
• Learning from others — You can gain valuable insights and strategies from hearing different perspectives and learning about successful, healthy coping mechanisms used by other group members.
• Enhanced social skills — Group therapy can provide a safe environment to practice communication skills, express yourself openly, and learn how to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Increased motivation — Seeing others overcome challenges and make progress can help motivate you to stay committed to your own goals. 
• Sense of belonging — Group therapy can foster a strong sense of community and belonging. You can build supportive relationships with people who understand what you’re going through. 
• Improved communication — Sharing your experiences and listening to others can help you become a more open and effective communicator in multiple areas of your life. 

It’s important to remember that group therapy is a journey, not a quick fix. It can take time to build trust and rapport within the group. Be patient with yourself and others as you all learn and grow together. 

Conditions that group therapy can help

Group therapy can be a valuable tool to help manage a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance use
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Low self-esteem
• Stress management

Group therapy may also be helpful for people facing life transitions, social anxieties or specific phobias. 

Group therapy at Lightfully can help empower you on your mental health journey 

At Lightfully, we understand the power of connection and shared experiences. That’s why we offer group therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment approach in all levels of care, from our programs at our Residential Treatment Centers to our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program. Our groups are kept intentionally small to help foster a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others on a deeper level. Our licensed clinical therapists use a compassionate and personalized approach to help ensure that everyone feels valued and heard.

We go beyond just treating symptoms to provide compassionate, whole-person-centered care. We do this by using our unique clinical framework of process-based therapy (PBT). PBT helps us focus on the four core processes that drive mental health conditions and their symptoms:

• Difficulty with emotions
• Difficulty with thoughts
• Difficulty with behaviors
• Difficulty with relationships

In group therapy, you can learn valuable skills to help manage these core processes alongside others facing similar challenges. Through shared experiences, open communication and the guidance of our expert therapists, you can gain strength, resilience and the tools you need to build a fulfilling life.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.