A kind of psychotherapy helps in managing deteriorating mental health issues. Negative thoughts are eliminated by openly talking about them in a group of people. Treatment involves therapy sessions for several individuals at the same time.
It is an excellent way to access mental healthcare. It brings the same kind of people under one roof and is a great alternative to individual therapy. Group therapy usually focuses on a specific issue at one time.
Mostly the issues are social anxiety and depression. Group therapy also helps in dealing with issues like grief and obesity. It feels great to witness everyone’s progress, including your own, as it instills hope of getting better.
Group Therapy Pros And Cons
| Pros Of Group Therapy | Cons Of Group Therapy |
|---|---|
| Not alone | Severe social phobia |
| Support | Personality clash |
| A sense of belonging | No Confidentiality |
| New perspective | Less convenient |
| Less expensive | May not be high functioning |
Advantages Of Group Therapy
In group therapy, you will meet different people at different stages of treatment. It aims at providing you with the hope of making progress and experiencing positive outcomes in life. Your perspective and understanding will change.
Not Alone
Isolation and loneliness can also cause anxiety. Group therapy has the distinct advantage of surrounding you with people who are mostly experiencing the same kind of ordeal. You will find comfort and warmth in the same group that you might be hesitant to at the start.
Experiencing trauma might make you feel that you are the only person going through these intense emotions, but group therapy will make you realize that people have had similar experiences. It reduces the fear of being alone.
Support
We often stop ourselves from expressing our true feelings because of the fear of getting judged. People can use your vulnerability against you. Group therapy will change this mindset as you will witness positive support incoming from different sides.
Pieces of Advice and different perspectives will prepare you for the worst situations. You will feel warmth and comfort, and it will completely change you as a person.
A Sense of Belonging
Group therapy will surround you with the best kind of people and the ones with relatable experiences and familiar problems.
You will find people who will be going through similar feelings and difficulties, and it will make you feel homely as it instills a sense of belonging in you.
You won’t feel like an outsider because everyone in the group won’t make you feel like one; it is as welcoming as possible.
New Perspective
We often lack perspective while facing extreme situations. Listening to other people will develop a new perspective in you as you can look at a different position from a unique point of view. You will learn new survival techniques.
You will adapt to a positive attitude towards life after looking at different people doing the same to survive.
New Strategies
A trained therapist is present in the sessions for proper guidance, but you can always learn something new from your group. You will come across new strategies, different ways of survival, and new perspectives from various group members.
Group sessions will act as your safe space to try specific strategies. Feedback is also provided in the group sessions, making you self-aware.
Less Expensive
Group therapy sessions have proven to be easier on the wallet as it doesn’t include one-to-one sessions with the patient.
Time is divided between multiple groups, which makes the cost less expensive for the patient. So, if you can’t afford therapy, you must opt for group therapy, which has multiple advantages.
Disadvantages Of Group Therapy
You must consider some of the disadvantages of group therapy before deciding to go for one. A different type of treatment can create issues in your life if you do not indulge in research before making a decision.
Severe Social Phobia
If you are timid or have severe social anxiety, conducting yourself in a group therapy session might become difficult. Discussing traumatic events amongst a group can be triggering at times.
You might feel overwhelmed while sharing intricate details about your abuse or trauma. You should only go for a group therapy session if you can face your social fears.
Personality Clash
Personality clash is normal if you have enrolled yourself into a larger group. You might not share common ideas and interests with other group members, who can make you feel uncomfortable.
As treatment will be diluted, focusing on various people simultaneously, results may take longer to appear.
No Confidentiality
You can’t expect privacy while speaking among a group of people. An individual therapist might provide confidentiality if that’s what you seek in therapy.
Group therapy sessions are a space of open communication, and you have to participate in improving. Though instructions may be provided, group therapists have no legal protection.
Less Convenient
Your timings may not match with your other group members resulting in conflicts between you and your group.
The therapist usually sets the day and time, making it less convenient for an individual as you might have to reschedule your other plans for the day. Either you attend the therapy or miss it due to time constraints.
May Not Be High Functioning
You need to act normal if you want to reap the benefits of group therapy. Functioning without normalcy can develop complexities for you.
People who are going through suicidal thoughts are not good at attending group therapy which might also make it difficult for their other group members.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any potential challenges in group therapy?
Some challenges in group therapy include dealing with group dynamics, potential conflicts or personality clashes, adjusting to different communication styles, and managing confidentiality within the group setting.
How does group treatment save money?
Because group therapy often involves numerous participants sharing the expense of therapy sessions, it is a less expensive option than individual therapy, particularly for persons with limited financial resources.
How could participants be affected by limited individual attention in group therapy?
While group therapy offers a supportive setting, participants may not receive the same amount of personalized attention as in individual treatment, limiting the exploration depth for specific particular difficulties.
How does group therapy foster a caring environment?
Group therapy provides a secure, nonjudgmental environment where people can discuss their experiences, receive empathy and affirmation from others, and receive emotional support.
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