counsellingMental HealthpsychotherapySelf CareWhat Happens In Group Counselling?

Imagine walking into a room full of strangers, each with their personal stories of struggles and hopes. At first, it might seem intimidating, but soon you’ll find that this diverse group holds the potential for profound transformation. 

Welcome to the world of group counselling, where the collective power of shared experiences and mutual support creates a unique healing journey. Whether you’re seeking to navigate life’s challenges, build deeper connections, or simply understand yourself better, group counselling offers a safe space for growth and insight. 

Let’s see how this powerful therapeutic approach can be a catalyst for change, and why joining a group could be the best step you ever take for your mental well-being.

What is Group Counselling?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that offers a supportive and non-judgmental space for several individuals at a time. This meeting can happen in person or virtually where individuals work through their problems and concerns together. Individuals can come together to share their problems, gain perspective, and learn from one another. Under the guidance of a therapist (also known as a leader), participants can gain insight, develop new skills, and improve their relationships with others. 

Members listen to each other and openly express thoughts and feelings about what other members do or say. Gradually, the members themselves become therapeutic helpers for other group members. When people interact freely with other group members, they naturally end up recreating the same patterns of interactions that happen to them outside of the group. This creates the opportunity for change, awareness and acceptance. With the guidance of the group leaders, members learn how their behaviour affects other people. 

Group counselling is important because it is humanizing to learn that others have had similar struggles in life. The sheer vulnerability shared between members is what makes the group a safe place to experiment with alternative ways of treating oneself and others. It can be effective as a standalone form of therapy or as a complement to individual therapy sessions. Typically, groups meet once or twice weekly for sessions lasting one to two hours.

How does group therapy differ from individual therapy?

Group therapy sessions usually adopt a more focused approach than individual sessions. For instance, many support groups focus on a single topic that unites group members, such as chronic pain, substance abuse, or anxiety. During a group session, people can learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. 

Individual therapy, on the other hand, concentrates solely on a person’s concerns, emotions, and experiences. It offers a focused space for deep exploration and understanding of wide-ranging personal issues.

In a group therapy session, participants offer support and feedback to each other under the guidance of the therapist. In individual therapy, a person gets personalized feedback and support from their therapist.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy is versatile. It 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, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. Furthermore, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow. 

In a study published in 2014, researchers analyzed what happened when individuals with depression received group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). They found that 44% of the patients reported significant improvements. 

Those who invest in group therapy will invariably experience the following benefits:

1. Emotional support and validation – Group therapy acknowledges that humans are social beings. Humans wish to be seen, heard and understood. All these needs are well met in group therapy. You finally find the kind of community you’ve always wished for. You no longer feel “all alone” in navigating the darker spells of life.
2. Learning from others’ experiences – You hear people’s stories of similar struggles and learn from their ways of coping. You might experience a perspective shift. And your own story will be so inspiring for others too.
3. Development of social skills – As mentioned above, when you get active feedback from group members and leaders, you get to evaluate which social behaviours need changing. 
4. Enhanced self-awareness and insight – The supportive environment of group therapy allows for self-reflection and exploration, often leading to enhanced self-awareness and new insights into your patterns of thinking and behaving.
5. Cost-effectiveness – The per head of joining a group is often half the price of individual therapy.

Common Issues Addressed in Group Counseling

– Anxiety and depression

– Substance abuse

– Trauma and PTSD

– Relationship issues

– Grief and loss

What does a typical session look like?

The group therapy session is a collaborative effort in which the therapist assumes clinical responsibility for the group and its members. A typical session lasts anywhere between 75 minutes to two hours. During this period, members work to express their problems, feelings, ideas and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Such exploration gives the group the important information needed to understand and help one another.

1. Initial screening and assessment – Before joining a group, individuals typically undergo an initial screening to assess their needs, goals, and suitability for the group. This may involve an individual meeting with the group therapist to discuss the individual’s history, concerns, and expectations for the group therapy. For virtual sessions, it includes filling out a digital form.
2. Group formation – The size of the group is usually kept between 2 to 15 members, although it can vary based on the type of group and the preferences of the therapist.
3. Setting ground rules and establishing confidentiality – During the early sessions, the therapist outlines the ground rules and expectations for group participation. This may include guidelines for respecting one another, maintaining confidentiality, and being present and engaged during sessions.
4. Structure – Sessions often begin with a check-in, allowing members to share how they are feeling and what they would like to focus on during the session. This is followed by a discussion or activity focused on the predetermined goals of the group. Sessions usually conclude with a check-out, providing members with an opportunity to share their thoughts on the session and set intentions for the time between sessions.
5. Multi-faceted role of therapist – They provide guidance and structure to the group, ensuring that the sessions are focused and productive. The therapist encourages open communication, mediates conflicts, and offers support and insight as needed. They create a safe space for members to explore their feelings and experiences while also fostering a sense of community and mutual respect within the group.

How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?

Group therapy not only helps people cope with their problems but also provides opportunities for change and growth. It focuses on relationships, helping you learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a trained professional. 

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

What to expect

Heading into group therapy for the first time can be quite daunting. Initially, there may be feelings of discomfort and apprehension as you walk into a room full of strangers. It’s normal to feel nervous about opening up and sharing personal experiences with people you’ve just met. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone in the group is there for similar reasons – to seek support and understanding.

1. Building trust and rapport is a crucial part of the group therapy process. As sessions progress, you’ll start to develop a sense of trust with the other members. This trust is fostered through the creation of a safe and non-judgmental space where everyone’s experiences and feelings are respected and valued.
2. Sharing and listening – You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences while also listening to others and offering your support. This exchange of experiences and perspectives allows for mutual understanding and empathy within the group.
3. Conflicts – As individuals bring unique perspectives and emotions, conflicts may arise within the group. However, group therapy provides a supportive environment for conflict resolution. Through guided discussions and the facilitation of the therapist, the group can work through conflicts constructively and respectfully, allowing everyone to feel heard and understood.
4. Progress and breakthroughs – You may gain new insights into your own challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Witnessing the progress and breakthroughs of others in the group can also be incredibly inspiring and impactful.

Factors to consider before joining a group:

1. You Need to Be Willing to Share – This one is for those who struggle with social anxiety or phobias, sharing in a group might not be right for you. In addition, some types of group therapy involve exercises like role-playing and intense personal discussion, which can be overwhelming for people who are extremely private or uncomfortable around strangers.
2. You May Need to Try a Few Groups – Just like you might need to shop around to find the right therapist, you may also need to try a few groups before you find the one that fits you best. Think a little about what you want and need, and consider what might be most comfortable or the best match for you.
3. It’s Not Meant for Crisis – There are limitations to group therapy and not all people are good candidates. If you or someone you love is in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, individual therapy is a better choice than group therapy. In general, group settings are best for individuals who are not currently in crisis.

The collective power of shared experiences and mutual support can be a catalyst for profound transformation, making group therapy an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to navigate life’s challenges, build connections, or achieve personal growth. By offering emotional support, the opportunity to learn from others, and the development of essential social skills, group therapy has the potential to significantly improve mental well-being and overall quality of life. 

The confidential and safe space provided by group counselling serves as a cornerstone for fostering empathy, understanding, and holistic healing. Consider taking the step towards group therapy, and discover the life-enriching benefits it can offer.

If you are looking for counselling or therapy, please use our online calendar to book a session.