Group therapy is among the most used forms of treatment for mental conditions. You might think that the best type of treatment is one that assures you of anonymity and privacy. It might be so, but not all the time. Sometimes, the best resource for fighting a mental condition is one that connects you with others in a similar struggle.
In Summit Estate Recovery Center, group sessions encourage sharing experiences, developing strong bonds with others, and helping everyone fight their battles. If you struggle with a mental condition that affects many other rehab participants, your therapist will likely recommend therapy as part of a group. To learn more about our group therapy programs, contact Summit Estate Recovery Center today at 800.701.6997.
The Purpose of Group Therapy
Individual therapy programs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and dialectical behavioral therapy, can help you achieve control and autonomy over your life. However, talk therapy goals are a little different.
In a group setting, therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and put participants battling similar disorders in the same groups. Group members help each other cope with the condition and find ways to overcome it.
The purpose of a group therapy program is to achieve two main goals: Process and outcome goals. The process aims at making you internalize your concerns and relate them to other participants in the group. It is a process of healing. The treatment aims to change your negative behaviors. The outcome goal of group sessions is to make you abstain from drug and alcohol use or any other unhealthy behavior you may have.
Group therapy helps you achieve process and outcome goals in several ways, such as:
- Helping you identify behaviors hindering you from adopting a new, healthy life
- Offering positive feedback for assistance during your most difficult moments
- Repairing your damaged social skills to help you build healthy relationships
- Providing a supportive environment to learn from peers and interact with those fighting similar life battles
- Providing a safe place to express your beliefs and opinions
- Decreasing feelings of alienation and loneliness by bringing together individuals sharing emotional and mental experiences
Typically, one or two trained and licensed therapists take the role of directing the group discussions. A session can have as few as two members, but most gatherings comprise six to twelve participants.
Therapists often avoid the inefficiencies of large crowds. In a large group, a professional cannot offer each participant personalized attention.
What Group Meetings Help Treat
Group sessions can help treat a myriad of mental conditions, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Post-partum depression
- Low self-esteem
- Seasonal depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic attacks
It can also help eliminate suicidal thoughts, self-harm tendencies, grief, substance use disorders, anger, social skills deficits, and communication issues.
Open and Closed Groups
A group therapy program can be open or closed. The open group sessions allow newcomers to join and participate in the discussion. However, it can be challenging to get along with older members who may have already developed strong bonds.
In closed groups, all members join at the same time. New members may not access meetings. However, you are at risk of devoting your time to a group that may not be working for you. Your therapist can help you choose the most appropriate kind of group for your condition.
Useful Treatment Options
If you are considering treatment for your mental health or substance use disorder, group therapy can be an ideal option. During sessions, therapists may also incorporate other evidence-based treatment programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Individual therapy
Join a Recovery Group at Summit Estate Recovery Center
Do not let mental health conditions ruin your life. Our rehab can offer help through group therapy and other mental health treatment programs. We will first evaluate your situation before recommending a customized treatment plan. Contact Summit Estate Recovery Center at 800.701.6997 to start your recovery journey today.
