Group Therapy Q & A
What Is Group Therapy?
Compassionate Psychiatric Services Group Therapy is a therapeutic approach where a small group of individuals, guided by a trained therapist, come together to share and explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It provides a unique environment where participants can connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding. The sessions allow you to better cope with common mental health disorders, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorder
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Ongoing stress
- Schizophrenia
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of a therapist, you will learn about yourself and improve your relationships
with other people. You will gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns. In a typical session, which lasts about 60 minutes, members work to express their own challenges and aspirations, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly
as possible. Groups are currently held in-person.
What Are The Benefits Of Group Therapy?
Group therapy can benefit people of all ages who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, or behavioral challenges. In addition, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow.
Some of the many benefits you can expect with group therapy sessions at Compassionate Psychiatric Services include:
- Dependable support and connection
- Diverse Perspectives
- Increased self-Awareness
- Developing social skills
- Highly effective results
- Improved Quality of life
- Unique & creative solutions
- Safe space to express yourself
- Trusted community
Therapists at Compassionate Psychiatric Services are licensed, highly trained, and have many years of experience.
How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?
Group therapy is different from support and self-help groups in that it is led by a licensed mental health professional.
If someone is in a group, do they also need individual therapy?
Group therapy may be used as the primary treatment approach, or it can be used along with individual therapy. Talk to your therapist about what will best meet your needs.
What makes group therapy unique and powerful?
We live and interact with people every day, and often there are concerns that other people are experiencing or grappling with that can be beneficial to share with others. In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you’re not alone or as different as you think. You’ll meet and interact with people, and give and share helpful feedback; the whole group learns to work together on common problems — one of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy.
Will there be people with similar concerns in my group?
Usually, there is a mix of people who can learn from each other. While some group members will have similar circumstances to you, it's not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another.
What if I’m uncomfortable with others in my group?
It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?
The time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent of your goals. Short-term groups that are devoted to concrete issues can last anywhere from 4 to 20 sessions. Some groups are open-ended; you work at your own pace and leave when your goals have been met. Talk with your therapist to determine the length of time that’s right for you.
What does group therapy cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Typically, group therapy is less costly than individual therapy; it may also vary depending on the type of group and the area of the country you live in. Most insurance covers both group and individual therapy.
Is Group Therapy Right For Me?
To find out if you're a candidate for Group Therapy at Compassionate Psychiatric Services, your provider discusses your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and preferences. They personalize a mental health treatment plan that’s best for you.
It could include counseling plus oral medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), injections, prescription nasal sprays, or lifestyle changes.
