For many clients, the answer to this treatment question is on the same list as, “Would you like a tax audit? How about a root canal?” Yet, group therapy is one of the hidden gems of successful treatment and has many benefits!
1. Public speaking. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. Other than saying your first name, it's rare you would be asked to say anything more. Ever. Unless, of course, you'd like to speak more. People speak, if and when, they are ready. And that comfort level varies from session to session.
2. Cost effective. That's another word for cheap. Group is often 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a same time individual session.
3. Flexibility. Group is flexible. Missing sessions may be less disruptive to you and your therapist in a group setting. Also, don't worry about loss of contact with a valued therapist as most often a person starting a group also continues with individual sessions.
1. Public speaking. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. Other than saying your first name, it's rare you would be asked to say anything more. Ever. Unless, of course, you'd like to speak more. People speak, if and when, they are ready. And that comfort level varies from session to session.
2. Cost effective. That's another word for cheap. Group is often 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a same time individual session.
3. Flexibility. Group is flexible. Missing sessions may be less disruptive to you and your therapist in a group setting. Also, don't worry about loss of contact with a valued therapist as most often a person starting a group also continues with individual sessions.
4. Unity: Groups tend to be 4-10 clients and one or two therapist meeting weekly for an hour or two. There is often a uniting factor, such as those with depression, those healing from trauma, or other commonalities. Sometimes the common factor is simply that we are all humans coping with life. To steal the Las Vegas tagline: What’s said in group stays in group! Group member confidentiality is important.
5. Support. Groups generally have three types of members: Those about to go through (something), those currently going through that (something), and finally those members who have successfully gone through that (something). Each of these members benefit the other two types. The most experienced members mentor and encourage the first two. The beginners acknowledge the actions and success of the senior members. The "doing" members model courage and actions. Everyone wins.
One final group therapy promise: If nothing else you'll see you are not the only human on the planet facing difficult issues. And there is comfort in knowing we are not facing our struggles alone.
By Dr. Jim Miller
5. Support. Groups generally have three types of members: Those about to go through (something), those currently going through that (something), and finally those members who have successfully gone through that (something). Each of these members benefit the other two types. The most experienced members mentor and encourage the first two. The beginners acknowledge the actions and success of the senior members. The "doing" members model courage and actions. Everyone wins.
One final group therapy promise: If nothing else you'll see you are not the only human on the planet facing difficult issues. And there is comfort in knowing we are not facing our struggles alone.
By Dr. Jim Miller
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