What is Group Counseling?


Group counseling or therapy happens when a counselor meets with a small group of individuals (2 or more) for a specific period of time to discuss, interact, explore problems, and foster growth within each group member. Groups are usually formed around one specific mental health concern (such as depression) in order to help group members work through the issue and meet their goals. Therapy groups may be formed to help an individual learn new skills and find success toward personal goals if individual therapy becomes stagnant.

Group members are offered a safe and comfortable environment where they are supported as they work out problem areas and emotional concerns. Members will lend social support to each other during difficult times by sharing their lives with each other and listening for ways they can support another member who is coping with a challenging situation. This experience assists members in putting their own thoughts into perspective, finding comfort from unlikely individuals, providing more understanding of a problem, being heard by other people who can relate to their struggles, and realizing they are not alone. A diverse group can help people find new approaches towards improving their mental health.

Group counseling/therapy is not the same thing as a support or self-help group. They differ because a therapy group will be led by a qualified counselor, while a support or self-help group is led by a peer or someone who has been through a similar experience. Counseling also has different goals, different rules, and address issues in a different manner. In a therapy group it is the counselor’s job to provide research-based techniques to help members work towards change and growth. A support group’s main goal is to assist individuals in coping with a specific problem, health concern, or life circumstance.

Group therapy themes might include: depression, anxiety, communication and conflict resolution, social skills, grief support, marriage issues, anger management, substance abuse, loneliness or isolation, suicidal thoughts, eating concerns, emotional problems, or specific life-stage issues.

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