Group therapy is a type of therapy that is popular in mental health treatment facilities and for people recovering from mental health issues who are learning to manage their lifestyles for the best mental wellbeing. There are a number of benefits of group therapy, which makes it a very common therapy for many mental health treatment centers. But, for many, the thought of group therapy can seem overwhelming and invading. However, identifying the many benefits of group therapy can help ease the minds of individuals who may feel wary about using this type of therapy environment.
Before we can dive into the benefits of group therapy, it can be helpful to understand what it is. Essentially, group therapy is a type of therapy that involves a number of individuals who are being led in a group therapy discussion by one or several mental health therapists. The individuals who are engaged in group therapy sessions have similar issues pertaining to mental health. So, for example, some group therapy meetings may all be for people who struggle with depressive disorders. And, other group therapy sessions may only involve participants who are dealing with substance abuse issues. During group therapy sessions, participants can expect to practice coping and communications skills with other participants, share their own experiences with mental health issues, discuss various group topics, and make connections with others in order to build a community of support.
When involved in group therapy sessions, participants can expect to experience a number of benefits including:
Dealing with mental health issues can be isolating. It can make you feel like no one else understands what you’re going through. During group therapy, you’ll be in therapy sessions with peers and others who are dealing with similar mental health issues as you. And, sharing your experiences with one another, providing a community of people that understand. So, group therapy can provide people who don’t feel understood with a community of people that in fact do understand.
The group therapy experience can provide people dealing with mental health issues a means to connect with other people. Therefore, it provides a safe and supportive environment to learn and practice various coping mechanisms. For example, since the symptoms of mental health issues not only affect the people who are diagnosed but also their loved ones, it’s important to understand healthy boundaries and communication skills. So, during group therapy, people can learn and practice various skills including boundary-setting, communication, and active listening.
Many people living with mental health issues don’t feel like they have a place where they can be heard. This can result in not being able to feel understood. But, group therapy sessions give people who are living with mental health issues a safe and supportive place to speak their truth. So, this environment can not only be a place to speak your truth but also be heard by others who may understand what you’re dealing with and going through.
Delray Beach Psychiatrist is an outpatient mental health community that offers a number of resources, including group therapy sessions, for individuals who are dealing with a number of mental health issues. Find out more about what we do to help people living with mental health issues from our website.
