Group therapy, according to Verywell Mind, “is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time.”
Group therapy began when physician Joseph Hersey Pratt who was treating individuals with tuberculosis, found that conducting group sessions benefited members as they were able to provide emotional support to one another in shared experiences. Pratt began referring to his sessions as group psychotherapy. This form of therapy began to increase in popularity following World War II when groups of combat veterans were treated together, and similar benefits were observed. The American Psychological Association explains that “decades of research, including more than 50 clinical trials, have shown that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many conditions.” Common problems that group therapy is designed to target include, but are not limited to individuals with depression, obesity, social anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain, or substance use disorder. Group therapy can also focus on general issues such as anger, shyness, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Group therapy can help people acquire a new way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
Benefits
There are many benefits to group therapy supplementing other forms of psychotherapy modalities during treatment. A group therapy session can create a sense of comradery amongst participants. Participating in group therapy sessions can help create a network of supportive individuals from which to learn, all having a common goal. Group therapy can often create a safe emotional environment to allow individuals to share personal experiences and offer support to others. Group therapy creates a forum for sharing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with daily stressors. The issues and topics that emerge in group therapy sessions can help with self-empowerment, and motivation for continuing the path of recovery. Group therapy is an excellent place to practice implementing various therapeutic tools to help with behavior modification, the integration of healthy choices, and improving positive decision-making.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At {Upwell Advisors}, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
