Have you ever considered group therapy? Did you know that group therapy is a highly effective therapeutic process? I think most people, when they think about therapy, are thinking about the one on one space, but in reality there are lots of ways to access therapy and group therapy is one of those wonderful options. Group therapy is commonly used in inpatient settings and in community settings (think support groups or alcoholics anonymous), but there are lots of group therapy programs in other settings too that can be a wonderful treatment option. I have had the privilege of being a group therapist at various stages in my career and have found the process rewarding and fascinating. So, how does it work?
In short, group therapy is a form of therapy where people with shared experiences come together, and with the guidance of the group therapist, work through their problems together. Group therapy often involves teaching of new skills, sharing of information, reflection and shared thinking. Group therapy works in part because it is an opportunity to learn new skills and deepen knowledge, but it also works because of the interactions in the relationships between group members and the therapist.
Well-known American psychiatrist, Dr Irvin Yalom, speaks to these interactions in a tangible way. He has proposed that there are 11 key process components (what he calls “therapeutic factors”) that help group members to achieve personal change. Yalom proposes that through the process of group therapy, group members can connect with hope and experience the pleasure of imparting information and providing support to another. Group members can strengthen their social skills, express deep emotions, explore existential themes and work through challenging family experiences together. Yalom also believes that individuals who struggle in the one-to-one therapeutic setting, may be more likely to open in a group setting. This experience can be rich and rewarding.
Group therapy can be accessed on its own or as an adjunct treatment to individual therapy. If you’re curious about group therapy, why not give it a go! We are currently running a group program for teens with OCD, so if you or someone you know might be interested give our administration team a call on (03) 9882-9974 or email us at admin@melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au
Reference:
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
This blog was written and prepared by Dr Victoria Miller - Associate Director and Clinical Psychologist here at MWG.