Why group therapy?
Benefits of Group Therapy
Authored by: Melanie Palmietto
In our current world many of us are missing a sense of connection, community, and consistency. Group therapy can provide just that. Along with the ability to relate to others, reduce isolation, find new ways of coping, and strengthen relationship skills. While in group therapy you are able to witness what comes up for you within this microcosm. How are you feeling? What is your internal dialogue? Is your mood shifting? What are you noticing? These are things you can process in the group setting or with your individual therapist.
Group therapy can be a great addition if you are already working with an Individual therapist. Or if some of you are struggling to find a therapist with availability. Group therapy is cost effective and a powerful therapeutic experience.
With that group therapy can benefit and look different at every age.
For children, the flexibility and structure of group therapy is unlike any environment your child has been in. Group therapy can be a supportive space to navigate play. Children will be able to actively work on the give and take that comes with play and social skills. They will receive active social support, feedback, and validation in the moment. The therapist running the group will be able to model appropriate social skills and ways for your child to communicate and feel.
A new paper in the journal Pediatrics summarizes the evidence for letting kids let loose. Authors Michael Yogman, Andrew Garner, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff. "Play is not frivolous,” the paper mentions. "It is brain building."
Their research shows play is essential for healthy brain development. Play helps children manage stress and even recover from trauma.
Adolescents will also benefit from social skills, communication, and support from the group. The ability to relate to peers is a very powerful experience for an adolescent. To feel seen, heard, and understood by others has a lasting impact. Adolescents will have a safe and comfortable container to be vulnerable. They will receive tools and skills to apply outside of the group.
Research shows, depression is among the most common psychological disorders of adolescents. One study reported improved self-awareness and a significantly greater increase in perceived friend social support after either individual or group therapy.
Adults, just as children and adolescents will benefit from social skills, peer interaction, and communication skills. To feel seen and heard as an adult in a safe, non-judgmental, unbiased space. As an adult you will receive the space, tools, and reinforcement to be vulnerable. To focus on and make time for yourself. You deserve this. This space can be an open format or structured topics each session. You will be able to provide feedback to the running therapist in regard to what you feel you need in this setting and what works best for you.
A review of 32 studies in which patients were randomly assigned to either individual or group psychotherapy (both conditions using the same theoretical approaches), found that equivalent results were obtained in 75% of the studies, and that the group modality was more effective in 25%. (Toseland & Siporin, 1986)
Sharing your story and experiences with a group can be intimidating. But to have the support of the group and as a sounding board is incredibly healing.
Authored by: Melanie Palmietto
In our current world many of us are missing a sense of connection, community, and consistency. Group therapy can provide just that. Along with the ability to relate to others, reduce isolation, find new ways of coping, and strengthen relationship skills. While in group therapy you are able to witness what comes up for you within this microcosm. How are you feeling? What is your internal dialogue? Is your mood shifting? What are you noticing? These are things you can process in the group setting or with your individual therapist.
Group therapy can be a great addition if you are already working with an Individual therapist. Or if some of you are struggling to find a therapist with availability. Group therapy is cost effective and a powerful therapeutic experience.
With that group therapy can benefit and look different at every age.
For children, the flexibility and structure of group therapy is unlike any environment your child has been in. Group therapy can be a supportive space to navigate play. Children will be able to actively work on the give and take that comes with play and social skills. They will receive active social support, feedback, and validation in the moment. The therapist running the group will be able to model appropriate social skills and ways for your child to communicate and feel.
A new paper in the journal Pediatrics summarizes the evidence for letting kids let loose. Authors Michael Yogman, Andrew Garner, Jeffrey Hutchinson, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff. "Play is not frivolous,” the paper mentions. "It is brain building."
Their research shows play is essential for healthy brain development. Play helps children manage stress and even recover from trauma.
Adolescents will also benefit from social skills, communication, and support from the group. The ability to relate to peers is a very powerful experience for an adolescent. To feel seen, heard, and understood by others has a lasting impact. Adolescents will have a safe and comfortable container to be vulnerable. They will receive tools and skills to apply outside of the group.
Research shows, depression is among the most common psychological disorders of adolescents. One study reported improved self-awareness and a significantly greater increase in perceived friend social support after either individual or group therapy.
Adults, just as children and adolescents will benefit from social skills, peer interaction, and communication skills. To feel seen and heard as an adult in a safe, non-judgmental, unbiased space. As an adult you will receive the space, tools, and reinforcement to be vulnerable. To focus on and make time for yourself. You deserve this. This space can be an open format or structured topics each session. You will be able to provide feedback to the running therapist in regard to what you feel you need in this setting and what works best for you.
A review of 32 studies in which patients were randomly assigned to either individual or group psychotherapy (both conditions using the same theoretical approaches), found that equivalent results were obtained in 75% of the studies, and that the group modality was more effective in 25%. (Toseland & Siporin, 1986)
Sharing your story and experiences with a group can be intimidating. But to have the support of the group and as a sounding board is incredibly healing.