Why Group Therapy Might Be the Right Choice for You

Photo by: Tima Miroshnichenko

So, you’ve been in therapy for a while, and maybe you’re starting to feel like you’ve said everything there is to say. Perhaps the usual one-on-one sessions aren’t feeling as helpful as they used to, or you just don’t feel as connected to your therapist anymore. It’s totally normal to hit a bit of a wall in therapy sometimes. And if you’re starting to feel like that, you might be wondering if it’s time to switch things up. Ever thought about group therapy?

I know, the idea of sitting in a room with strangers and talking about your personal stuff can sound a little scary. But group therapy can actually be super helpful, and honestly, it might be just what you need right now. Here’s why.

The Power of Connection: You’re Not Alone

One of the biggest perks of group therapy is the sense of community it offers. If you’ve been feeling isolated or like no one really understands what you’re going through, group therapy can be a game-changer. Hearing other people share their stories and struggles can make you realize you’re not as alone as you think. There’s something comforting about knowing that other people are dealing with the same kinds of things—whether it’s anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. It can be reassuring to see others making progress, too.

Photo by: Tima Miroshnichenko

Different Perspectives, Fresh Insights

Sometimes, when you’re in individual therapy, it’s easy to get stuck in your own head. Group therapy changes that. You get to hear from people who are going through similar things, and they might offer perspectives you hadn’t thought of before. Sometimes, someone else’s advice or experience hits home in a way that your therapist’s insights don’t. It’s like getting a variety of opinions all in one session, and that can help you see your situation in a new light.

Practice Social Skills in a Safe Space

If you struggle with social anxiety or find it tough to open up in your personal relationships, group therapy can be a great place to practice. You’ll get the chance to work on communicating your feelings, listening actively, and responding with empathy—all in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. It’s kind of like a social workout that can help you build confidence in real-life situations, whether that’s at work, in your friendships, or in your romantic relationships.

It’s More Affordable

Let’s be real—therapy can be expensive. Group therapy tends to cost less than individual therapy because you’re sharing the therapist’s time with others. So if you’ve been putting off therapy because of the cost, group sessions could be a more affordable way to keep working on yourself. You still get professional guidance, but at a lower price.

Photo by: Antoni Shkraba

Accountability Helps You Stay On Track

Another benefit of group therapy is the sense of accountability. When you’re talking with the same group of people each week, they’re going to notice how you're doing. That can help you stay motivated to make progress and follow through on the goals you’ve set for yourself. It’s kind of like having a supportive team rooting for you, and knowing they’ll check in on you can keep you focused and engaged.

But... It’s Not For Everyone

Of course, group therapy isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are some challenges to keep in mind. For one, it’s not as personal as individual therapy. You don’t get the same one-on-one attention, and that might leave you feeling like some of your deeper issues aren’t being fully addressed. Plus, you’re sharing the space with others, so there’s less time for your therapist to focus solely on you.

If you’re someone who’s private or feels uncomfortable opening up in front of others, group therapy might feel like a lot to handle at first. It can take time to build trust with the group, and some people find it hard to share personal stuff in a public setting.

Also, group dynamics can sometimes be tricky. People’s personalities don’t always mesh, and you might find that some members dominate the conversation while others stay quiet. That’s a natural part of group settings, but it’s something to consider before jumping in.

Photo by: ThisIsEngineering

Is Group Therapy Right for You?

If you’re starting to feel like you’ve plateaued in individual therapy, or you’re looking for a fresh perspective, group therapy might be just what you need. It’s a great way to get some new insights, build connections with others, and practice your social skills, all while working through your personal challenges. But if you're not ready to open up in a group or need more individualized attention, it might not be the best fit right now.

Talk to your therapist about it. Let them know how you’re feeling, and they can help you decide if group therapy would be a good complement to what you're already doing. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. What matters most is finding what works best for you—and group therapy might be something good to try. 

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