Group therapy can help people improve their mental health. It involves at least one mental health professional and two or more people in therapy. Many use it to address a specific mental health concern. The group dynamic often helps people feel supported as they move forward. Whether your goal is growth, improving social skills, or something else, group therapy could help you achieve it. Group therapy typically rests on the dynamic interaction of the members of the group. The emphasis is on helping participants understand the projection they have toward other members, while learning from the feedback they receive from others, including the therapist.

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A TYPICAL GROUP THERAPY SESSION

Group therapy is usually led by one or two therapists trained to lead therapeutic groups. Group sizes can range from six to twelve members. While groups may be small or large, the group process may be less effective in much larger groups. 

Typically, groups meet for 1-2 hours each week and address specific concerns shared by group members. The minimum number of recommended sessions is often six, but many people attend for a full year. Group therapy sessions can be held in a variety of settings, such as community centers, therapy offices, hospitals, libraries, members’ houses, or churches. Some go to individual therapy in addition to group therapy. People who have received mental health treatment in the past may choose to participate in only group therapy.

Most groups meet in a quiet room with the chairs arranged to make sure each person can see everyone else. To begin, members may introduce themselves, discuss their progress, or share the reason they are in group therapy. Group activities depend on the style of the therapist and the group's goals. Some therapists have planned lessons for each session. Others may promote a more free-form discussion style.

Group therapy meetings can be open or closed. 

• In open groups, new members can join the group at any time. 

• In a closed group, all members join at the same time. Only they participate in the sessions. 

It is often easier to join an open group, but it may take longer for new members to get to know existing members. Members of a closed group get to know each other at the same time but may wait longer until they can join a group that works for them.

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PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL VERSUS PROCESS-ORIENTED GROUP THERAPY

There are many different types of therapeutic groups, but most therapy groups can be divided into two main approaches. These approaches are psychoeducational group therapy and process-oriented group therapy.  

• Psychoeducational groups provide members with information about specific issues. They may also teach healthy coping skills. These groups are led by a qualified therapist who directs sessions and sets goals. Bonds between group members are less important here, as the therapist provides most of the content through instruction. In this type of group therapy, the therapist takes on the role of teacher.

• Process-oriented groups focus on the group experience. While the therapist leads the group discussion, they act as a facilitator rather than an instructor. They are careful not to become the center of attention. Group members participate by engaging in group discussions and activities. Sharing in these kinds of activities can lead to a sense of belonging and increased self-confidence. In process-oriented group therapy, the group is in charge of their sessions. 

Some people wish to gain skills such as parenting, caregiving, or stress management. They may benefit from psychoeducational group therapy. Others seek personal growth to deal with a major life transition, such as divorce, retirement, or aging. These individuals could benefit from process-oriented group therapy.  

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ETHICS OF GROUP THERAPY

Potential group members have the right to know about the group's rules, goals, and methods when they first meet with the therapist. Rules about confidentiality should be discussed at the beginning. 

All group members must agree to protect the identities of fellow members. They must also keep the content of each session confidential. Unless permission is given, nobody should discuss another member’s personal history with anyone else.

It is important to remember that confidentiality agreements are not absolute. Therapists are obligated by law to tell the authorities if members express intent to harm themselves or others.

The group therapist must maintain a professional, respectful, and ethical environment. They need to keep sessions free from discrimination, sexual misconduct, or behaviors that make a member feel uncomfortable, harassed, or threatened. It is also the therapist’s responsibility to ensure group therapy sessions are nonjudgmental and productive for everyone involved.

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https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/modes/group-therapy