The Surprising Wonders of Group Therapy - Part 1
“A persuasive body of outcome research has demonstrated unequivocally that group therapy is a highly effective form of psychotherapy and that it is at least equal to individual psychotherapy in its power to provide meaningful benefit.”
- The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy by Dr. Irvin D. Yalom
When we are initially seeking counseling we tend to look for our own individualized session that provides a one-on-one meeting with a counselor. This is the most common form of counseling and like many people this may be the only type of counseling that we are aware of. Individual therapy can be life changing, presenting a safe environment to heal and voice thoughts and feelings we have often concealed from our family and friends. It can be powerful to be “seen” whether we are at our best or worst, and yet we are still acceptable. We are safe.
Group therapy is another form of counseling that can be equally powerful. This may not be immediately attractive to us. The idea of sitting down with a group of people to share our story can be frightening. We fear that we will be scrutinized, judged and misunderstood, but so does everyone else who ever joins a group. There is always that initial anxiety. Isn’t that what keeps us from seeking out community in the first place and isolating ourselves?
Group therapy can be a surprisingly wonderful addition to your individual therapy. We discover others on their own journey seeking things similar to ourselves. We find that the cries of our hearts are echoing in other’s hearts. It turns out that others have “pretended” and kept secrets. We no longer feel isolated and alone, because we now have a community of people who are rooting for us to keep going and who applaud our courage to disclose our pain and joy. Group therapy allows us to be “seen” and to heal with others.
I have witnessed this many times in groups I have co-facilitated elsewhere and at Transforming Life Counseling Center. Once you start looking for a group you will find that there are many types of groups available. If you are ready to enhance your therapeutic experience and join a group, check out our website, ask your therapist, or call our office for further information.
Kristen Caldwell, MA, LPC Candidate. Kristen is a Candidate pursuing licensure and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center.
