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Taking care of our mental health is critical to living a healthy life. As the importance of mental health continues to rise, so too do trends that help keep our psyche healthy, and group therapy has proven to be an effective option for many. But what is it about group therapy that makes it so appealing?
Group Therapy Is Low-Stress
Because the importance of mental health care is still relatively new, there’s a lot of stigma and disbelief surrounding it, especially among older generations. In the past, talking about your problems was discouraged, especially outside of tight family and friend groups. As a result, the idea of going to therapy can be daunting, to the point that many choose to suffer in silence rather than seeking help from a mental health professional. And while it may seem like sharing with a group of strangers would be even more challenging, most who attend group therapy sessions agree it’s actually highly beneficial.
In an individual therapy session, there’s just you and the therapist, which may add pressure to talk. At first, that pressure can be overwhelming… and it can take time to warm up and be open to discussing your private issues with a therapist.
Group therapy, however, takes a lot of the pressure off, because you are always welcome to just sit back and listen. Without the stress of having to talk, you can relax and take the time to get to know the others in the group. By the time you’re ready to talk, your group members will feel more familiar to you so you can start to gain the help you need.
Group Therapy Builds A Community
Humans are social creatures. We naturally feel safer in a pack, which is why people are naturally more open to discussing their mental health concerns with close friends and family members; they are part of the pack and can therefore be trusted. But not everyone feels comfortable talking to friends and family. And in some cases, those friends or family members may be part of the problem. In times like these, individuals need another group with whom they can feel comfortable, which is where group therapy can play a significant role.
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In a group session, the same group meets repeatedly to talk about their lives, which naturally brings them closer as a community. This sense of community alone is enough to help boost the mental health of someone struggling with loss, loneliness, anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, or any number of other mental challenges.
You Learn By Helping
In a group session, most members share similar life experiences or situations. For example, there are group therapy sessions for those who have recently lost a loved one, just as there are group therapy sessions for young adults who are learning to live independently for the first time. These shared experiences not only bring everyone closer together, but also lead to more learning opportunities.
By listening to someone who is going through a similar situation as you, you can identify ways to cope and deal with your own issues. After all, we aren’t often able to look objectively at our own lives, but we may be able to do so when listening to others. When someone else in a group therapy session talks, you may be able to offer insights or ideas that can also be applied to your own life. And even if you don’t offer any advice, you get to absorb the advice and insights from your group. In this setting, you can apply the experiences and ideas of others to your situation, empowering you to gain benefits for yourself without having to “put yourself out there” before you are ready.
Experience The Appeal of Group Therapy Yourself
At Connected Roots, we are dedicated to helping each individual reach their potential and find a healthy way forward in life. We offer group therapy options designed for both young adults and adults, as well as individual therapy sessions. No matter what you’re going through in life, you don’t have to go through it alone. Give us a call at 720-593-1062 to learn more about our services and how group therapy can help you heal and move forward.
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