Benefits of Group Therapy

If you are struggling with addiction, getting help is often one of the most difficult things to do. Once you make this step, though, you will find that there are lots of different types of treatment, which will be tailored to suit your specific needs. One of the options you may want to think about is group therapy, which can occur within inpatient rehab, AA, support groups, or even IOP Programs. Below, we will explain what group therapy is and the reasons why it is beneficial so that you can get a better understanding. 

What is Group Therapy?

Before we take a look at the benefits of group therapy, let’s take a look at what this is. As the name indicates, these are therapy sessions that are taken as a group, rather than being one-on-one with the therapist. You will share your experiences with others, when you are ready to do so, and you will listen to them. There is strength in numbers, after all! The great thing about group therapy is that there is no pressure. A lot of people think that they are going to be forced to share their thoughts and feelings, but you will simply do so when you are ready. 

Of course, group therapy is not going to be for everyone, and this is why it is important to use the services of a reputable and experienced addiction treatment center. They will be able to assess your needs and determine whether or not group therapy is the right course of action now or in the future. To determine this, experts will consider what stage of the recovery process you are in, your emotional stability, your unique needs, and your treatment preferences. 

In some cases, group therapy may not be advisable. If you are someone who experiences extreme stress while in new situations and around other people, group therapy is unlikely to be an advisable option. If your symptoms are unmanageable and severe, it is unlikely that group therapy will be considered until later in the treatment process. Individuals who cannot maintain confidentiality and are at risk of breaking group rules will also not be considered for group therapy. Therapists care about creating a trusted environment where people feel safe, so they will only consider group therapy if they think it is going to be right for everyone. 

What are the benefits of group therapy?

If group therapy is considered an advisable option for you, there are a number of different benefits that you can expect. This includes the following:

  • You recognize that you are not alone – When someone has a substance abuse issue, they can feel ashamed, depressed, and isolated. A lot of addictions stem from a history of sexual or physical abuse, which victims have hidden for years and years. Others may have done things due to their addiction that they are ashamed of. However, you will quickly recognize that you are not alone. Shame is isolating, and it can make you feel worthless and lonely. Group therapy can help these feelings to drift away. You will realize that other people have had similar experiences. 
  • Your therapist will discover how you interact with other people – Another benefit of group therapy is that your therapist is going to learn more about you. They will see how you interact with other people, and this can be a great insight for your therapist. They will be able to better direct you going forward and prepare you so that you can have more meaningful reactions with people in the future as well.
  • You will get a broader range of feedback – In group therapy, you will get a rare chance to understand yourself better. This is because you will not only get to learn from your therapist but you are also going to learn from those around you. 
  • Your communication skills will improve – Another benefit of group therapy is that it can help you to enhance your communication skills. A lot of people end up with poor communication skills as a consequence of their addiction. Group therapy can help you to overcome this because you are all going to be engaged in the task of listening to others and truly understanding what they have to say. You will increase your empathy and listening skills, and you will also discover how people interpret what you say so that you can communicate with greater clarity in the future.
  • Group therapy helps you to feel connected – Last but not least, group therapy can help you to feel more connected to other people. Feeling connected is one of the most critical elements when overcoming addiction. Substance use and the conditions that tend to underlie it, including anxiety disorders and major depression, are made worse by feeling unsupported, unloved, and isolated. Finding a genuine connection with a group of other people can help to relieve stress and give you a sense of purpose. There is a more pragmatic benefit too. When you care about your group of people and you think about how your actions impact them, you are more likely to approach the process with more seriousness. You will be more inclined to respect the rules, show up on time, and participate more regularly. And, when you do this, you are only going to experience more benefits from the treatment process.

Contact Peaks Recovery Today

If you would like to find out more about group therapy or you are ready to get the help you need, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today. Reach out today you will speak with one of our caring and experienced team members who will be more than happy to help you in any way they can.