What is group therapy?
“I’ve never been to a support group like this before. I don’t know what to expect.”
In group therapy approximately 6-10 individuals meet face-to-face with a counselor. During the group meeting time, members either discuss a previously agreed upon topic or decide what they want to talk about.
Group members are encouraged to give feedback to others. Feedback includes expressing your own feelings about what someone says or does. Interaction between group members are highly encouraged and provides each person with an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving; it also provides members with an opportunity for learning more about the way they interact with others.
Groups are a safe environment where members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group members make a commitment to the group and are instructed that the content of the group sessions are confidential. It is not appropriate for group members to disclose events of the group to an outside person.
Most people quickly feel comfortable and accepted in their group. They discover that there are others who have the same kind of feelings they do—and who understand the hurt and pain they are going through.
Here is an overview of the group experience:
| You’ll probably feel a little nervous about going to group the first time. Those feelings go away quickly for most people, usually during the first session they attend. A group is a warm, caring environment designed to help you. |
| You’ll discover there are people who understand your struggles, hurts, emotions, painful experiences and other issues your dealing with! In recovery, it’s common to feel isolated. In group you’ll find that you are not alone, that there are others who understand what you are going through. |
| You’ll learn helpful, practical information that will help you recover. Each group session provides information on recovery subjects and case studies of people just like you, who have been through the same experiences. |
| You’ll have the chance to talk about your experiences. It can be very healing to tell others what you are going through. The group sessions include a time to talk about what you’ve learned each session and what is going on in your life. And while you have the opportunity to tell your story, there’s never pressure for you to do so if you don’t feel like it. |
| You’ll become part of a “family.” Group members often tell us that they feel like their group has become a family, that they made new friends and are around people they can relate to. Each group is designed to be a safe environment, and dating relationships between group participants are not allowed (to give you time to focus on your personal healing). |
| Your children will have the opportunity to heal. We also provide support groups for Kids. Each group is a fun environment for kids to learn how to work through their feelings. The program features videos, music, games, crafts and other therapeutic activities. |
| You’ll discover hope for the future. While things may look bleak now, you’ll learn ways to restore your hope and rebuild your life. Many alumni tell us that the program helped them move from adversity to becoming a better person. |