People can feel comfortable sharing things they might not otherwise say out loud. Sometimes, patients will meet with a counselor alone before joining a group session. In these cases, the counselor helps them prepare for what they’ll talk about during the group meeting.
Group therapy provides a place where people can feel comfortable sharing their feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule. In addition to receiving emotional support from the group, patients can also benefit from the input of a therapist. Patients can also benefit from learning how to cope with stress and anxiety through the experience of attending group therapy sessions.
Mental health conditions can often be incredibly isolating. They change how we view the world and the people surrounding us, and most people cannot understand what we go through. Group therapy allows individuals from various backgrounds to connect with one another and learn about each other and helps them feel better about themselves. By understanding others’ experiences, we can be kinder to others and to ourselves. In time, you might find yourself able to help others in the room, which could improve your confidence and self-esteem.
When conflicts do arise within groups, the therapist can mediate the discussion to ensure focus stays on resolving common issues and encourages clients to identify with each other regardless of their differences. This experience helps them tolerate disagreements, express themselves respectfully, and develop in ways they might not otherwise.