Power of the Group

The Benefits of Therapy in a Group Format

by Jeffrey Schneider, October 25, 2007

In the 20 years that I have been facilitating therapy groups, there have been certain consistencies. One is that the experience is helpful, uplifting, and healing for most people who enter the process. I have had the honor of witnessing people utilize group therapy for such diverse benefits as leaving abusive relationships, entering healthy relationships, pursuing dreams, making career changes, breaking patterns of acquiescing to others, learning to identify and meet needs and goals, overcoming addictions, raising self-esteem, overcoming fears, and developing spirituality. Another consistency, however, is that people unfamiliar with group therapy have not understood this unique therapeutic form, and therefore have been reluctant to enter a group.

So, what is a therapy group? Simply stated, it is when a therapist works with several people at once for a common purpose, typically to address common challenges or problems. A group usually has five to ten people, but this can vary. Usually the group meets weekly, though I have also facilitated half-day and all-day groups that meet only once. Members of a therapy group agree that everything said will remain confidential and that the identities of those who attend will also remain confidential. They also agree to relate to one another in a respectful manner. These guidelines contribute to establishing trust and safety, which creates an atmosphere where they feel more comfortable sharing.

Therapists will each facilitate their groups somewhat differently, but to give you a better understanding of what group therapy is like, here’s what I do. I usually start with a check-in, during which each member has about two minutes to say how he or she is, and what their week has been like. I encourage them to be concise and to focus on themselves rather than sharing excessive details. The check-in gives a feel for who might be struggling and who is at ease. Next, participants share their reflections and insights from any previous group meeting, ask questions, and follow up on any unfinished business. I then “open the floor” to see who would like to describe a challenge that he or she is struggling with. Other group members then ask questions to help the person explore the problem, consider different viewpoints, and contemplate solutions. We might use role-playing as well.

Therapy groups can have a particular focus, such as healing from sexual trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other topics. Or, the group can be open to address any challenges or problems that come up. (The latter approach is the one I prefer to facilitate.) Examples of the many issues that group members work on are relationship problems, depression, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, parenting challenges, sexual addiction, caring for aging parents, divorce, phobias, career difficulties, coping with illness of oneself or a loved one, overcoming procrastination, inability to identify and meet one’s needs, coping with a family member’s addiction, spiritual seeking, feeling unworthy and “empty,” and healing from trauma. Addressing any one of these often improves all aspects of one’s life.