Mental health disorders and addiction can leave many people feeling alone, and like no one understands how they feel. But, group therapy can change those feelings. The many benefits of group therapy include learning that you are not alone.
At Sana Lake BWC, our members attend group therapy in both our residential (inpatient) and outpatient programs. Our compassionate therapists provide non-judgmental support to help our members overcome daily struggles. In addition, the benefits of group therapy include building a support system and increasing a Life of Recovery.
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What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy. It involves at least one therapist and more than two people. A comprehensive “whole person” approach to recovery should utilize the many benefits of group therapy.
The length of time a person spends in group therapy depends on their individual needs. But, group therapy typically lasts six months to a year. Group therapy sessions can involve multiple forms of behavioral therapy.
Additionally, each session focuses on different topics surrounding the daily struggles of recovery. Depending on the therapist, some groups may be an open discussion, while others may stay more topic-focused. But, each session focuses on increasing Recovery for Life.
Different Formats and the Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy is a broad term for various kinds of group psychotherapy. But, in all group therapies, the therapist not only listens but will notice the visual cues and body language. The way people behave in group therapy gives light on how they behave in their daily lives.
- Peer group therapy in treatment is typically a group of people with the same struggles. For example, one group therapy may focus on addiction struggles, while another focuses on the struggles of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
- Family therapy helps families resolve issues, improve communication, and rebuild positive family dynamics. Therapists work with the family to understand the problems and determine the goal of family therapy. Family therapy in treatment is crucial, as strong family support can be the backbone of relapse prevention.
- Marriage or couples counseling is important in treatment because mental and addiction issues can destroy relationships. But, with the help of a therapist, couples can respectfully work through their problems or agree to part ways. Furthermore, relapse prevention is highly dependant on a healthy home and environment. Therefore, when leaving the safe environment of treatment, a healthy home environment is crucial.
Role of Group Therapy in Treatment
Many treatment centers like Sana Lake BWC, use group therapy alongside individual therapy, medication-assisted therapy, and holistic therapies. But, many people can be afraid of group therapy. For the most part, people with mental health issues or addiction tend to hide their problems from others. As a result, it can be hard to be vulnerable in front of strangers. However, the many benefits of group therapy increase Recovery for Life.
Members in group therapy provide advice and coping strategies for issues that others in treatment struggle with. Members can also provide social support. Because mental illnesses and addiction can lead to isolation, social skills may be a struggle for many.
But, group therapy is not the same as a support group. Although they both provide support from others in treatment, Group therapy teaches techniques and coping skills to overcome addiction and mental illness struggles.
Group Therapy vs. Support Groups
Many people believe group therapy and support groups are the same things. But, the major difference is support groups are not lead by a therapist. A member of the group leads them.
Although support groups are a great form of ongoing support, they can’t compare to group therapy’s therapeutic support. The goal of support groups is to provide emotional support. Support groups can help those with substance use disorder, depression, and other mental disorders.
Support groups allow a person to express their emotions without judgment while receiving support from those with similar problems. The open discussion forum of support groups allows for a more dynamic environment than therapist-led group therapy sessions. It is highly advised that members in recovery continue attending support groups for life to maintain recovery.
Simultaneously, since group therapy is actually therapy, personal growth in group therapy might be more significant than in support groups. But, the overall goal of both group therapy and support groups is Recovery for Life. The benefits of group therapy are increased when combined with support groups.
What to Expect in Group Therapy?
Group therapy offers a unique approach to treatment. It provides support, shared experiences and thoughts from peers, and a professional and compassionate therapist. For example, a person struggling with trauma or loss may find support from others who have also had these experiences.
Furthermore, members in group therapy are encouraged to share their own experiences. This can help a person better understand themselves and their recovery journey. The more a person shares in group therapy, the greater their ability to prevent a relapse.
Treatment Benefits of Group Therapy
One of the many benefits of group therapy is the ability to incorporate different behavioral therapies. Depending on the treatment being used, group therapy sessions can vary in style.
Examples include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Members identify their struggles.
- The focus of CBT is to identify negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Members understand the unhealthy effects of their thoughts with help from therapists and other group members.
- Members learn to challenge their thoughts and beliefs while finding more healthy ways to think.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Group DBT is exceptionally useful for borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Focuses on four main skills – mindfulness, managing stress, controlling emotions, and social skills.
Group therapies at Sana Lake BWC are part of a “whole person” approach to mental health and addiction issues.
Benefits of Group Therapy
The many benefits of group therapy include the following.
- You are not alone.
- You find your voice.
- You give and receive support.
- It is a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Builds trust and understanding.
- Builds social and communication skills.
- Gain perspective through discussion.
- Provides insight into other’s recovery journey.
- Provides structure and discipline.
Benefits of Group Therapy: Activities in Group Therapy
Activities in group therapy promote trust, communication, and personal recovery growth. They may include physical teamwork-based activities. However, they may consist of reading and sharing personal stories. Ice breaker activities can help members of the group learn about each other and create bonds.
Physical activities can include dancing or cooking, which requires teamwork to meet a goal. The goal of physical activities is to build trust and respect. Activities such as painting, acting, and playing music promotes creative expression. Meanwhile, role-playing, hiking adventures, and other group activities can help build confidence in themself and others.
Getting All the Benefits of Group Therapy
Even though group therapy can be scary at first, it gets easier. The benefits of group therapy will be apparent years into the recovery journey. But, to get the most benefits of group therapy, a person needs to engage in all the activities.
Topics to Maximize the Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions will cover a variety of topics surrounding mental health illness and addiction. The topics can be endless. But, a few topics include:
- Identify and discuss triggers. How have you responded in the past? Can you identify a pattern? What coping skills have been helpful in the past?
- Discuss gratitude. What are you grateful for? Why are you thankful?
- Identify and discuss the consequences of negative thoughts. How do beliefs affect actions?
- The importance of self-care. How do you practice self-care? What are your goals to make yourself important? Topics may include sleep habits, healthy eating habits, and exercise.
- Mindfulness. What is something you can’t change and must accept? What are the benefits of living in the present?
- Self-affirmations. What makes you unique?
Importance of Group Therapy
Group therapy is standard in treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. But, for some people who avoid talking about their problems, it can be hard. But, the benefits of group therapy are worth opening up and receiving the help of others.
The benefits of group therapy range from decreased isolation to helping others on their recovery journey! Not only can group therapy help with addiction and mental illnesses, but group therapy also increases Recovery for Life!
Treatment Options at Sana Lake Behavioral Wellness Center
At Sana Lake BWC, your individualized treatment plan may consist of detox, medication-assisted therapy, and a variety of therapy options. We combine evidence-based, naturopathic, and holistic therapies to encompass a “whole person” approach to treatment.
At Sana Lake BWC, we offer a variety of services including:
- Behavioral Health Services
- Outpatient Mental Health Services
- Community and Peer Support Services
- Holistic and Naturopathic Treatments
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Family Programs
- Supportive Recovery Housing
Finding Group Therapy at Sana Lake BWC
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, you don’t have to fight it alone. Let our caring team of trained professionals help you on the road to recovery. Contact us today and start your journey to Recovery for LIfe!
References:
https://www.apa.org/topics/group-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-group-therapy#1