Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy

What is Group counseling in mental health treatment

Posted on July 27, 2022  in Uncategorized

Group counseling is an aspect of psychological therapy between a mental health professional and some people.

It is the opposite of individual counseling/therapy where there’s one person involved alongside the mental health counselor. People in group counseling are usually facing similar problems like anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.

When it comes to group counseling, one of the biggest perks is that it helps each individual to realize that they are not alone because other people in the group have similar issues. This realization often comes as a big relief because it helps individuals to focus on getting better.

It is important to mention that group therapy helps individuals to learn skills to communicate better with others.

Even though the individuals in the group have similar challenges, they are different individuals.

Therefore, the differences they share as people sheds more light on the differences that society presents in general. Hence, learning how to interact with people during group counseling helps you to relate better with people outside the group.

It might get uncomfortable for you to share your problems with strangers. However, since most of the people there have similar problems to yours, you will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.

Group counseling comes in different formats, but the fundamental setting is, that a sizeable number of patients meet regularly to discuss their mental health challenges.

Each person takes turns in describing how tough or how easy it has been for them to navigate their mental health problems and the progress they’re making.

Group counseling sessions are guided by mental health counselors or therapists who are trained in group therapy. Sometimes, the mental health counselor picks the topic of discussion or allows the participants to suggest any topic for the session.

Members of the group counseling session always strive to ensure that they adopt new and healthier ways of living and that they drop off their old ways.

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Why Group therapy is crucial in aftercare treatment

Posted on July 20, 2022  in Uncategorized

Aftercare treatment is the post-recovery phase of an individual who has conquered addiction. This is the stage where the individual implements some strategies and coping skills to help retain their sobriety permanently.

For some people, the thought of going for group therapy might be terrifying because of the presence of other people. It could also be challenging for those coming out of anxiety disorder. Telling people about your mistakes is a hill that many people are not willing to die on.

However, group therapy during aftercare treatment has proven to be pivotal in providing healing to the body and mind of recovering individuals. Here are some of the benefits that come with group therapy.

Learning the art of communication

Many individuals are not great at communicating their thoughts and feelings. This is primarily because they are still recovering from the mental and emotional damage that came with their addiction.

Hence, they are still likely to have not-too-smooth relationships with family and friends.

During group therapy, they will have the opportunity to hear from other people who were once addicted. This will give them the motivation to keep working on repairing their strained relationship.

Receiving and giving support

One of the best places to get support in aftercare treatment is during group therapy. When you listen to the stories of other people, you might realize that they had worse cases than yours. This might put you in the position to be empathetic and supportive with your words and actions.

Similarly, when other people in the group therapy listen to your situation, you will receive sufficient support to continue your journey to sobriety.

Creation of a genuine bond

A group therapy environment provides the chance for people to bond with each other and feel connected. The bonds created during group therapy can be the foundation of a solid support system that will be with you all through your sobriety journey.

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