Navigating life’s challenges can sometimes feel isolating. You may know in theory that you’re not the only one in the world experiencing sadness, but sometimes not being able to talk directly with people in similar situations can make you feel lonely and lost. Group therapy offers a wonderful opportunity to receive support and practical information about a shared challenge. Here at Positive Mind Wellness, we have several therapy groups available.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy falls under the larger umbrella of psychotherapy. Clients with a similar issue or demographic meet with one or two group therapists at once as opposed to individually, although each client can also pursue individual therapy. The therapists are there to keep discussions on track, provide structure, and share knowledge on the issues at hand.
Therapy groups have up to 12 clients per group that discuss a range of issues within an hour or two. The specific aim of these discussions will differ depending on the type of group it is, but generally, they will offer support, provide information, and encourage positive attitudes and positive coping skills.
Types of Group Therapy We Offer
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to group therapy. The five types of group therapy we offer are cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, psychoeducational, skills development, and support groups. It is also important to note that groups can either be closed or open – the difference being whether or not there is a definite start and end date.
Cognitive behavioral groups
In this group, we focus on addressing and modifying thought patterns and behaviours so clients are better able to cope in their daily lives. Being in such a group allows clients to understand themselves more clearly, role play, brainstorm, share successful coping tools, and hold each other accountable.
Interpersonal groups
Clients in interpersonal groups are there to improve their social skills. We offer role-playing and interactions with each other to empower our clients to transfer these skills to their lives. There may be groups dedicated to specific aspects of their social lives, such as communicating assertively, but the structure is more relaxed. The focus is on their interactions with each other.
Psychoeducational groups
These groups tend to rely more on the group therapist providing information on certain topics and outlining coping mechanisms that the clients are encouraged to apply to their lives. Our therapist has a more active role and the group members don’t interact as deeply as they would in other groups. For this reason, these groups tend to be closed and have fewer sessions.
Skills development groups
We provide psychoeducation in combination with other group psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy or dialectical behavioural therapy. The goal is to develop coping skills that will increase the number of positive choices and avoid pitfalls and negative thoughts and behaviours. Examples of such behaviours are substance abuse or anxiety disorders.
Support groups
Support groups are built on the premise of offering each other a shoulder to lean on and learn from when dealing with difficult life circumstances. Common support groups include those dedicated to grief, supporting a sick loved one, or parenting struggles. A lot of self-reflection is encouraged, with members acting as sounding boards that offer unconditional acceptance.
Book your consultation today to embark on a transformative journey with our group therapy sessions, tailored for collective healing and personal growth.
What Our Group Therapy Can Help With
The group counselling we offer here at Positive Mind Wellness is extensive. Our dedicated team of therapists is here to help you move forward by providing a safe environment to interact with individuals who share similar struggles with you. Our group therapy sessions incorporate a lot of techniques, which include psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural therapy, and talk therapy to better cope with the situation you’re facing. The list of the issues we deal with are listed below.
How Effective is Group Therapy?
The American Psychological Association stated that group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy, and sometimes even more effective. The benefits of group therapy boil down to the interactions between the group members.
There is shared experience and solidarity without the societal stigma members might be facing. At the same time, because the members are diverse and thus come with unique viewpoints, they can gain valuable insights from each other.
Start with a Complimentary Discovery Session
If you are interested in exploring our therapy groups, we would be happy to help you find the right fit. Gain valuable skills and insights from others in your journey to better mental wellness.
To get started, book a complimentary discovery session via phone or our online form so we can get insight into your history and needs.