Heal In Community With Group Therapy.
Group therapy is becoming increasingly popular as it brings people together to share their experiences and support one another in healing. Unlike individual therapy, which focuses on the relational dynamic between a therapist and a client, group therapy utilizes the collective power of the group dynamic to foster healing . A group setting is collaborative, providing participants with multiple perspectives on their challenges while providing community and belonging. Individuals can develop new interpersonal skills while being less alone in their struggles. We sat down with JoJo Little, LCSW and Well Equipped clinician, to learn more about how group therapy can be a powerful healing tool.
1) What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy is an opportunity to expand your perspective by learning how others interpret their experiences and what skills they have used in response to their problems. It's also an opportunity to practice in real time how to accurately express your emotions, receive feedback from others, validate your fellow group members, be nonjudgmental both towards yourself and others, and stay present. It's a way to feel less alone and a part of something greater than yourself aka the collective human experience!
2) What types of groups have you facilitated?
I've facilitated skills training groups, process groups, and experiential/psychodrama groups. Each has something unique to offer, I recommend trying all three and seeing what works best for you.
3) What would you tell someone who is nervous about joining a group?
Do it BECAUSE you're nervous. Nerves, for me, are typically an indication that there is room for growth. When we do something we are anxious or afraid to do, we allow for two things to happen. The first is recognizing that often what we were afraid of experiencing did not come to be, which is useful information for the future when we find ourselves worrying again. The second thing we get to learn about ourselves is that we can tolerate more discomfort than we think. The most uncomfortable experiences in life can turn into our greatest assets. Oh and, everyone else showing up to group therapy is nervous too, including the group therapist!
4) When would you encourage a client to do group therapy instead of individual therapy?
If you're hoping to feel less alone in your experiences, you struggle with relating to others or feelings of shame, group therapy is an incredible option. It's much easier to believe that other people are experiencing what you are when they tell you themselves versus just your therapist saying it. Sometimes I think of it as expedited therapy. The more people present, the greater the opportunity for adaptive learning and connection. We are social beings and are designed to thrive in groups.
In summation, groups can offer participants some of the following benefits:
Increase your ability to verbalize and process your emotions with others.
Receive support from other group members, which helps to reduce shame and allow for community in healing.
Improve interpersonal skills and communication.
Gain new perspectives
Well Williamsburg’s current therapy groups include our Daytime Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills Group, Recovery Revelations, our Eating Disorder Support Group and Well Equipped, our virtual DBT IOP. We encourage you to learn more about our group offerings on our website.