Sometimes Group Therapy Can Help In Ways You Never Thought Possible

It’s no surprise that in these Covid-19 quarantine days, we’re all feeling isolated and alone. Each passing day brings new anxiety, new things to worry about and the underlying fear that you or your friends and family may catch the virus. The problems of the day are hard enough to deal with, but many people are dealing with them alone or worse yet, dealing with these issues all while they are confronting job loss and financial issues.

As you know, this overwhelming series of anxiety-causing stressors and isolation can really make for a bad mix where your mental health is concerned. Isolation and loneliness can lead to more isolation and more anxiety, but there can be an easy way out….group therapy.

Group therapy has some really important benefits and the results can be more tangible and beneficial than you may think. First and foremost, in group therapy you are not only gaining the expertise of the therapist or group leader, but also the combined experience of other members of the group. Maybe one of your group members is experiencing the same things as you or better yet, maybe a group member experienced what you are experiencing months or even years ago. Just think how beneficial it would be to hear the story or stories of group members that made it though your current situation. Just think of the hope and confidence of knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel and hearing about that light first hand from other group members who have “been there and done that.”.

Group therapy can also add an instant support system. In group therapy you have the support of the therapist as well as the support of other members of the group…and sometimes this support can even extend beyond the therapy sessions themselves. Just knowing someone has your back can go a long way toward making things better.

A significant benefit of group therapy can also be just simply knowing that you are not the only one with problems and that you are not the only one seeking help. Sometimes just knowing you are like everyone else and you are not alone can make everything just feel better.

While it may not be your first concern, group therapy is also more affordable that individual or one-on-one therapy…and now more than ever when many people are struggling financially, this may be a significant concern when you’re seeking help. No one wants to choose between getting help and affording basic needs, and group counseling can go a long way toward helping.

Of course it’s also important to be honest and consider what may not be advantages of group therapy. Other members may pull time and focus away from you and the pressure of sharing a personal problem with what may be complete strangers, may not be for everyone. Finally, privacy may also be an issue for you in your choice of counseling style.

Whatever you decide, I think you’ll find that group counseling may be a more practical and beneficial way to gain the help, experience and support of others who may share your same problem.  If you’re still on the fence, click here for a more robust discussion of group counseling and never hesitate to seek help no matter what format.