Supporting the Recovery Process with Group Therapy.
Group therapy is a type of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional. The goal is to address the challenges of recovery in a safe, supportive setting. At Lotus Recovery, individuals participate in group therapy throughout the duration of our program. In fact, it’s a main component of our outpatient services, giving individuals the opportunity to connect with others and heal from deeper issues.
We know that some people are hesitant to participate in group therapy. The thought of sharing personal details with strangers can be uncomfortable for anyone! But we always encourage clients to give it a try—they don’t need to share anything at first. Over time, most people develop trust and belonging, making them more comfortable. And, once you see that others understand your struggles and relate to your experiences, you can work together to overcome challenges in a healthy way.
How Does Group Therapy Work?
If you haven’t participated in group therapy before, the thought of sharing sensitive information with people you don’t know can be intimidating. However, all we ask is that you keep an open mind to the process.
Under the leadership of a therapist, you will listen to others, learn about yourself and work on improving relationships. Most sessions last an hour or two, and everyone talks as honestly as possible. Some of the topics discussed in group therapy include communication, goal setting, stress management and coping skills.
Most groups have around 8 to 12 members. This ensures that everyone receives personalized attention and is able to engage in healthy conversations with others. Group therapy can be used as a primary treatment approach, or it can be used alongside individual counseling and other therapeutic interventions. It’s also just as effective as individual therapy and can be more efficient as well.
Common Topics Discussed in Group Therapy
Group therapy is a wonderful tool for most individuals who are starting their recoveries. There are different types of groups as some focus on cognitive behaviors or skill development while others use creative outlets like art therapy. Your treatment team may find it beneficial for you to participate in multiple groups.
Keep in mind that group therapy is not the same as support groups. The main difference is that group therapy is led by professionals, while support groups are led by members. Support groups are a wonderful tool for ongoing support, but they do not replace therapy.
Here are some common topics discussed in group therapy:
- Education about addiction
- Coping skills
- Stress management
- Improving communication
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Developing greater self-awareness
- Improving interpersonal relationships
- Preventing relapse
- Developing healthy routines
- Overcoming guilt and shame
Healing Together Through the Power of Group Support
Lotus Recovery strives to maintain supportive group settings where our clients can talk openly about their challenges and receive helpful feedback. Our sessions are led by trained mental health professionals that ensure the environment remains positive and judgment-free. Due to the effectiveness and efficiency of group therapy, you can expect to participate in different groups as you work toward healing. To explore the types of group therapy we offer and how they can support your journey, contact Lotus Recovery today.