Group Works!

Evidence on the Effectiveness of Group Therapy

During the last 30 years, studies have shown the growing benefits of group psychotherapy in a number of areas of life challenges.  Through groups, individuals find a forum of peer support, gaining strength as they share their feelings and experiences with others who are facing the same obstacles as themselves.  Some gain strength in seeing the resourcefulness of those in the same situation, while others renew their feelings of self-worth through assisting others.

During the group process, people develop a support network through each other -- no longer feeling isolated by their condition and gaining a greater sense of normalcy.  With certain medical conditions, group psychotherapy can contribute to general improvement in one’s psychosocial functioning.  Research also has shown that survival rates have, in some cases, actually increased, with proper therapy.  Research has demonstrated that various forms of group psychotherapy are equally beneficial with positive results found across the board for a variety of disorders.  Group therapy is also cost-effective when compared to individual treatment.  When a therapist’s time is spent with an entire group instead of one person, the expense for individuals is significantly reduced while the benefits remain and, in some instances, prove to be even greater. 

Common Questions:

What is group therapy?
Group psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. There are many different approaches to group therapy but they share in common creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship and societal issues. 

Who can benefit from group therapy?
Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. In addition, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow. 

How does group work?
Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of a therapist, you will learn about yourself and improve your relationships with other people. You will gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns. In a typical session, which lasts about 90 minutes, members work to express their own challenges and aspirations, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Groups are held both in-person and online. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become therapeutic helpers for other group members.

How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?
Group therapy is different from support and self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems but also provides opportunities for change and growth. Group therapy focuses on relationships, helping you learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a trained professional. In contrast, support groups, which may or may not have professional leadership, help people cope with difficult situations  but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms, rather than addressing underlying patterns. Similarly, self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.

The group is a microcosm of the macro world in which we live, and as society undergoes change, the nature of human interaction is also changing. The group provides a space to process the impact of change to our internal and external environments as we replicate our large world experiences in the small group. In group, one can expect to experience the confluence of race, class, and gender; the effects of the present as well as the past will be felt. The group space helps one to explore and define how one shows up in these spheres.

Will there be people with similar concerns in my group?
The therapist's role is to evaluate each person prior to forming the group. Usually, there is a mix of people who can learn from each other. While some group members will have similar circumstances to you, it's not necessary for all to be dealing with exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties are often in the best position to help one another.

What makes group therapy unique and powerful?
We live and interact with people every day, and often there are concerns  that other people are experiencing or grappling with that can be beneficial to share with others. In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you’re not alone or as different as you think. You’ll meet and interact with people, and give and share helpful feedback; the whole group learns to work together on common problems — one of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy.

What if I’m uncomfortable with others in my group?
It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting. 

What does group therapy cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Typically, group therapy is less costly than individual therapy; it may also vary depending on the type of group and the area of the country you live in. Most insurance covers both group and individual therapy.