GROUP SERVICES

Depending on the nature of your problem, group therapy can be an ideal choice for addressing your concerns and making positive changes in your life. Group therapy involves one or more therapists who lead a group of about eight participants. Typically, groups meet for an hour or two each week. Some people attend individual therapy in addition to groups, while others participate in groups only. Many groups are designed to target a specific problem,such as depression, anxiety, or parenting. Other groups might focus on improving social skills, helping people deal with a range of issues such as anger, shyness, loneliness and low self-esteem. Groups can also help those who have experienced loss, whether it be a spouse, a child or someone who died by suicide.

Although it may sound intimidating at first, group therapy has several benefits that individual therapy may not. Groups can act as a support network and a sounding board. Other members of the group often help you come up with specific ideas for improving a difficult situation or life challenge, and hold you accountable along the way.Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective. Many people experience mental health difficulties, but few speak openly about them to people they don’t know well. Oftentimes, you may feel like you are the only one struggling — but you’re not. It can be a relief to hear others discuss what they’re going through, and realize you’re not alone. Diversity is another important benefit of group therapy. People have different personalities and backgrounds, and they look at situations in different ways. By seeing how other people tackle problems and make positive changes, you can discover a whole range of strategies for facing your own concerns.