Healing Together: Benefits of Group Therapy

In a world where we crave human connection (I mean, after all, it is what we’re built for), we often overlook group therapy as a powerful tool where community is built and deep healing can occur. Individual therapy is finally losing this stigma we have faced for so long…our mental health finally matters! It has always mattered! Thoughts such as “I don’t need therapy”, “I’m fine”, “I’ll figure it out on my own” are no longer all-consuming (or hopefully those negative thoughts have finally lessened for you). 

However, group therapy is being overlooked. Maybe, you didn’t even know it was an option. I’m here to tell you, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, overwhelming emotions, trouble with interpersonal relationships, or just the everyday stress of life, group therapy offers something deeply healing: community!

Group therapy is more than a shared space— it’s a place where growth and change happen. Here are some benefits of group therapy and healing together:

1. Realize You’re Not Alone

Believe it or not, other people are dealing with similar feelings and problems. Group therapy is one of the best ways to realize you’re not alone. And I mean it, you are not alone! No matter what you’re dealing with— depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or whatever it may be, it can be extremely validating to hear others share similar experiences. It can help reduce that feeling of isolation, which has been a roadblock to your healing journey.

2. Learn from Others

When you’re in group therapy, you get to hear firsthand how someone else’s journey has been (and I bet you’ll learn a thing or two). Everyone can share insights, coping mechanisms, and work on new skills together. Learning from others can be intensely powerful for your own growth. Sometimes, you can’t seem to put your feelings into words, but someone else knows exactly what you’ve been feeling, and to have that clarity is really important!

3. Safe Place for Relationships 

Group therapy is a non-judgmental zone where we can all explore how we relate to one another. We can learn effective communication skills in a group, which helps develop our interpersonal skills. Trust, boundaries, emotional expression…all of these are things that group therapy can help us practice. We can practice being open and vulnerable in the group setting. Not only that, but we can get real-time feedback as we communicate with one another. Over time, this could lead to healthier relationships outside of the group.

 4. Group Therapy is Structured

You might be nervous to join a group. Maybe you can’t help but think about what could go wrong. Don’t worry. Trying something new can feel uncomfortable. That’s okay, you’re learning. We’re all going to learn together. Group therapy is led by licensed social workers who specialize in mental health. These individuals facilitate the group by guiding discussion topics, covering important skills, giving tools and resources for the group, and making sure the space remains safe and productive. Evidence-based approaches are used to help everyone in the group grow, learn, and process whatever life has thrown at them. As therapists, we hear you, we see you, and we are here to help!

5. Motivation for One Another

Group therapy isn’t only about receiving support- it’s also about giving. Hearing others share their story, the progress they’ve made, setbacks they faced, and all of the things in between can create a sense of accountability and motivation. Sharing your story could do the same for them! Showing up each week, practicing skills, and growing together can be motivating. Encouraging others, offering perspective, and connecting can be empowering. It reminds us that we all have strength, even in the midst of our healing. When growth feels so far out of reach, group therapy reminds us it is really possible; we can see it firsthand through the community built and the mutual support.

Group therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It may not be for those experiencing immediate crisis or for those who don’t feel safe in groups, yet. However, for many people, it can be a powerful, connective space to grow. It can complement the individual therapy you receive, or it could stand alone; it all depends on your needs. At Tamarasa Therapy, we can help you figure it out! 

Your path to healing shouldn’t be alone. You can’t do it alone. And even if you could, do you really want to? Healing doesn’t have to be a solo journey. In group therapy, you can walk alongside others facing similar struggles. Human connection is a powerful tool— your strength and resilience could be a reminder for others in your group. 

If you’re interested in trying group therapy, check out our website! We are thrilled to offer group therapy services and would love for you to join us. Change is real. Growth is real. Healing is real. Join a safe community!

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References

Malhotra, A., Baker, J., & Mars, J. A. (2024, October 29). Group Therapy. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549812/