Group therapy is very popular form of counseling. It involves one therapist or counselor that holds open group sessions with between 5 and 15 people dealing with the same issues. It is a great way for people to hear other perspectives and meet people with the same struggles that they have. However, as effective as group therapy may seem to be, there are certainly some drawbacks of the public setting. Let’s take a close look at both sides of group therapy.
The Advantages of Group Therapy
1. Something Bigger Than Yourself
Being a part of a group therapy gives you the feeling that you are a part of something good. This helps to boost confidence, feel special and valued, and build meaningful relationships.
2. New Perspectives
Sharing you feelings and experiences with people who have also shared the same will help to give you new insight and perspectives on things you may not have thought about.
3. Learn From Others Mistakes
In group therapy you are able to hear the present experiences of someone who is trying to overcome or has already overcame the same thing that you are. This allows you to take their experiences and learn from them.
4. New Relationships
Speaking with and spending time with people who are dealing with similar issues can create strong bonds. Group therapy often produces many new and long lasting friends.
5. Having Accountability
When you come to group therapy, your presence begins to feel expected. This helps people to develop their accountability and strive to improve their situation.
6. Social Skills
Learning to effectively communicate, share, and understand people’s feelings helps you to develop social skills for outside of the therapy setting as well.
The Disadvantages of Group Therapy
1. Not Able To Open Up Fully
Many people will not feel comfortable enough to truly express their opinions or the way that feel in group settings. The one on one aspect is lost.
2. People May Lash Out
Hurt people tend to hurt people. In many situations, where people are deeply wounded, they may lash out at other members of the group. This can cause further hurt in these people.
3. Mourning A Loss
The groups that are formed for therapy purposes cannot last forever. When the group eventually comes to an end the members may feel a very large sense of loss.
4. Social Anxiety
People with mental or other types of issues often also suffer from social anxieties. This could pose a big problem in opening up the avenues of communication in these groups.
5. Loss Of One on One
There is something to be said about focused attention, especially when you need someone to talk to you about your problems. In group session people rarely get one on one interactions with their therapists.
6. Confidentiality
People feel unsure about sharing too personal of information in group therapy sessions. This is because the information may be used against them or get back to people outside of the group.
Important Facts About Group Therapy
