Group Therapy Is Great, But It Doesn't Work For Everyone

Group Therapy is one of those exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin things: therapy takes place in a group setting, rather than in a one-to-one therapeutic session. It typically involves a small group of people (between seven and twelve is normal). The members of the group are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas as they progress, but the way the group is run will vary from group to group (depending on the therapist leading the session).

There is no pressure to participate in any activities, and many people feel that they prefer to sit and listen for the first few sessions before beginning to confide in the group.

The Difference Between Group Therapy And Support Groups

There is a difference between Group Therapy and Support Groups. Group Therapy is overseen by a qualified therapist, who makes suggestions, listens to the discussion, and may intervene to prevent psychological harm being perpetrated on any of the members. Support Groups are not supported by a therapist, but are comprised solely of people experiencing the same disorder or problem.

It is therapist-led Group Therapy that is the subject of this article.

The Three Aims Of Therapy

1. To be part of a supportive environment: Group Therapy offers a supportive environment to its participant, a chance to be understood and validated by people who experience similar problems. Talking to people with similar problems helps you feel less-isolated and safe.
2. To help you identify maladaptive behavior: Other people can spot your flawed behavior and thought processes easier than you can. When your behaviour is matched-up against that of others' who are further along in the therapeutic process, you may realize that it isn't quite as beneficial as you thought. Thus, Group Therapy gives you a unique chance to examine yourself honestly.
3. To work through emotional difficulties: Not only does Group Therapy provide the opportunity to identify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, it also gives you the opportunity to overcome them by listening to practical tips and methods, not only from the therapist, but also from other group members, who may have faced similar setbacks.

Could Group Therapy Help You?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can also be substantially improved by Group Therapy, where it's not only beneficial to speak to people who understand your feelings, but where patients are not left to be alone with their thoughts, which can aggravate symptoms of OCD.

READ What is OCD?

Some patients who struggle with self-harm can also find Group Therapy helpful, as if can provide practical tips to cope, as well as the opportunity to feel less alone.

Patients with Depression may find it useful to reach out to others, and to be reached out to, in Group Therapy. Depression is a very isolating experience. Talking to others and offering advice can help you break out of that isolation and boost your self-esteem.

Okay, So Who Should Avoid Group Therapy?

Most People With Eating Disorders

For some people with eating disorders, hearing about the experiences of others may be helpful. For many people with the disorder, however, it can be counterproductive, helping to normalize the maladaptive behavior that the therapist is seeking to change. Additionally, many patients with eating disorders experience anxiety, which may be heightened in a group setting. A preferable treatment for patients with eating disorders might be a one-to-one approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with psychotherapy.

Patients With Social Phobia

Throwing a group of people with social phobia together into a Group Therapy setting can be highly stressful and counterproductive. It's like expecting an aracnophobe to hold a tarantula on their first therapy session, with no preparation. While enabling an individual with social phobia to feel comfortable talking in a social setting  is the aim of therapy, this will rarely be achieved without at least several preparatory sessions of one-to-one Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Teens With Behavioural Problems

Research has found that placing a group of teenagers with behavioral problems into a group therapy setting is counterproductive, leading to a vast increase in behaviors such as drinking and smoking. This is because teenagers are psychologically-underdeveloped and easily-persuaded, and so perceive that the high incidence of problem behavior among other members of the therapeutic group means such behavior is normal, and not a problem to be treated.

People With Most Personality Disorders

The Narcissist will quickly subvert Group Therapy by seeking to establish themselves as the most important member of the group, derailing the therapeutic process for everyone else and overriding the therapist where possible. The Antisocial personality will take the opportunity to play games with any vulnerable members of the group, and the therapist.

What Do I Do If Group Therapy Doesn't Work?

If you've tried Group Therapy and it hasn't worked for you, examine the reasons. Have you not fully-engaged with the process; therapy is an interactive process that requires your participation and commitment. If you can't fully engage, consider why: do you find it hard to be in that kind of group setting, is the way the therapist works right for you?

Not every therapist works the same way, either in individual or Group Therapy. If you don't have a problem sharing insights with the group, the problem may be that the way your therapist chooses to work just isn't right for you. If that's the case, it's advisable to seek another therapist who runs group sessions in your area.

READ Does Your Therapist Suck? Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

If you find, however, that you simply don't enjoy Group Therapy, that you find it hard to be vulnerable in front of strangers, or if you feel you're not experiencing any benefit, it might be time to find a therapist who will see you on a one-to-one basis. Although the Group Therapy model of sharing pain and insights works for many people, it might not work for you.