Have you ever wondered if joining a therapy group might be helpful? In this video blog, psychotherapists Weston Clay and Ashley Mead explore the various benefits of group therapy so that you can make an informed decision about whether it may be right for you!
Why Should I Join a Therapy Group? [Transcript]
Today we are here to talk about the benefits of joining a therapy group.
Feel connected to others and that you are not alone in your struggles
In individual therapy, you share your struggles with a compassionate other. In group, it can be incredibly powerful to share this with a group of compassionate others. You can also learn that some of your darkest or most alone moments are things other people experience too. This is called universality and there are few places like group to get to experience this, because we don’t often feel comfortable sharing our most vulnerable selves with groups of other people.
Read more: Common Fears of Starting Therapy
Practice vulnerability and emotional intimacy in a safe environment
Most people struggle to some degree with being vulnerable or sharing emotional intimacy.That said, making yourself vulnerable is one of the more effective ways to feel closeness and feel loved, so it is well worth it. It can be incredibly uncomfortable to practice this with the people already in your life because the risk is great: if they don’t respond well, you may feel awful. In group, you get to practice these skills in a space that is “safe” to do so. You also have a trained therapist there to help guide these interactions.
Get feedback from others about how you are to relate to
Feedback is tough for most everyone. It is a vulnerable position to be in and can trigger deep feelings of shame that would typically go unexpressed. Giving and receiving feedback in group can help you to understand your own triggers in order to get them under control. It can also help you to get a more realistic picture of yourself, which typically leads to a boost in self-esteem and confidence.
Gain skills and confidence for interpersonal relationships
Vulnerability is one of the many skills you can practice in group. Others include communication, interpersonal skills, and giving and receiving honest feedback. All of these skills have the power to help you transform/deepen your current relationships and/or to have what you need to build the relationships you want in your life. In group, you get to practice these skills in a place where you can safely develop them before transferring them to the outside world.
If you’re someone who struggles with interpersonal connection, self-acceptance, social anxiety, or a number of other things, group therapy may be a great and transformative experience for you.
At myTherapyNYC, we have a number of ongoing therapy groups.
If you are interested, connect with us!
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2 comments
Thank you Weston and Ashley for creating such a great video! I really appreciate how you talk about vulnerability, fears that one may have as well as giving details to the benefits of joining a group. I think this is a much needed video and will definitely share!
Great post! Group therapy is such a great form of emotional support. The dynamics of a group often acts as a form of healing in itself. It’s something about the intentional support and understanding of others that cultivates a community of love, hope and empowerment for all group members. Thanks for posting this!