What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a method of treatment led by one or two therapists, usually involving eight to twenty people. Participants share their experiences, provide support to each other and gain awareness. This therapy emphasizes group members receiving feedback and support from each other. It takes place in sessions held once or twice a week and the aim is to provide social support, encourage the sharing of experiences and raise awareness. Group therapy helps a person deepen their inner journey and enables strong bonds to be established.
How to do Group Therapy
Group therapy usually focuses on a specific issue and is conducted with participants selected by the psychotherapist. The psychotherapist conducts individual interviews to determine people who are suitable for group therapy. During the implementation phase, the therapist's role varies depending on the method. In some cases, the therapist guides the group members and actively manages the process, while in other cases, he allows the group members to interact among themselves and guides the process by observing it. Group therapy can be applied openly or closed. Open group therapy has a structure in which external participants can be included at any time, while closed group therapy does not accept new participants after a certain period.
Advantages of Group Therapy
Group therapy provides participants with support and the ability to act together. When group members see others struggling with similar challenges, they feel less alone. Modeling and inspiration occur through sharing examples of successful coping. Interactions within the group enable individuals to examine themselves and their behavior and increase their level of self-awareness. Group therapy also provides an environment of acceptance and trust, and participants feel more understood by sharing similar experiences. It is also advantageous in terms of economy and efficiency, the therapist uses his time more effectively and reduces costs. An understanding of social skills allows the therapist to make direct observations and provide useful feedback to group members.
How Many People Does Group Therapy Consist Of?
Group therapy usually consists of 8 to 20 people. However, in some cases groups can number up to 100 people, but this is usually among students studying psychotherapy. Groups may change over time, some members may leave and new members may join.
How Long Does Group Therapy Last?
Group therapy usually takes place in sessions held once a week, and each session lasts between 45 minutes and 23 hours. Some groups can continue for years, while others can be completed in shorter periods of time.
Topics of Group Therapy
Group therapies often consist of members going through similar life themes or stressful periods. For example, groups of parents whose children are sick, those who are grieving, those who want to cope with separation, those who want to share issues related to aging, or individuals who have migrated. There may also be groups of individuals with similar bad habits, which may include addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling.
Who Can Participate in Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a suitable therapy option, especially for individuals who have major problems in their relationships with other people. Having good motivation and being able to express yourself well supports getting maximum benefit from this therapy.
Types of Group Therapy
Group therapy can be applied in different types according to various mental health conditions and therapy methods: