5 Benefits of Group Therapy — from Social Connection to Real-World Experience
Therapy comes in countless shapes and sizes — some that encourage collaboration and shared experience. While individual therapy has tons of benefits, and is a great fit for many people, some individuals may find additional purpose in a therapy group.
Group therapy grew in popularity during World War II when there was a general lack of medical care. Therapists began seeing people in groups to help as many individuals as possible in tan allocated time period. Since, it’s become a popular way to face specific lifestyle concerns among a collection of people experiencing similar things.
Empirical research shows individual and group therapy to be equally as beneficial. Here are some of the reasons you may find comfort and community in a group, apart from, or in addition to, individual therapy sessions.
Social Connection
There’s nothing comparable to the importance of human connection in our lives. It’s a known fact that community results in increased joy and purpose for most people. Therapy can be a challenging road for many, as traumas, concerns, and insecurities are the topic of some conversation. “Doing the work” with like minded individuals can increase a sense of security and comfort as harder topics arise.
Testing Dynamics
Some of the best experiences come from “doing.” A therapy group will likely host a variety of personalities, which can encourage a safe place to practice healthy interaction. From offering support to gentle confrontation and disagreements, groups offer a platform to practice new skills in a safe, therapist-led environment.
Encouraging Feedback
If you’ve ever felt difficulty speaking up, a therapy group will challenge you to speak loudly and honestly — no matter the thoughts on your mind. Group leaders encourage respect and autonomy, meaning giving and receiving feedback within the group is done in a supportive and structured way. It’s a perfect testing ground for communicating your feelings, and opening up to others who have done the same.
Validation
It’s easy to feel isolated when struggling with an uncomfortable life dynamic, or sorting through intense thoughts, feelings, or emotions. Group therapy offers immediate and consistent validation that your experience has been shared by others. Group members are typically hand selected by the therapist to make sure a cohesive and relatable environment is provided for members. That means, walking in, you can be confident someone in the room is holding similar experiences to your own.
Educational Moments
Groups offer a unique setting for psychoeducation, both by the therapist and by other members. Therapists bring education points, research, and proven tools to the conversation. Meanwhile, group members offer their own experiences, reactions, and thoughts, which are just as important. Open dialogue and shared experience can both validate and encourage new ways of thinking. This can decrease personal rigidity and black and white thinking.
Chicago Center for Behavioral Health is currently offering group therapy support for Parenting and Chronic Illness and pain.
Virtual Parenting Support Group — Wednesdays 11:15 am to 12:30 pm
Good fits: Parents of children of any age who want to learn parenting skills, emotional regulation, encouraging child and parent autonomy, juggling academic stress, self care, boundary setting and more.
Virtual Chronic Illness and Pain Therapy Group — Wednesdays 1:15 to 2:30 pm
Good fits: Individuals who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness or pain issue. Conversations include fears, grief, medical community grievances, social setting, interpersonal relationships, self and public advocacy, boundary setting, finding comfort, holding space, and challenging ableism. Those with visible and invisible illnesses are welcome. This group is led by a therapist with a chronic illness.
For more information on these upcoming groups — or to schedule an intake — contact kwynne@chicagocbh.com.