Group therapy typically consists of a group of people (usually between seven and 12) and a therapist. Group therapy sessions are confidential.
In the first session everyone in the group might introduce themselves and share why they are there. The therapist might go on to encourage members to discuss their progress and experiences. The structure of therapy sessions is varied and will depend on the style of the therapist taking the session. It also depends on the nature of the subject being explored.
Group therapy has been effective for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction for years. There are many factors as to why it is so effective, some are mentioned below:
- It is a natural way to overcome a problem. Humans tend to build and grow with others around them, whether that’s at work or as a family. Therapy can be the same.
- It allows for others within the group to support you and help you set and achieve your goals to recovery.
- It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. You are able to try these out in a safe space before taking them out in the real world.
- Other members of the session may be having the same challenges as you. It allows you to view the challenge you face in a different way by looking at it through someone else’s experience.
Group therapy is used in almost all addiction treatments. The benefits group therapy has on individuals is vital to their success in recovery. The treatment has been at the core of treatment plans across the world and has proved to be effective.
By being in a group setting the individual has others to support them throughout the process. Someone might bring up an issue they are having and you can relate to that issue as well. This allows the individual to get a different perspective on the same issue they might be experiencing.
