What Is a Group Therapy Program?
A group therapy program is a program made up of sessions with a therapist and a group of peers dealing with similar struggles. Members of the group often find that sharing their experiences and hearing about the experiences of others helps them heal.
Group counseling allows clients to obtain several different perspectives, so even people from the same backgrounds will have different viewpoints. Since group therapy offers a safe and supportive environment, most group members will give varied, honest, and helpful feedback. Group therapy can support a client’s progress in individual therapy.
Unfortunately, many clients initially feel intimidated by the idea of sharing their private thoughts and problematic experiences with a group of strangers. However, research has shown that working on challenges in this setting is effective and rewarding. A group therapy program may be used alone but is often part of a larger addiction treatment plan.
Which Clients Need Group Counseling?
Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy. Our group therapy programs are designed to target a specific problem, including:
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Substance abuse
- Anger
- Shyness
- Low self-esteem
- Grief
If a client is struggling with any of these issues, they may benefit from group counseling.
How Does Group Counseling Help With Addiction Treatment Therapy?
While any counseling therapy for addiction treatment is better than none, group therapy is preferable over individual therapy in many cases. In group therapy, clients are more likely to be both challenged and supported by peers who are also going through the same thing.
When it comes to addiction treatment, group counseling is almost non-negotiable. Our addiction treatment center uses group therapy to help clients get to know and eventually support each other. This treatment is especially beneficial if they’re all part of an inpatient program. It can also provide an appropriate space for clients to practice new skills they’ve learned in individual counseling sessions.
However, group counseling may be of even more help to clients in recovery after they go through their initial addiction treatment programs. Detox and addiction treatment are only the first steps to a life of consistent sobriety. As a result, group counseling may be the center of many clients’ addiction aftercare plans. Peer support can spell the difference between staying sober and experiencing a setback. As each client progresses, they become role models for other members of the group.
Popular 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous also offer peer support groups with a therapeutic component. They can be a useful part of a client’s recovery and aftercare program. However, these programs aren’t typically led by a trained psychotherapist and aren’t the same as group therapy.
Begin Your Recovery at Casco Bay Recovery Today
When you enroll in treatment at Casco Bay Recovery, you find support at our group therapy program. Our Portland, Maine treatment center can provide the support that our clients need to grow and thrive. Contact us online or call 844.940.4407 to learn more about our programs and services.