Group therapy has long been hailed as an effective and helpful psychological intervention for many problems including depression, anxiety, grief, pain or substance abuse. Other groups focus on improving social skills, or helping people deal with a range of issues such as anger, shyness, loneliness, or low self-esteem. Group therapy is led by a specifically trained and certified mental health professional who has experience in facilitating groups and the specific problem the group is focused on. There are several benefits to engaging in group counseling and with the advent of telehealth it is easier than ever to take advantage of the many virtual live groups that are currently happening.

In fact, some studies have found that group therapy can be more effective for certain people than individual therapy. It also allows individuals to see others who are getting getter, which instills hope and provides an opportunity to learn from watching others who are struggling with similar problems.

1- You Are Not Alone

Group therapy has been found to be helpful for a multitude of problems because it makes the people that are involved feel less alone. The groups are made up of individuals who are all facing the same type of problem. As part of a group, you see and hear first-hand from people who’ve felt those emotions or had similar experiences. Being around others that have experienced similar things helps you feel more hopeful and less alone.

2- More affordable

Therapy is an investment, an investment in yourself to help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. But even with this is mind, some of us may not be able afford the price of individual therapy with a skilled therapist. The cost of therapy takes into account the therapists experience, education and time. If you are sharing the cost of the therapist’s time with other group members it helps to reduce the cost for all and generally makes the costs of group therapy less than individual therapy. With group therapy you are still able to gain the benefits of learning from a knowledgeable and well-trained mental health clinician, but you are able to split the cost with the other group members.

3- Learn new strategies or different ways to approach similar situations. Exchange helpful resources

While there is a trained mental health professional to guide and facilitate the group, you also learn from the other group members. These group members may be able to provide specific strategies, coping mechanisms or new resources. Everyone in the group will be at different places in their own treatment and because of this they will be able to offer a unique perspective.

4- Increase Self-Awareness and Effect of Behavior on Others

When group members speak about their feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and struggles, it can help other group members think about their own experiences on a deeper level. This helps to deepen one’s self-awareness. In addition to helping deepen one’s own self-awareness, hearing others speak can help group members realize the effects of their behaviors on others.

5- Promotes Communication and Social Skills

Effective communication is an integral and necessary part of any healthy relationship. Psychotherapy works to help an individual get in touch with feelings, thoughts, and needs, and helps an individual learn how to better communicate these. During group therapy sessions, the group facilitator helps to moderate discussion and respectful communication. The group members can learn to model these communication skills and practice these skills within the setting of the group and with other group members.

We offer many virtual support and therapy groups here at The Relationship Suite. If you are interested in learning more about our Online Virtual S upport Groups: Anger Management Support Group, Divorce Recovery Group, Building Communication Skills Group for Couples CLICK HERE.

The Relationship Suite

We are a group of skilled therapists specializing in couples/marriage counseling. Since Covid started we have been working with couples providing Online Couples Counseling in New York, New York City including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, South Hampton, East Hampton, Montauk. Schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking HERE.

Due to Covid we are also providing Virtual Couples Counseling in New Jersey, Hoboken, Jersey City, Princeton, Chatham, Morris, Westfield, Union, Bergen County, Colts Neck, Tenafly. Schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking HERE