Therapy is integral to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD), mental health issues, and co-occurring disorders. In addition to individual therapy, most treatment programs offer group therapy to help patients improve coping and communication skills, identify strengths, and recognize that they are not alone.
Research shows that group therapy is highly effective and allows clients with similar challenges, needs, and experiences to make connections that foster growth and healing. Evoke Wellness at Cohasset offers group therapy in Cohasset. Call 866.931.6429 to learn more about the benefits of group therapy for yourself or a loved one.
The Importance of Peer Support
Humans are social beings. Forming and being part of groups satisfies our innate need to belong. We gain insight and understanding about ourselves and others through inclusion in groups. Further, groups help us define our social identities while allowing us to offer and receive peer support.
Consider the following reasons why peer support plays a critical role in a treatment setting:
- Shared understanding helps reduce feelings of isolation and stigma associated with certain conditions
- Seeing others who have overcome similar challenges instills hope, motivation, and a sense of empowerment
- Emotional support in a safe, judgment-free setting can reduce stress and improve overall well-being
- Connections with others foster increased engagement in the treatment process
- Open dialog and understanding challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, fostering empathy
Research has shown that peer support is associated with an improved quality of life and better treatment outcomes for various health conditions. Peer support is a cornerstone of the 12-step programs integral to most treatment programs.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where one or more therapists lead a small group of patients in guided discussions about shared challenges or experiences. Group therapy can take various forms, depending on the goals, needs, and population served.
Common types of group therapy include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy groups – CBT groups focus on identifying and changing distorted or inaccurate thinking patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses.
- Interpersonal groups – The focus is on improving interpersonal relationships and how these relationships both impact and are impacted by mental health or SUD.
- Psychoeducational groups – These groups provide information and education on particular topics to help group members gain knowledge and specific skills.
- Skills development groups – As the name implies, these groups focus on teaching and fostering the development of coping, communication, and social skills.
- Process-oriented groups – Process groups focus on interpersonal dynamics to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the context of relationships within the group.
- Family groups – These groups address family dynamics to resolve conflict, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
It is important to note that self-help or mutual aid groups differ from group therapy. While they provide support, encouragement, and guidance, a licensed therapist does not lead them.
5 Benefits of Group Counseling
Individual therapy provides patients a safe place to share their struggles, explore their feelings, receive help processing emotions, learn to manage symptoms and work through various issues. While highly beneficial, individual therapy does not allow therapists to observe how individuals relate in a group setting.
A significant benefit of group therapy is that therapists can help patients work through poor social skills, poor communication skills, and other challenges in real time as they occur.
Five other significant benefits of group counseling are:
- It provides a safe place to practice newly learned skills
- It promotes a sense of acceptance and belonging
- It enhances an individual’s ability to work with others to achieve goals
- It supports the formation of healthy, supportive relationships
- It offers opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth
Group counseling is built on the core principle that individuals feel better when recognizing that they are not alone.
Discover the Benefits of Group Counseling at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
In group counseling, members share similar struggles and experiences related to mental health and substance use disorders. In addition to providing peer support, group therapy utilizes evidence-based strategies for coping with specific issues.
As the region’s premier medical detox and residential treatment center, Evoke Wellness at Cohasset provides comprehensive treatment for various mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. Call 866.931.6429 to learn how group therapy can benefit you or a loved one.
