Around the country, group therapy is included in virtually all mental health and addiction treatment programs. There are many benefits of group therapy, including improved self-esteem and confidence, improved communication and relationship skills, and time to practice coping skills. It can help you achieve your goals and greatly improve your mental health and general well-being.
Sobrius’ group therapy program is fully incorporated into all of our addiction and mental health treatment programs.
When you first arrive for therapy, we will get to know you and answer all of your questions about the pros and cons of group therapy and why it’s essential. We will create a tailored recovery experience that involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness practices, and medication-assisted treatment.
Different Types of Group Therapy
Just like individual counseling, group therapy is not one-size-fits-all. There are various types of groups to choose from, each designed to meet specific needs. Some groups are organized around therapy modalities or approaches—such as cognitive-behavioral groups, skills-based groups, or support groups focused on mindfulness. Others bring together people with shared experiences or diagnoses, like social anxiety, depression, or postpartum issues. If a particular group doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are always other options available, so you can find the support style that works best for you.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy is a great tool for dealing with addiction and other mental health disorders. It provides a group setting where anywhere from 6–12 people talk about their experiences with addiction, depression, or anxiety disorders and how it makes them feel. They receive feedback from their peers who are going through similar experiences and this advice can go a long way toward improving their mental health.
Participating in group therapy sessions has many benefits. If you’re nervous about sharing and talking about your struggles, that’s OK. Everyone feels nervous at first, but your peers and therapist will encourage you to open up and talk about your experiences.
What are the advantages of group therapy? Here are some of the advantages of participating in group therapy:
- Provides a strong support system
- Offers a different perspective and insights
- Encourages accountability and motivation
- Teaches social and communication skills
- Builds self-awareness
- Helps develop coping skills
- Improves emotional regulation
Opportunities to Find and Become a Role Model in Group Therapy
One especially unique benefit of group therapy is the chance to connect with peers who are at different points in their journey. Within each group, you’ll find individuals at various stages of healing—some may be just starting out, while others have made significant progress. This creates a supportive environment where you can look up to those further along as examples of hope and resilience.
For many, seeing fellow group members successfully navigate challenges can be motivating. You’re likely to discover role models who’ve faced similar struggles and learned valuable lessons, offering practical advice and encouragement. Over time, as you make progress yourself, you’ll naturally become a source of inspiration for newcomers. The roles often shift: you may begin as someone seeking guidance but eventually find yourself offering perspective and reassurance to others who are just starting their recovery.
By giving and receiving support, you become an active participant in the growth and healing of everyone in the group—building a cycle of shared strength and understanding.
Group therapy sessions can treat a number of disorders, including substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, depression disorders, as well as trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other disorders. It is for those looking for peer support and encouragement and those who struggle with building healthy relationships and strong communication skills.
The Pros and Cons of Group Therapy
When you enroll in a treatment program, you will participate in group and private therapy sessions. You will work one-on-one with a therapist during private therapy sessions and with your peers in group therapy who are going through similar experiences as yourself. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, but it’s not necessarily for everyone.
Group Therapy Pros
Some of the pros of group therapy include providing a supportive space where it reduces isolation and encourages emotional support and validation. It gives clients a different perspective on their disorders and encourages them to be accountable. It teaches social connection and improves communication skills, builds self-awareness, is cost-effective, and provides a safe space to practice and fine-tune coping skills.
Beyond these benefits, group therapy can foster a powerful sense of belonging that is often hard to find elsewhere. When people gather to share similar struggles, there’s a unique bond and shared understanding that emerges. Unlike individual counseling, where there can be a clear distinction between the therapist as the expert and the client as the learner, group therapy offers a more equal playing field. Here, everyone is on a similar journey, and the connection between peers becomes an essential part of healing. This sense of connection can help participants realize they are not alone, making growth feel more possible. The shared journey and mutual support can be just as healing as the therapist’s guidance, and often, hearing from others who truly “get it” is what helps individuals move forward.
Group therapy often brings together people with a variety of backgrounds and at different stages of healing. This means you not only get to hear from others who are working through similar challenges, but you might also find role models who are further along in their recovery—and, in time, become a source of guidance yourself for newer members. There’s a unique sense of belonging that comes from realizing you’re not alone on this journey. For many, this shared understanding is something individual therapy simply can’t replicate.
Group therapy also exposes you to a range of therapeutic approaches and group types. Some groups might focus on specific diagnoses, like social anxiety or depression, while others emphasize particular skills, such as emotional regulation or mindfulness. If one type of group doesn’t fit your needs, there are often other options to explore.
Group Therapy Cons
Some of the cons of group therapy include less individualized attention than you would get through private therapy sessions. There are privacy concerns, and some clients feel afraid to share their experiences with others.
Confidentiality and Privacy Considerations
Unlike one-on-one therapy, confidentiality in a group setting cannot be completely guaranteed. While facilitators set the expectation that what’s shared in the group stays in the group, they can only guarantee their own confidentiality—other group members are expected, but not legally bound, to keep discussions private. This can make some participants hesitant to open up, especially when discussing sensitive topics or personal struggles. For individuals who prioritize privacy, this lack of absolute confidentiality may be a significant drawback.
Confidentiality is another important consideration. While facilitators set clear expectations that what’s said in the group stays in the group, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed due to the presence of multiple participants. For those who value privacy or are hesitant to open up, this can be a drawback.
Additionally, group sessions typically happen at set times to accommodate everyone involved, which means there’s less flexibility than with individual counseling. If you have a complicated schedule or need more personalized focus, this structure might not be ideal.
What are the advantages of group therapy? Group therapy is very beneficial for those who thrive in social settings, need peer support, and want to learn from others’ experiences, but it is not a good fit for everyone. If you need a highly personalized treatment program, struggle with social anxiety, or have privacy concerns, an individual program may benefit you more.
When you enroll in a therapy program, they will consider all options while creating a comprehensive treatment program that includes both private and group therapy sessions.
Scheduling Flexibility
When it comes to scheduling, individual counseling generally offers greater flexibility. Sessions can often be booked around your own availability, making it easier to fit therapy into your daily routine. Group therapy, on the other hand, usually meets at predetermined times that accommodate all participants and the need for a dedicated space. Because of this, there may be less room to adjust sessions if your schedule changes, and you’ll typically need to commit to the set group meeting times.
Join Sobrius’ Group Therapy Program Today to Begin a Healing Journey
Sobrius welcomes people from all walks of life who are struggling with a mental health disorder or addiction and are looking for a comprehensive treatment program. Our team has experience in treating all types of disorders and will take the time to get to know you and the reasons why you are here. Our treatment programs include behavioral and holistic therapy, along with medical support, to ease addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other depressive or anxious symptoms.
To learn more about the benefits of group therapy, fill out our online contact form or call 888.596.6514 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our treatment center.