In group therapy, patients work together to initiate change.
While it’s evident that group therapy takes place in a group setting, there’s more to this treatment type than meets the eye. In group psychotherapy, one or more therapists treat multiple patients in the group setting – and encourage patients to work together to promote change in themselves and other group members.
Group therapy can be very effective in treating a variety of psychological issues. Some of the diagnoses that are well treated in group psychotherapy include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Substance use and chemical dependency disorders
- Grief and loss
What are the primary treatment methods we use in group therapy?
At HPA/LIveWell, we most often rely on the following group therapy treatment methods, although we may incorporate other methods as well.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy – This treatment method focuses on helping patients control and manage their mood and interpersonal relationships.
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy – This type of treatment is designed to clarify the patient’s personal beliefs that can cause him or her to struggle. This approach challenges those beliefs and ultimately interrupts maladaptive behaviors.
- Grief Counseling Psycho-Education – Grief group therapy helps people cope with loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one or a significant life change.
- Motivational Interviewing – With this approach to treatment, patients tap into internal motivation to make changes and resolve ambivalence.
- Supportive Psychotherapy – Whether used in group therapy or individual therapy, supportive therapy can help patients cope with personal concerns through personal connection, supportive statements and reflective listening.
How long will a patient be in group therapy?
There are 2 types of group therapy: closed or open. A closed group is one that has a limited number of sessions. Participants are all admitted at the same time and discharged when the scheduled sessions conclude. Open groups allow participants to be admitted on a rolling basis; they are discharged once they have benefited from what that group can offer.
In group therapy, patients are encouraged to work together to promote change in themselves and other group members. In fact, we often tell our patients, “We’ll work as hard as you do to address your illness.”