As the name suggests, Group Therapy is a therapeutic process involving 5 – 15 people who share similar mental health conditions. The American Psychological Association reports that group therapy works well in treating Panic or Bipolar Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Phobias and Substance Abuse Disorders. The smaller the group the more efficient the process is. It creates a more intimate experience and members of the group are motivated to come for sessions since absentees can easily be noticed. Within-group therapy strict confidentiality guidelines are laid out, encouraging participation without any fear of private stories leaking out. An atmosphere of trust is established where different individuals interact with one another in a truthful and empathetic manner. The therapist acts as a facilitator, helping each member to look inwards within the context of the group discussions.
There are different types of group therapies, the most common one’s being Psychoeducational groups, Skills Development groups, Cognitive Behavioral groups, Support groups and Interpersonal Process groups. Each set has its own approaches and treatments to adhere to.
ImPerfect offers 3 kinds of group therapies, 2 are focused on Assertiveness and 1 is focused on Anxiety. We would simply like to touch upon what is to be expected from these sessions to help our readers gain awareness and a tool for assistance if need be. Assertive Training is a behaviour therapy procedure aimed towards reducing maladaptive anxiety which prevents a person from expressing themselves directly, honestly and spontaneously (Wolpe, 1958). These sessions would aid an individual in becoming more self-assured and confident without being aggressive in their communication. Assertiveness Training – Skills in Practice and Advanced Skills in Assertiveness are the 2 group therapies focused on developing this skill and then building on it. Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) for Anxiety is also offered by ImPerfect. REBT is a form of psychotherapy developed by Albert Ellis, which helps one identify self-defeating beliefs or attitudes, challenge the rationality of those beliefs, and replace them with healthier, more productive beliefs. This form of group therapy would help individuals cope with their negative thoughts and feelings while conversing with the other members, under the guidance of a therapist.
Group therapy is a great way for individuals to gain support and perspective about their own conditions and problems. A common purpose motivates individuals to contribute to the therapeutic process and in turn, benefit from it. If you as a reader do find yourself resonating with the brief information mentioned in the above paragraph, visit my website page on Group Therapy.
– Urveez Kakalia & Ferangiz Hozdar.