5 Overlooked Benefits of Group Counseling
When considering therapy, it seems that most people think of individual counseling. A one-on-one setting on a couch or on video call, chatting through their issues with someone who combines their training, wisdom, and experience to help sort out their issues in life. Group counseling, on the other hand, is something that people rarely consider and don’t fully understand. Group therapy can be a powerful and transformative way to deal with life’s issues. Here are 5 ways in which group counseling offers benefits that are unique and worthy of consideration when looking for the right fit in therapy.
You’ll learn from your group members - Group counseling is typically organized around a specific topic (ex. Anxiety, grief, eating issues). In a sense, each member is there to solve the same problem, and according to the adage, two (or more) heads are better than one. This has the potential to get you to your therapeutic destination faster than you would in individual therapy.
Multiple perspectives are better than one - When sharing your point of view or exploring ideas with the rest of the group, you will likely hear multiple perspectives in response. This can be one of the more valuable benefits, as seeing an individual therapist typically offers a single perspective. The more perspectives, the more likely you are to hear something that resonates!
You’ll feel less alone in your challenges - Sometimes, simply being surrounded by like-minded individuals can be therapeutic. When facing a challenging situation, our brains often play tricks on us to get us to believe that we are alone in our experiences. However, this could not be farther from the truth. Confronting these challenges in the company of others who are experiencing something similar can-do wonders to motivate and comfort during tough times.
The group will co-regulate and support one-another - Working in a group can sometimes make it easier to feel supported. Receiving validation from others when it comes to sensitive disclosures can feel incredibly supportive. Unlike the therapist or group leader, your group members are not being paid to support you, so when it does come, it can feel more authentic and impactful. A group is also more likely to give you direct feedback which can be hard to come by in an individual counseling session.
Group counseling is cost-effective - This one is no secret but may not be the first thing considered when thinking about therapy. Nowadays, therapy can be quite expensive and is ranked as one of the most common reasons people avoid beginning it. However, it is worth considering that group therapy can be roughly one third of the cost of a private session. That’s nothing to scoff at! This much more affordable price tag can make therapy a lot more accessible for a lot more people.
Whatever route you choose when beginning therapy, it is important to survey your options. Do your research ahead of time to find a therapist or a group that you think will truly help you, before diving in the first option your insurance website might recommend. The important thing is that you do find the help you need, so for those of you who are considering therapy, don’t forget to throw group counseling into the consideration set. Best of luck!
