NSGP
P.O. Box 356, Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-484-4994
Fax: 617-484-4945
Email: information@nsgp.com |
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• About Group Psychotherapy
• The Group Psychotherapist
• Who Can Benefit
• The Group Therapy Session
• Commonly Asked Questions
Group psychotherapy is a special form of therapy in which a small number of people
meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves
and one another. The therapy has been widely used and has been a standard treatment
option for over 50 years.
If you stop and think about it, each of us has been raised in group environments,
either through our families, schools, organized activities, or work. These are the
environments in which we grow and develop as human beings. Group psychotherapy is
no different. It provides a place where you come together with others to share problems
or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with
each other.
Group therapy helps people improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses
feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety. And it helps people make significant
changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
Group works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual therapy, group
therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective. In
cases of medical illness, there is substantial evidence that this form of therapy
helps people cope better with their illness, enhances the quality of their lives
and, in some cases, such as breast cancer, has even been shown to help people live
longer.
If you are considering therapy, together you and your therapist can explore the
nature of your problem. You will work to develop a better understanding of the problem
and discuss what changes might make the situation better. In addition to group therapy,
there are several other options available, including:
•Talking with an individual therapist
•Participating in therapy as a couple or family
•Receiving medication
•A combination of the above treatments
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Your therapist can help you understand the benefits of each of these treatment options
and determine what‘s right for you. Group psychotherapists are mental health professionals
trained in one of several areas: psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychiatric
nursing, marriage and family therapy, pastoral counseling, creative arts therapy
or substance abuse counseling. In considering a therapist for group, make sure he
or she is also qualified to lead group psychotherapy. The National Registry of Certified
Group Psychotherapists certifies group therapists by the designation "CGP, " which
means the therapist has received specialized training and is experienced in group
therapy. Clinical Members of AGPA also have received specialized training.
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Like individual therapy, group therapy can benefit almost anyone. Some of the issues
typically addressed include:
- Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
- Problems in children and adolescents (such as the impact of a divorce, peer issues,
learning or behavioral problems)
- Aging
- Medical illness
- Dealing with loss
- Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults
- Personality disorders
- Addictive disorders
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The group therapy session is a collaborative effort in which the therapist assumes
clinical responsibility for the group and its members. In a typical session, which
lasts about 75-90 minutes, members work to express their own problems, feelings,
ideas and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Such exploration gives the
group the important information needed to understand and help one another. Members
learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become "therapeutic
helpers" for other members.
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How does group work?
A group therapist appropriately selects people (usually 5 to 10) who would
be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another.
In meetings, people are encouraged to talk with each other in a spontaneous and
honest fashion. A professionally trained therapist, who provides productive examination
of the issues or concerns affecting the individuals and the group, guides the discussion.
Not every group is alike. There are a variety of styles that different groups use.
For instance, some focus more on interpersonal development, where much of the learning
actually comes from the interaction of members themselves. Others address cognitive
behaviors, where the emphasis is on learning how to control negative thoughts, address
phobias or relieve anxiety-inducing situations.
If someone is in a group, do they also need individual therapy?
It depends on the individual. Sometimes group therapy is used as the main
or only treatment approach. Sometimes it’s used along with individual therapy. Often
people find that working simultaneously in both group and individual therapy stimulates
growth in mutually complementary ways. And clients may see two different therapists
for individual and group therapies. In such cases, it’s generally considered important
for the two therapists to communicate with each other periodically for the client’s
benefit. Ask your therapist about the type of therapy that will best meet your needs.
How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?
Group therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and helps individuals
learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a professional
coach. Group psychotherapy also provides a support network for specific problems
or challenges. The psychotherapy group is different from self-help and support groups
in that it not only helps people cope with their problems, but also provides for
change and growth. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom
or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist. Support groups, which
are generally led by professionals, help people cope with difficult situations at
various times but are not geared toward change.
Why is group therapy useful?
When someone is thinking about joining a group, it’s normal for them to
have questions or concerns. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough
time to deal with my own problems in a group setting?
What if I don’t like the people in my group?
Joining a group is useful because it provides opportunities to learn with
and from other people, to understand one’s own patterns of thought and behavior
and those of others, and to perceive how group members react to one another. We
live and interact with people every day and often there are things that other people
are experiencing or grappling with that can be beneficial to share with others.
In group therapy, you learn that perhaps you’re not as different as you think or
that you’re not alone. You’ll meet and interact with people, and the whole group
learns to work on shared problems -- one of the most beneficial aspects. The more
you involve yourself in the group, the more you get out of it.
What kinds of people should participate in group therapy?
Group therapy can benefit many different people, from those having difficulties
with interpersonal relationships to those dealing with specific problems such as
a serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders or behavioral problems. With
adolescents, for example, group therapy teaches socialization skills needed to help
function in environments outside the home.
Will there be people with similar problems in my group?
The therapist’s role is to evaluate each member’s problems prior to forming
the group. Usually there is a mix of members who can learn from each other. While
some members will have similar circumstances, it’s not necessary for all members
in the group to be dealing with exactly the same problem.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?
The time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent
of your problems. Short-term groups devoted to concrete issues can last anywhere
from 6 to 20 weeks. Support therapy groups (for example, those dealing with a medical
illness such as cancer) may be more long-term. There are also more open-ended groups
in which members work at their own pace and leave when their particular needs or
goals have been met. It’s best to talk with your therapist to determine the length
of time that’s right for you.
What if I'm uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others?
It’s not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group,
but soon you begin to develop feelings of interest and trust. Most clients find
that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance
to talk with others who are experiencing similar problems -- in a private, confidential
setting. Many people who have experienced group therapy believe that working together
with others is helpful and they feel better by participating in this form of therapy.
What does group cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of therapist and perhaps even the geographic
area of the country. Typically, group therapy is about half the price of individual
therapy.
Is it covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage is similar for both group and individual therapy. In addition,
most managed care companies cover group much the same as individual therapy.
How do I find a good group therapist?
When talking with therapists, here are four simple questions you may want to ask:
- What is your background?
- Given my specific situation, how do you think group would work for me?
- What are your credentials as a group therapist?
- Do you have special training that is relevant to my problem?
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