Group counseling brings together people with similar problems to share experiences and support each other. It can be highly organized or free-form, and may embrace different psychological schools of thought. The success of group therapy depends on the diversity of people’s conditions, and not all efforts are successful. However, many people find group counseling to be a better alternative than private therapy because it tends to cost less and is often covered by insurance.
Group counseling is a form of therapy, which posits that people benefit from shared experiences. Usually, it focuses on a particular problem, such as OCD or anger management. While one therapist usually manages the group, contributions from other members are considered valuable as everyone in the group shares similar issues.
One of the main principles behind group counseling is the idea that dealing with specific problems can cause isolation and a feeling of being alone in dealing with one’s problems. This form of counseling attempts to counteract isolation by bringing together people with similar problems to enforce that the difficulties are not unique to one person. Also, getting to know other people with similar problems can be comforting for people who may not have access in their own family and friends to people with the same problem.
Group counseling can be highly organised, with people doing specific tasks together and then sharing the results. Alternatively, it could be more free-form, where members share their current issues related to the purpose of the group. One person’s verbal contributions to a group could be discussed, validated, and prompted for problem solving by other group members in one session. It could also be an entry into a discussion of a certain aspect of an illness or condition which is then primarily guided by the therapist.
Different groups may also embrace different psychological schools of thought. For example, a Jungian guidance group dealing with depression might evaluate symbols in dreams that could provide insight into each member’s condition. A Gestalt-oriented group might be encouraged to question a person’s motivations and evaluate both verbal and body language. Comparison in Gestalt therapy is considered a vital part of healing.
Some forms of group therapy take place in psychiatric hospitals. The success of such therapy often depends on the diversity of people’s conditions. Other groups are more like alcoholics anonymous meetings and may not be headed by a counselor, but may simply be a number of people who meet to help find a way out of addiction.
Many large therapy companies now offer group therapy as an alternative to private counseling. Such groups might address topics such as living with anxiety, parenting your child with special needs, living with grief, or living with depression. Some people find group counseling experience a better alternative than private therapy because it tends to cost less. Often, this form of counseling is covered by insurance, and many groups offer degressive rates for the uninsured.
The duration of group therapy also varies. Some counseling groups are for a defined period of time, while others are indefinite, allowing people to join as needed. Most freeform groups are usually open to drop-ins and can last indefinitely. More organized groups may last for a specific amount of time and require materials, study books, or the like. These groups may require a time commitment and upfront payment.
Not all group counseling efforts are successful. Occasionally, therapy suffers if a group is too large or too small. It can also become problematic when one person seems to monopolize the group. Usually, counseling works best when an experienced therapist can reroute a person who shares too much and allow people equal time to share their ideas, issues, or opinions.
People can vary in their need for therapy, and generally those who hog a group should not be looked down upon, but should be referred to private counseling, where he or she can be the sole center of attention. After some time in private sessions, a person may feel less need to hog a group session.
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