Group Therapy
Group therapy is a highly interactive form of therapy that provides each person with an opportunity to practice new ways of behaving and relating. There are two types of group therapy. In “process” groups, members decide what they want to talk about and are encouraged to give, receive and process feedback. In “support” groups, members share a common experience, such as life transitions or a cultural identity. Support groups also share some degree of processing as members interact.
Structure
Generally, two group leaders facilitate a group of 6-10 individuals who meet on a weekly basis for 90 minutes. The length of treatment may either be ongoing, recurring until members have addressed their goals, or time-limited. Group members make a commitment to the group and agree to keep all session content confidential.
Benefits of Group Therapy
When people come into a group and interact freely with other group members, they usually recreate those difficulties that brought them to group in the first place. The group allows a person to develop new ways of understanding and relating to people while in a safe environment. Many individuals report that it is comforting to hear that other people have a similar difficulty, or have already worked through a problem. The safety developed in the group fosters the expression of difficult feelings; you will be encouraged to tell people what you expect of them.
How to Join a Group
Availability of groups varies. If you are prospective new patient interested in joining a group, please call the intake line and express your interest. If there is an opening in a group, you will meet with one or both of the group co-facilitators to decide together if the group is a good fit for you.
If you are a current patient, please discuss your interest group therapy with your therapist. He or she will be able to assess your treatment needs and make a referral on your behalf, granted a group is open to new members.
Current Groups Offered
- Adult Process Therapy Group: Group members explore various issues of life, with a special emphasis on exploring the nature of their relationships.
- Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Support and Process Group: This group provides a safe environment to explore relationship experiences, coming out, discrimination and issues related to being engaged in the gay community. The exploration of these issues can increase members’ self-awareness, comfort with their identities and enhance interpersonal functioning.
- Trans Support Group: The goal of the group is to provide a safe, trans-supportive environment in which members of the trans community can share their experiences. Group members work together to find lasting personal comfort with the gendered self in order to maximize overall well-being and self-fulfillment.
- Adult Women’s Group: The goal of the group is to offer support and a forum for women with a variety of concerns and experiences. Members are free to express and explore issues that may be uniquely experienced by women.