What can I Expect from Group Therapy Sessions?

Group therapy sessions usually involve the face-to-face meeting of several people to discuss similar issues and concerns. In most cases, these sessions are supervised by a trained therapist who helps the participants interact and support each other in a positive manner. Sharing and feedback are usually encouraged, but no one is forced to participate if they do not feel comfortable doing so. Any information you or another participant reveals during a group therapy session is normally kept confidential.

In most cases, group therapy sessions are lead by trained group therapists. They involve meeting at scheduled times and spending the duration of the session focused on topics important to the participants. Often, these sessions involve about six to 10 people who have similar challenges or concerns. The group participants usually learn to support and comfort each other while also offering feedback when they wish. This is done under the supervision and guidance of a group therapist.

You can usually expect a group therapy session to involve sharing details about your experiences and problems as well as listening to those shared by others. Group therapy is intended to provide a supportive environment for discussing problems and working toward therapeutic goals. In most therapy groups, participants are not forced to give details they are not comfortable sharing. Each person is typically expected to participate, however, even if that just means actively listening to others.

Usually, group therapy provides a way for you to work through the challenges you face while realizing you are not alone. Though your situation may be unique in some ways, the other participants in the group may have similar experiences and challenges. Hearing about similar struggles and steps taken to overcome them may help you to feel empowered. You may also learn techniques for dealing with problems and discover new methods you can use for coping with challenges. Additionally, you may develop or improve your personal interaction skills through group therapy sessions and use these skills in other areas of your life.

The rules by which group therapy sessions are governed may vary, but in most cases, the details you provide are kept confidential. Not only is the person who runs the group therapy session obligated to keep your information confidential, but so are the other participants. The confidentiality rule will likely apply to you as well, and you will usually be expected to maintain the confidentiality of the other group members.