How Does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy can at first sound intimidating, especially if you haven’t been to therapy before. But it’s a method of treatment that can have a profound impact on your family unit and other group members.

At Greenpoint Psychotherapy, we offer confidential and customized group therapy sessions that help you and your loved ones overcome challenges that cause conflicts in your relationship.

Our highly skilled, compassionate therapists provide a safe, judgment-free space for you and others to express feelings and thoughts, so everyone can move forward in life. 

They also provide the resources you need to boost your confidence and self-esteem as you overcome past challenges and trauma.

What to know about group therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychological counseling that involves three or more people who share a similar challenge. The challenge can involve interpersonal conflicts that negatively impact the relationship or a shared trauma, such as grief over the death of a loved one.

Group therapy sessions are also available for individuals that have the same psychological disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During a group session, a highly skilled therapist guides the conversation, introduces conversational topics, and monitors each individual’s progress.

They also serve as a support system and encourage you to share your thoughts and emotions freely.

Why you might benefit from group therapy

Group therapy may be a treatment option for groups of people related or unrelated who are ready to address challenges like:

• Grief
• Anger
• Obesity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Panic disorder
• Low self-esteem
• Substance use disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Group therapy may be used in combination with medications and other treatment strategies to help you cope with the challenges you face living with a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder.

You might also benefit from individual therapy in addition to group therapy sessions, so you can access the tools you need to flourish in life. The group sessions we offer at Greenpoint Psychotherapy can accommodate new people at any time.

Expectations for your first group therapy session

In your initial group therapy session, you meet with your therapist and other therapy participants. The therapist will help break the ice and encourage others to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

It’s important that you listen to what others are saying, so you can be the support system they need. You may have opportunities to share your own experiences and insights to help others navigate their challenges.

Therapy sessions often take an approach where conversation flows organically. Your therapist may also use specific therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or art therapy as they guide others through the conversation.

Group therapy may last an hour or longer, depending on its purpose. The number of therapy sessions you need to attend will be determined by your therapist and your overall goals. They might also encourage you to participate in couples or family therapy to help you address personal or relationship conflicts outside of a group setting.

Call Greenpoint Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, New York today to learn more about the benefits of group therapy. You can also book a consultation online.