Group therapy has many benefits and is less intimidating than it sounds. There are groups that teach skills to help with communication, coping, and parenting. Other groups may be centered around support, such as a grief/bereavement group. Group therapy can focus on a variety of themes connected to self-growth and wellness.
We want to set the record straight and bust down some misconceptions about Group Therapy.
- Other Group Members will Judge Me
Let’s break this one down. Yes, we cannot control if and what other people think about us. Though, everyone attending group therapy shares a common struggle and/or goal. The other group members are roughly working on the same thing and are in a similar situation as you. Often people who attend group therapy feel less alone and gain insight that they are not the only one struggling.
- There is No Way to Guarantee Confidentiality
As mentioned above, we cannot control what other people do outside of session. Group Therapy often starts with developing rules within the group. The clinician leading the group will work with the group members to develop rules that everyone agrees upon. Amongst those rules is confidentiality and the importance of privacy.
- It is Nerve-wracking to Share and Learn in a Big Group Setting
It is difficult to share one’s personal struggles with others, let alone with people we have never met. The clinician leading the group works with group members to provide a safe and supportive environment that helps foster growth. Many people find group therapy to be a place where they can reflect and gain perspective from other members with different backgrounds. Groups often have a limit to the number of members to ensure that everyone is heard and receives the amount of support they need.
Contact AACA to find out what groups are currently meeting. Call (734) 956-0051 or email welcome@annarborcounselingservices.com
