Group therapy is a unique and often transformative approach to mental health treatment, offering a sense of community and shared healing not often found in individual therapy. While individual therapy provides a one-on-one experience with a therapist, group therapy brings together a small group of individuals with similar struggles who are led by a trained group therapist.
In the United States, group therapy is far less common than individual modalities. In private practice, group therapy makes up only about five percent of all treatment. Because it’s less commonly used, patients are often unfamiliar with group therapy and can be hesitant to try it out. Many have only heard of group therapy in narrow contexts like grief groups or Alcoholics Anonymous. Yet, despite this reputation, group therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating a range of mental health concerns from anxiety and depression to addiction and trauma. In fact, for many, group therapy can be even more beneficial than one-on-one treatment.
Group is effective and often more affordable than individual treatment. Consider whether it could be a good fit for your own mental health treatment.
What makes group effective?
Research has consistently shown that group therapy delivers comparable outcomes to individual therapy. The power of group lies in its ability to foster connection and support. Mental health disorders often leave people feeling lonely and isolated. People struggling with mental health symptoms commonly report feeling that no one understands what they are going through. In group, participants learn that they are not alone—others share similar feelings, experiences, and challenges. This sense of community reduces feelings of isolation and promotes emotional healing. The feedback and support from fellow group members helps participants feel validated, accepted, and understood—critical components of building self-esteem and self-worth.
Group therapy also helps participants build social skills and emotional resilience. Interacting with others in a safe and structured setting gives group members a chance to practice communication, conflict resolution, and empathy. These skills are invaluable both inside and outside the therapy room, helping individuals learn to handle challenges in their everyday lives.
A key theorist on group therapy, Irvin Yalom, championed the unique benefits of group that arise from the back and forth between members in sessions. He argued that group therapy gave participants a unique opportunity to learn empathy, compassion, communication, and other critical skills for building healthy emotional lives. Group therapy allows participants to practice these skills rather than merely discuss them.
What's it like to attend group therapy?
Attending group therapy for the first time can feel intimidating, especially for those who are introverted or who have difficulty opening up. It’s natural to feel nervous about sharing personal experiences in front of strangers. However, group therapy is designed to be a safe, supportive space. Your group therapist will set clear ground rules about confidentiality, respect, and non-judgment. This helps to create an environment where everyone can share openly without fear of criticism.
During a typical group therapy session, participants take turns sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The group facilitator guides the conversation, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to speak and that the group remains focused on the topic at hand. While there is often a theme or topic for each session—such as managing anxiety, coping with loss, or addressing self-esteem—the conversations can also evolve organically, with members offering feedback, encouragement, or insights to one another.
In group, listening and responding to others is just as important as sharing your own thoughts and feelings. Hearing someone else articulate what you’re feeling can be eye-opening, helping you gain new insights into your own emotions. Similarly, offering support, understanding, and empathy to group members often feels good. Helping others through their pain is a rewarding experience. Dialogue and relationship building are a critical part of group therapy.
Is group for me?
Group therapy can be a deeply enriching experience, offering a powerful combination of support, shared learning, and personal growth. It provides an opportunity to connect with others who understand your struggles, gain new insights, and develop essential life skills. If you’re considering group therapy, know that it’s normal to feel apprehensive at first—but with time, many individuals find it to be a transformative and highly rewarding part of their healing journey.
