Psychotherapy: Group Therapy

Group Therapy, a type of psychotherapy, designed to help solve emotional or psychological problems using a group of people facing similar issues. In this way, the therapist or counselor conducting the session enables his/her clients to benefit from the experiences and views of the participants. This can lead to helpful new perspectives on the issues discussed. In a Group Therapy session, participants communicate with people of different sexes, ages and cultures. This gives them a sense of belonging. They feel that they are not alone in their pain. They can also support each other during difficult times.
Group therapy has its advantages and disadvantages. The idea behind group therapy is that by putting people with similar problems in one group, they can help each other to adjust and provide additional insight into their own personal situation. This however, has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages are as follows: First of all, it is
economical. If a particular therapist is busy or in constant demand, group sessions provide easier access and this often cuts costs for the both the therapist and the client.
In group therapy, there is a greater depth of experience and understanding, and this often provides for a more comfortable atmosphere. It can also be a good source of support. For example, if someone have been having alcoholic drinks for three weeks continuously, and belongs to a group where this problem is common, then he is able to receive far more support from his peers than he might have been able to get from his weekly visits to his therapist. In turn, those who show improvements with this issue provide an example to the others and give hope to encouragement to those who are struggling. So far these advantages sounds good, but this is not the case. Group therapy can also have disadvantages; if I needed to seek help for something, I would have a hard time admitting it to a psychiatrist, let alone to a complete stranger. Another disadvantage is
more obvious if we think of couple or family therapy. When help is needed because of trouble at home, I agree that in order to solve it, you must first talk it out. This is why we have such counselors. Since group therapy is based on interactions with others, it especially helps participants who have relationship problems. They learn how to harmonize with other people; how to listen to them and how to communicate effectively. One of the problems that can arise is that members of the family might view it as embarrassing and as betrayal when a member of the family opens up about their problems to an “outsider”.
Even with some of the minor advantages, Group therapy is a tried and tested method of psychotherapy. In comparison with one-on- one therapy, group therapy helps participants gain a wider perspective on their problems. It helps them feel less isolated and provides a liberating release.