Groups

“Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). 

Group therapy functions very differently from individual or couples therapy. The purpose of group therapy is to glean from the experiences of other people as well as form a certain level of community that “I am not alone and we are in this together.” The groups are usually created around a certain topic or need with a trained counselor facilitating the content and discussion.

Generally there are two types of groups: skills-based groups and process groups.

Skills-based groups are designed more like school in that the group meets so that everyone can learn a certain set of skills that can help alleviate distressing symptoms or navigate relationships more successfully.

Process groups are utilized to discuss certain relevant topics in hopes that people gain a deeper understanding about themselves and their challenges. It is a community journey of talking and thinking through things more thoroughly so that past behaviors are better understood while future behaviors can be improved.

Both types of groups usually have some sort of introduction, structure for the group, as well as opportunities for mutual feedback, and encouragement. Sometimes the most powerful moments and “ah ha” experiences occur when someone other than the counselor shares. Stay tuned for future groups which will be formed as there is a consensus of a certain need.