The Benefits of Group Therapy in Recovery

Treatment and mental health professionals have successfully used group therapy for addiction treatment. The benefits of group therapy for addiction are that the camaraderie between group participants allows for less chance of judgment, increases vulnerability, and builds trust. Typically one or two therapists monitor the twelve-participant group session a few times a week.

Group therapy allows those with similar experiences to share their thoughts, emotions, and feelings regarding addiction. One of the benefits of group therapy is that sharing these crucial factors related to addiction can change attitudes, habits, and behaviors. As the group members reveal painful and traumatic experiences, new hope springs for those who can commiserate.

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy consists of twelve participants on average and one or two therapists. Group therapy is usually held twice a week for two hours. The benefits of group therapy depend on the goals of treatment. The four types of group therapy are interpersonal process-oriented, psycho-educational, skills-oriented, and cognitive behavioral.

• Interpersonal Process-Oriented Group Therapy: The benefit of group therapy in this type of group is meeting the goal of interpersonal interaction, allowing for vulnerability, openness, and acceptance. The group members set the topic or agenda for the meeting, which a therapist monitors.
• Psychoeducational Group Therapy: This type of group therapy revolves around a teaching-based agenda of learning and sharing personal experiences concerning the set topic. For example, the session could teach coping methods for handling anger with the benefit of group therapy in members sharing their experiences with anger.
• Skills Development Group Therapy: Skills development incorporates the concepts of psychoeducational and cognitive behavioral groups to teach skills helpful in preventing relapse. The concentration of skills development focuses on mental health issues, coping skills, and behavior modifications used to stay strong and avoid relapse. The benefit of group therapy is sharing this developmental process instead of individual reflective work.
• Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy: The benefit of group therapy for CBT group is to examine belief systems and past behaviors that may have initiated addiction or other negative behaviors. Discussions in this group could identify situations and environments that may have triggered addiction in the past. In addition, this group allows for restructuring behaviors through understanding and sharing behavior management strategies to support sobriety.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

As is expected in all types of therapy, each individual gets something different from group therapy. Each member of the group needs something and has something to share and give. The benefits of group therapy are reflected in the success rates of the members. With most groups being free, the possibility of prolonged use is an added relapse prevention tool.

Encouraging Vulnerability

One of the benefits of group therapy is the encouragement to be vulnerable. Why is this important? Learning that you are not alone in your recovery journey can help overcome barriers preventing personal growth. Development of self-esteem and confidence can unlock new avenues of emotional strength.

Reducing Isolation

Group therapy for addiction is a powerful tool, as everyone is in the same boat. In addition, everyone has experienced addiction, one of the incredible benefits of group therapy. How can you feel isolated when the support of your peers surrounds you? Everyone in the group has the same goal of a sober lifestyle journey.

Offers a New Perspective

When we struggle through difficult experiences, sometimes we get locked in one-dimensional thinking. One of the benefits of group therapy is hearing how other people think about addiction, coping behaviors, triggers, and other valuable aspects of recovery. In addition, new perspectives offer new possibilities and the ability to weigh in on different viewpoints. This challenging development can be exciting and provide new hope.

Safe Environment to Explore

One of the most significant benefits of group therapy is exploring being in a safe environment. Most commonly, addicts have carried the load of fearing judgment, being looked down on, and being excluded from everything. Group therapy is safe. What happens in the group stays in the group. Listening to other members’ experiences, feelings, and emotions encourages action to share.

Group Therapy Supports Social Relationship Building

The foundational concepts of group therapy allow the group members to develop communication skills and self-confidence. In addition, building critical social skills can help in the future with occupational endeavors or educational possibilities. One of the benefits of group therapy is allowing the group members to dare to step out of their comfort zone. Learning how to effectively deal with social anxiety encourages the building of social relationships.

Group Therapy is Affordable and Available in Most Communities

One of the most beneficial benefits of group therapy is its availability and affordability. Most communities house group therapy in their schools and churches. Community centers host meetings, and for the most part, sessions are free. Staying sober is an everyday process. Taking each day at a time is the motto of many addicts who attend group therapy meetings for engagement and support.

Experience the Benefits of Group Therapy in Atlanta GA

We offer diverse group therapy options for those participating in treatment. Retreat of Atlanta strongly believes that group therapy is essential to the treatment process. After all, our primary goal is successful recovery and relapse prevention. Contact us to discuss our group therapy options. Our staff looks forward to helping you.