Many benefits of group therapy and counseling can help you or a loved one who is struggling with depression, anxiety, or other common mental health conditions. Group therapy has proven beneficial for many people, even though they may feel apprehensive about sharing their struggles with others. There is a steady growth in the number of people who understand how beneficial mental health therapy can be.1
Outreach Recovery is a fully accredited mental health treatment center that supports individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), substance use disorders (SUDs), or other types of mental health conditions. When you first arrive at one of our locations, we will discuss the benefits of group counseling, the types of therapies we use, and what to expect during the sessions. Each program includes group and private therapy sessions on an outpatient basis.
For more information about group therapy and how it can help you or a loved one, email or call 888.897.9284 today for an appointment.
How Can Group Therapy Help?
For many people, the thought of sharing their struggles with others is a bad thing. Past generations grew up thinking they had to keep their problems to themselves and that no one wanted to hear them complain. This is one reason why many people choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol instead of talking with a therapist and their peers in a safe and trusting environment.
During a group therapy session, you will participate in a variety of group activities that can include:
- Role-playing games
- Communication and trust exercises
- Group discussions
- Mindfulness activities
- Yoga and meditation
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Nutrition education
- Other holistic therapies
In addition to group therapy, treatment programs include private therapy sessions. The patient and therapist will talk one-on-one to uncover the root cause behind the disorder and develop an effective strategy for improving their coping skills. In group therapy, patients will practice and fine-tune these skills until they are comfortable using them in real-world situations.
4 Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy has many benefits, such as teaching you several healthy coping skills and improving your overall mental health. If you are new to group therapy, here are four benefits of group therapy that you can experience:
1. Improved Communication Skills
Learning to communicate your feelings openly takes practice. In group therapy sessions, patients use role-playing games and other activities to practice communicating their feelings so that others can understand and relate.
2. Build a Strong Support Network
A strong support system is essential for a healthy recovery, no matter the disorder. Your peers can help you on difficult days when triggers and cravings are overwhelming or keep you company when you are feeling down. Better mental health is more achievable when you have trusted friends in your corner.
3. See How Others Are Coping
Seeing how others are coping with similar issues is a great way to understand better how mental health conditions affect all people, no matter their social or financial status or religious beliefs. This simple understanding can go a long way toward helping people see that working together can benefit everyone.
4. Holds You Accountable
One leading group therapy benefit you can expect is how the group will hold you more accountable for your actions. This means that your peers will be there to help you reach your recovery goals and stay on track, especially on those difficult days.
Enroll in Outreach Recovery’s Group Therapy Programs Today
At Outreach Recovery, we welcome anyone who can benefit from talking with a professional therapist about any depressive or anxiety symptoms that are negatively impacting their lives. Our outpatient programs use a healthy mix of therapies in group and private therapy sessions.
To discover the benefits of group counseling at one of our East Coast locations, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
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