What Can I Expect in Group Therapy?

There is nothing easy about navigating recovery. Whether one is overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol or navigating other mental health disorders, recovery is filled with challenges, trials, and stress. However, recovery is also a time of change and progress. 

Often, treatment programs emphasize the value that group therapy has on recovery. Group therapy helps individuals feel supported, motivated, and empowered by others who are also working to establish recovery. It is common for many to be uncomfortable or wary of group therapy at first. However, knowing what to expect can help deconstruct these barriers and inspire individuals to make the most of this treatment service during recovery.

Group therapy involves one or more therapists working together with several individuals who are in treatment. Often, group therapy is a required treatment intervention for those in recovery, regardless of where they are in their recovery process. Sessions take place both in residential treatment and outpatient treatment programs. The size of each group will vary, but groups do not typically exceed 15 people. Smaller groups may be even more common, as they provide more time to focus on the needs of each individual.

Group therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. It is normal to engage with individual, group, and experiential therapies in tandem to create a truly transformative approach to healing and recovery. 

Trained professionals lead each group therapy session. These professionals may present guiding questions, structure conversation and discussion, and host other therapeutic practices like role-playing to facilitate group understanding. However, each group will be different, and each will have its own cultures and practices based on the needs and goals of those in attendance. It can be helpful for individuals to know that if they do not feel connected to a specific group, other groups may be able to better resonate with their individual needs and goals. Continuing the search for the most effective groups can be instrumental throughout one’s recovery journey. 

There can also be inherently diverse established groups that can help an individual find the right program for them. For some, dedicated veteran programs are essential for connecting veterans to peers living through similar challenges. Others may have different distributions of race, age, sex, or other demographics. Asking about these demographics can help each find the most effective group for them. 

Group therapy is a common practice, and its efficacy in addressing many different needs and skills is invaluable. From learning new skills to challenging ideas and perspectives, the benefits of group therapy have lasting impacts on each individual’s recovery journey. 

Addiction and mental health disorders can be incredibly isolating, and it is common to feel alone in one’s struggles. Group therapy is essential in introducing an individual to peers who can share and sympathize with these unique challenges. Establishing a place of belonging and acceptance is crucial for ingratiating oneself into these communities. Additionally, the pervasive, accepting atmosphere is vital for deconstructing any barriers made in self-isolation. Feeling truly connected to a group or community can empower individuals to challenge their recovery further while benefitting from the support of caring and understanding peers. 

Communication is a core part of recovery. Learning to communicate with peers, professionals, and loved ones alike is instrumental in navigating each unique recovery journey. Group therapy creates a safe space to explore new communication strategies and learn from others about their unique journey’s difficulties. It can be difficult to verbalize or describe one’s experiences with mental health disorders or addiction. However, peers in group therapy can provide new communication strategies to express these difficult and complex situations. 

While recovery is a personal effort, learning from those living through their battles is still possible. As peers explore new coping strategies for navigating urges and cravings, processing stress or anxiety, or challenging the effects of depression, it is possible to adapt these strategies for oneself. Seeing the success of these strategies in others can be a huge motivational factor. Similarly, constantly having an influx of new ideas to explore can ensure one’s recovery never feels stagnant.

Being accountable in recovery is important; one must be committed to their sober goals and ambitions. Just as it is important to celebrate each milestone in recovery, one must also be held accountable for their behavior and actions. Group therapy can create a supportive atmosphere that balances this accountability in one’s journey. One of the most crucial parts of long-term treatment engagement in group therapy is addressing challenges and maintaining a clear focus on one’s sober goals. 

Group therapy is an effective and powerful form of recovery, and the skills and advantages it provides can be instrumental in helping you or a loved one overcome the effects of addiction or mental health disorders. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand the importance of community and camaraderie, and we blend the use of group therapy with other proven modalities and the unique advantages of our Hawaii recovery center to create a personalized approach to your needs and goals. From individualized practices, experiential therapy, and natural and ocean-based modalities, we are committed to helping you explore new cultures and ideas in recovery, all backed by a community of like-minded peers and professionals alike. To learn more, call (866) 390-5070.