What is Group Therapy Like?

One reason patients are reluctant to work in a therapy group is they fear things will go too far, that the powerful therapist or collective group might coerce them to lose control – to say or think or feel things that will be catastrophic. The therapist can make the group feel safer by allowing each patient to set his or her limits and by emphasizing the patient’s control over every interaction. — Irvin D. Yalom

The value of being part of a sympathetic group process – whether a therapy group or a support group – is evident in numerous ways. Many of us have a not-so-quiet inner voice that fears we are alone, that we are the only one in the world with this problem, this thought, this fear. And while a therapist might gently and consistently validate the fear and encourage considering that others share this dilemma, that voice can persist. “They have to say that, they’re my therapist – they don’t really get it. No one else feels like this. I am completely alone with this.”

And herein lies the beauty of the group. Being in a room with other individuals also striving for wellness, who are experiencing a similar life situation, provides a unique sense of reassurance. We feel seen and heard, we feel “normal”, and this piece of our healing is enormously effective.

Naturally, allowing yourself to dip a toe into group sharing feels vulnerable. Many envision a group being a place where it is mandatory to share, either our own concerns or offering solutions for others. The truth is that a person can make enormous gains through merely being present and attentively listening. More often than not, group members wind up wanting to verbally participate. That is every individual’s decision – not the group facilitator, not some kind of group consensus. Group is whatever you need it to be.

Take a look at our Betty Center Event Calendar to see what group speaks to you!