Group therapy benefits folks in many ways. Many of us were unfamiliar with therapy and wary about discussing our personal problems with someone else. Group therapy, specifically, seems like an intimidating prospect—not only are we disclosing personal information about our problems with one person, but we are discussing them with a room full of strangers. However, engaging with a group can be more beneficial in many respects than engaging solely with a therapist. We have often felt alone with our problems for a long time and were unwilling to open up to another person. We felt that there was something wrong with us and that nobody else could possibly understand. In group therapy, however, we quickly found that this was not the case. Every other person with addiction issues can understand exactly where we are coming from because they have experienced the same struggles. We quickly realize that others are there to support us, and we are able to support them. If you are searching for “addiction treatment therapies near me,” please consider Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach, CA. Contact us at 877.296.7477 to learn about the benefits of group therapy.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy and counseling in which a small group of individuals meets regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist. The purpose of the group is to:
- Share experiences
- Learn new coping and communication skills
- Gain insight into behavior patterns
- Confront difficult issues
- Reduce isolation and loneliness
- Acquire support from others
Group therapy offers several unique benefits to those in recovery, including the Group therapy allows us to open up to others who understand the feelings that we thought were unique to us and to use others as a sounding board to come to conclusions about our path to recovery.
Group Therapy Benefits
Group therapy sessions are headed by psychologists or therapists with specialized training to make the session as effective and beneficial as possible for all those involved. Benefits of group therapy include:
- A safe, non-judgmental environment to express oneself
- Opportunities to practice and learn new coping strategies within the safety of the group
- The sharing of experiences to gain insight and understanding
- An increase in self-awareness through feedback from peers
- Emotional support and motivation from a supportive network
- Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
- A chance to practice communication skills in a safe place
- The ability to gain empathy from those who have gone through similar struggles
- The ability to gain knowledge from shared experiences and to learn from the experience of others
- A greater sense of self-esteem and confidence through personal growth
- The chance to form meaningful connections with peers in recovery
By engaging in group therapy sessions, members of the group can experience meaningful conversations and gain insight into their own experiences. Group therapy also allows for a safe, non-judgmental place to express oneself, learn from others, and receive emotional support.
Discover Group Therapy Benefits at Oceanfront Recovery
If you are searching for addiction treatment in California, contact Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.296.7477. We would love to discuss group therapy benefits further. Our experienced clinicians and therapists are prepared to help you discover the benefits of group therapy for yourself. We provide a safe and supportive environment so you can move forward in your recovery journey. We have the opportunity to open up and find that we are not alone and that we are able to rely on the support provided by other members of the group.
Your story does not have to be one of pain and suffering in addiction. You can make the decision to build a brighter future by seeking help today.