Many of us were unfamiliar with therapy and wary about discussing our personal problems with someone else. Group therapy, specifically, seemed 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 suffering from the disease of addiction can understand exactly where we our coming from because they have experienced the same struggles and suffering. We quickly realize that others are there to support us and we are able to support them. 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 of recovery. According to the American Psychological Association, “Regularly talking and listening to others also helps you put your own problems in perspective. Many people experience mental health difficulties, but few speak openly about them to people they don’t know well. Oftentimes, you may feel like you are the only one struggling — but you’re not. It can be a relief to hear others discuss what they’re going through, and realize you’re not alone.” We may have a specific fear that we want to manage or get past, and may find someone else in the group who has gotten to the point where we wish to be and can provide advice as to how they did it. That is not to say that group therapy is just talking with other individuals suffering from the same problems. 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. 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. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers individual and group therapy sessions as part of the Residential Treatment program. For more information about individualized treatment option, from Detox to Aftercare, please call today: (877) 279-1777
