By Ashley Barnes, M.S.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving one or more mental health professionals working with several people at the same time. In group therapy settings, clients often reinforce and develop support networks, learn and practice coping skills, and build interpersonal skills.
Group therapy is often used to treat mental health disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, etc.), substance use disorders, and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.). Group therapy is also appropriate for people navigating similar challenges such as motherhood, grief due to a loss, bullying in adolescence, and many other lived experiences.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy has many benefits, some of which are outlined below:
More Affordable
Group therapy can be a more affordable and accessible alternative to traditional, individual talk therapy. Group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy, even by hundreds of dollars. Given that many people have concerns about starting therapy due to the cost, the reduced cost can be a notable benefit of group therapy.
Social Skills
Group therapy helps people enhance social skills such as active listening, empathy, social awareness, and conversational skills. Social psychologists often discuss how human beings are “wired for connection,” and group therapy spaces allow for this to transpire in a safe, contained way.
Additionally, people will often report improved self-confidence and sense of accountability after attending group therapy.
Builds Community
We often feel that we are alone in our struggles, whether that be moving through a challenging lived experience or navigating a mental health disorder. The individuals involved in group therapy are all experiencing similar issues. People involved in group therapy discover that they aren’t alone and that there is a sense of universality to their struggles.
Talking with others who personally understand what we are going through can be validating and normalizing. Hearing other people’s stories allows you to connect with others and provides a feeling of belonging. Group therapy also provides you with support, healthy feedback, and the safety needed to improve your life and relationships.
Coping Skills
In addition to the relational and financial benefits, group therapy is also an education space where people learn effective coping skills. The coping skills that are taught are specific to the focus of the group. For example, if the group is centered around healing from PTSD, people will often learn grounding exercises to help them soothe their nervous systems when trauma responses are triggered out in the world.
Similarly, if a therapy group focuses on depression, members of the group will learn coping skills for depression that are backed by research. This may look like cultivating gratitude, improving sleep, and written exercises to change negative thought patterns.
Let Us Support You
Here at the Mental Health Center we have skilled clinicians and physicians ready to support you and your loved ones through group therapy.
DBT Therapy Group
Jennifer Bieler LMFT is a therapist who is affiliated with the Mental Health Center and works from a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy lens. Jennifer has created a group that will teach the four modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. All four modules will be covered over approximately a 7-month period consisting of a weekly 60-minute session. New members may join the group at the beginning of each new module.
- 8 weeks of Distress Tolerance (4 weeks Mindfulness)
- 8 weeks of Emotion Regulation (2 weeks Mindfulness)
- 8 weeks of Interpersonal Effectiveness (2 weeks Mindfulness)
- 4 weeks of Self-compassion & Validation
Facilitated via Zoom on Mondays from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Groups require a minimum of a 2-month commitment. To sign up, book an Initial Group Therapy Assessment or email jennifer@mentalhealthctr.com for more information.
Ketamine Therapy Group
Embark on a profound journey of healing and self-discovery with our virtual Ketamine Therapy Group. At the Mental Health Center, we understand the unique challenges individuals face in their mental health journey and are proud to announce this new additional support. Experienced co-facilitators Hannah Bystritsky Johnson LCSW and Vicki Kalira MD are dedicated to providing a personalized and compassionate approach to your well-being.
Ketamine Therapy has shown remarkable results in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. What sets them apart is their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for your transformative experience. Take control of your mental health and explore the therapeutic benefits of Ketamine – a pathway to a brighter, balanced, and more resilient you. Your healing journey begins here.Facilitated via Zoom on Thursdays from 6 pm to 7 pm starting April 4. Group sessions are $150 with a minimum 2-group commitment and a 30-minute initial orientation with Hannah Bystritsky Johnson LCSW for $75. Email kalira@mentalhealthctr.com or hannah@mentalhealthctr.com for more information.