Attending group therapy may seem unpleasant initially; as private individuals, we are usually wary of sharing our stories and experiences with strangers. However, mental health group therapy overseen by an expert greatly benefits recovery. Group therapy programs are widely accepted as a standard form of intervention in psychotherapy. Research involving people with anxiety or depression found that group therapy helped improve resilience and psychological health. Group therapy for mental health is often designed for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. This article will discuss what to expect in group therapy and its benefits.
What is Mental Health Group Therapy?
A mental health group usually consists of persons with the same health challenges. It is overseen by a psychotherapist who is an expert in the field. Typically, the number of clients that make up a group is between 5-15; this is also in a bid to ensure active participation from every member of the group. Usually, more than one expert is involved in group therapy for mental health programs to ensure effectiveness. In mental health group therapy, participants discuss their symptoms, experiences, and some coping mechanisms they have learned to use in their recovery journey. The purpose of the group also determines the type of group it is. In most mental health group therapy, learning and implementing specific life skills are the group’s primary purposes. Let’s explore the peculiar benefits of being in a mental health group.
Benefits of Mental Health Group Therapy
A mental health group supports your recovery because of its peculiar attributes. In this section, you’ll learn some of the benefits of being an active group therapy member.
Provides a Support System
A mental health group therapy affords you the benefit of a support system from other clients and experts. This is quite important because you get to hear the experiences – wins, and struggles of different clients with the same condition. This can be more helpful because the shared experiences are personalized and have deep emotional significance. This lets you know that you’re not the only one facing these challenges, and you can be more confident and encouraged in your journey to recovery and wholeness.
Creates an Environment for Optimism
Usually, persons with a mental health challenge often face discouragement in their recovery journey. A mental health group support system can provide an avenue for optimism. Being with people with similar conditions who are still optimistic about their growth can encourage those facing discouragement. Group members can also offer support systems to ensure you stay committed to your recovery even when that is the last thing you want to do.
Improves Social Skills
People struggling with interpersonal skills or social anxiety may find mental health group therapy significantly helpful. Sharing and listening to others can help create an avenue to learn self-awareness, build emotional intelligence, and challenge one to face one’s social fears.
Provides an Accountability Framework
In mental health recovery, a system to keep you accountable is critical for not relapsing into unhealthy behavioral patterns. A mental health group support can ensure that you constantly have peers going through similar experiences who can help you remain committed to healthy lifestyle choices. There may also be times when there are blind spots that you do not see. An accountability framework can offer you the support to see these.
Helps to Build Healthy Relationships
Mental health group support is also a way for people with mental illness to build healthy relationships. Many persons may feel isolated in their recovery journey; mental health group therapy can help address the feelings of loneliness and isolation when you form healthy bonds with other group members.
Provides a Safe Space
Also, a support group allows you to have a community of people who will take you as you are, regardless of your decisions and past mistakes. Being in a community like this may help your recovery journey greatly.
Finding Mental Health Group Support in Los Angeles
At Satori Health, we provide mental health services based on scientific evidence and tailored to meet individual needs. With the oversight of our expert team, you can be part of a mental health therapy group program that will provide you with the support you need. Other available psychotherapy programs include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), family therapy, etc. Our services also provide a partial hospitalization program and an outpatient treatment program. Contact us today to benefit from our services and begin your journey to wholeness.