There are many ways we relate to others; through pictures, art, music, and other experiences. But talking and connecting with others through words is a powerful way to learn from others and learn about ourselves. This connection is why traditional group counseling is part of a successful treatment plan for many mental health issues, including substance use disorder.
While one-on-one counseling is crucial for an individual’s recovery, group counseling is a hallmark of the community of recovery. The positive effect of peer support that group counseling provides cannot be overstated. At Northpoint Washington’s group therapy program in Edmonds, Washington, we also provide individual and family therapy to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders. Reach out to learn more about the many benefits of group counseling by calling 425.437.3298.
Benefits Of Group Counseling
Individuals benefit from group counseling regardless of the addiction they’ve experienced. By sharing their personal experiences and frustrations, they can encourage others in their journey to recovery. This optimism is essential for helping others achieve freedom from drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Sessions in group therapy, led by an experienced and certified therapist, work to support recovery among participants in treatment and counter the feeling of isolation.
Recovery, particularly in an inpatient setting, can feel isolating and patients may feel removed from their everyday lives and the world. Group counseling can alleviate this sense of isolation by providing healthy environments to build interpersonal relationships. Even if you consider yourself a very private person, group counseling is a valuable part of the program, and participation is strongly encouraged.
7 Benefits of Group Counseling
When treating substance use disorders and dual diagnoses, research shows that group therapy can be just as, if not more, effective than individual therapy.
Benefits of group counseling include:
- Gaining perspective from others may provide insight into your own experience. It’s an opportunity to build meaningful bonds with others seeking sobriety.
- Working on long-term sobriety is more manageable with peer support, helping you to understand the nature of your addiction better.
- A comfortable pace to discuss particularly private information about your struggle with addiction. Sharing something from your past at your own pace, talking about how you feel, or revealing what your experience taught you could help you accept yourself.
- A group setting can help you be more honest and open with yourself as you relate to others.
- Acknowledging and exploring your personal growth can give you greater self-awareness.
- It’s an effective way to defeat addiction, shown to be a powerful practice that allows for reflection, motivation, and the sharing of mutual experiences.
- Treatment participants who engage in group counseling are more likely to remain sober and committed to recovery than those who don’t undergo group counseling.
Learn More About Group Therapy For Addiction Recovery At Northpoint Washington
The trained counselors and staff at Northpoint Washington respect the boundaries of individual patients and work to build a sense of trust as the group talks openly about their addiction recovery and mental health. The peer support that group counseling provides is a foundation of trust and confidentiality and can be an excellent way for people in recovery to improve communication skills and better understand their addiction.
Over time, participants get more comfortable in group therapy as the therapist facilitates discussion of the recovery journey and addiction experiences, educating and preparing participants for the world outside the treatment center.
Find out how our treatment programs that utilize group counseling can help those struggling with addiction. If you or someone you care about needs help, reach out to our team today by completing the online form or calling 425.437.3298 to speak with someone who cares.