Group therapy is defined as any therapy aimed at treating multiple people at once. Group therapy shares some similarities with family therapy in its structure. The main difference is that group therapy participants generally enter therapy without preexisting relationships. Sessions in group therapy are led by a trained practitioner and work to support recovery for a cohort of participants.
Learn more about Northpoint Washington’s group therapy program in Edmonds, Washington by calling 888.450.2153.
Group Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Research finds that group therapy can be just as if not more effective as individual therapy in treating substance abuse disorders and dual diagnoses. People who engage in group therapy are more likely to remain sober and committed to recovery than those who do not undergo group therapy.
Ultimately, three key factors set group therapy apart regarding why it can be such an effective treatment method. These are:
Peer Support and Accountability
Group therapy offers everyone involved a direct peer group that provides ongoing support and accountability for staying sober.
Reduced Isolation
Recovery, particularly in an inpatient setting, can be an isolating experience. People may feel cut off from their normal lives and the wider world. Group therapy can alleviate this sense of isolation by providing regular, healthy settings for interpersonal relationship building.
Witnessing Recovery
Attending group therapy gives people a window into the recovery journeys of numerous peers. Some of their peers will be ahead of them in recovery, some of them may be behind. That means people in group therapy can receive mentorship and guidance from people who have largely achieved sobriety and have opportunities to mentor those who follow behind them as they advance.
Benefits of Group Therapy
- Provides structure and routine for participants
- Teaches healthy coping skills and allows group members to learn from one another
- It gives participants the chance to observe others’ challenges and how they problem-solve
- Builds self-worth and relational bonds
- Offers peer support and motivation
Depending on the service provider, group therapy sessions are flexible in implementing. They can range from hospital inpatient settings to residential programs to outpatient programs. In addition, group therapy takes advantage of economies of scale. Group therapy allows a single clinician to treat multiple patients at once with no decrease in efficacy compared to one-on-one psychotherapy. Treating addiction for multiple patients simultaneously also means more people receive help quicker than if each person needed one-on-one therapy.
Who Benefits Most from Group Therapy?
Even though group therapy is equally effective as individual therapy, it’s right to wonder if it is better for some people than others. Group therapy programs consider a variety of things when recommending group therapy or not. These factors include where someone is in recovery, their level of emotional stability, their unique needs, and their stated treatment preferences.
People who may not be a good fit for group therapy are those who:
- Struggle with confidentiality
- Find it hard to develop and maintain relationships
- Are in crisis and need severe intervention
- Experience high stress in social situations
Reach Out to Northpoint Washington to Learn More About Our Group Therapy Program
Northpoint Washington’s group therapy program is predicated on fellowship’s idea to heal. Our patients share resources, hold each other accountable, and get to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.
Beyond group therapy, we offer numerous treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, art and music therapies, and mindfulness training. If you’ve been feeling isolated in your journey to wholeness, we have the perfect community for you.
Call us at 888.450.2153 to access our exceptional group therapy program and other mental health and addiction treatment programs.