(Do you know the difference?)
Both therapy groups and support groups offer an excellent way to get psychological insights, personal growth and peer support. Plus, both types of groups are a much less expensive way to receive therapy and help.
Support Groups Versus Therapy Groups
Typically, a support group focuses on a challenge that the members struggle with in common, such as some sort of addictive behavior like overeating or gambling, or grieving the loss of a loved one. Support groups may or may not have a facilitator, and they may not have a therapist facilitator. If the group is facilitated, it may be facilitated by a member, or members might take turns. Many support groups are facilitated by a therapist. The purpose of a support group usually emphasizes peer support while focusing on the mutual struggles of the members. Support groups are often less structured and formal than therapy groups.
A therapy group is facilitated by a therapist. The healing can be deeper due to the therapist’s training as well as the nature of the group, but this certainly isn’t always the case. Therapy groups can also revolve around topics of interest, such as “relationship skills,” but they usually focus on mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. A therapy group might include people that the therapist thoughtfully selects amongst their individual clients who share similar struggles and who might benefit from working together as a group. The members support each other in their healing and growth. The emphasis is on deeper psychological healing for each member. The therapist might simultaneously work individually with group members during group sessions while also working with the group as a whole. The individual therapy that takes place in a group setting is offered in such a way as to not embarrass the individual member but rather to use the safe container of the group support as a means to assist with that member’s healing, which can also support the healing of the other group members with similar challenges.
The Many Possible Benefits of Both Types of Groups
Having facilitated both support groups and therapy groups for over 35 years, I have seen firsthand the tremendous value of each.
Many of my individual therapy clients have hugely benefited from engaging in individual therapy, plus a concurrent therapy or support group with me. They have seen how much they can achieve in a much shorter period of time comes from participating in both. As my clients’ individual therapist, I can help them target their deepest core challenges and wounds. But when I am also my client’s group therapist, I am able to provide them with so much more. I observe how they interact and communicate with peers and where they are challenged with this. I can observe how well they emotionally connect with others and are able to demonstrate understanding and empathy with their peers. Then, in individual therapy sessions, I can provide them with insights from what I observed in the group. For example, I can effectively coach them on body language, facial expression, and appropriate and effective communication methods that can help them master their interpersonal relationships. Step by step, they practice their new skills in the group and I witness and help with where they continue to be challenged, helping them progress further with their interpersonal relationship skills.
Whether one is a member of a support group or a therapy group, the possible benefits the group experience brings for less cost are immense. The groups offer a sense of belonging and encouragement from other members, while also providing new skills and techniques to help with one’s struggles. What is not to like about that?
To experience these benefits for yourself, consider exploring group therapy as a powerful complement to individual support.