Experiential Therapy
When you imagine addiction therapy, you probably picture sitting in an office with a therapist and a small group of your peers. However, not all...
Read MoreEnrolling in an addiction treatment program is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Doing so gives you the opportunity to rehabilitate your behaviors, improve your health, and even build relationships with other like-minded individuals who can support you in your recovery.
While many people who struggle with addiction also isolate themselves from others, connecting with others and developing healthy, sober relationships is an integral part of sobriety. That’s why group therapy is at the center of most drug and alcohol rehab programs.
Group therapy is a therapy that involves two or more individuals and a therapist. Group members take turns discussing their common struggles, experiences, emotions, fears, and goals on a wide range of topics. This approach helps build connection, promote accountability, and encourage positive behavioral changes.
Group therapy is unique because it allows you to gain insight into your own recovery by learning from the experiences of other people who also struggle with addiction. You are able to benefit from your interactions with your peers rather than only with a therapist.
While a therapist may not have the same experiences as you, you know that your peers do, so they understand exactly what you are going through. This common ground shows you that you are not alone.
Another unique aspect of group therapy is that it allows you to experience other peoples’ recovery in real-time. Watching other people achieve their goals and overcome challenges can be very inspiring, and it can motivate you to continue working toward your own goals.
Groups are typically small and have less than 10-15 members as well as a single therapist or two therapists. The groups may be fixed or revolving, meaning some groups will have the same individuals each time you meet while others may include new individuals, giving you an opportunity to gain alternative perspectives.
Each session will begin with either guidance from the therapist about a specific topic or a general check-in. The check-in allows each participant to discuss how they are feeling, what accomplishments they have made, or anything they are struggling with. Oftentimes, a check-in will introduce new topics that will then lead to an in-depth discussion that requires the participation of everyone in the group.
A wide range of topics may be addressed during group therapy, including:
The therapist will guide the discussion and act as a mediator if needed. However, most of the talking happens between patients. You will be encouraged to provide feedback, express how you relate to certain topics, and observe how other participants interact with one another. The conversation may flow naturally, but the therapist may step in to point out certain things, pose important questions, or direct the conversation in a certain direction.
Most importantly, group members are asked to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other group members. What is said in group therapy is meant to stay in the therapy room. This is meant to promote a safe and trustworthy environment for all participants.
Group counseling is a clinically-proven approach to addiction treatment because it is effective at promoting positive change and growth. This psychosocial approach helps you gain a deeper understanding of your addiction and what is required to stay sober.
Other benefits of group therapy in addiction treatment include:
Getting vulnerable with a group of people can seem intimidating at first, but doing so can be extremely rewarding.
Group therapy is at the core of addiction treatment and recovery. While it may feel uncomfortable or scary at first, we guarantee you will find it worth the risk. For many of our patients, the relationships they develop in their group therapy sessions last a lifetime and play a pivotal role in their recovery journeys.
With the support and encouragement of your peers, as well as evidence-based clinical services, you can recover. Call now to get started.