Group
Works! Information
about Group Psychotherapy From
the American Group Psychotherapy Association
ยกGrupos Ayudan! (Spanish Translation
of Group Works!)
About
Group Psychotherapy Group
psychotherapy is a special form of therapy in which a small number of people meet
together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves
and one another. The therapy has been widely used and has been a standard treatment
option for over 50 years. If
you stop and think about it, each of us has been raised in group environments,
either through our families, schools, organized activities, or work. These are
the environments in which we grow and develop as human beings. Group psychotherapy
is no different. It provides a place where you come together with others to share
problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from
and with each other. Group
therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships.
It addresses feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety. And it helps people
make significant changes so they feel better about the quality of their lives.
Additionally, group therapists can apply the principles of group to other settings
and situations such as businesses, schools and community organizations. Group
works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual therapy, group therapy
has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective. In cases
of medical illness, there is substantial evidence that this form of therapy helps
people cope better with their illness, enhances the quality of their lives and,
in some cases, such as breast cancer, has even been shown to help people live
longer. If
you are considering therapy, together you and your therapist can explore the nature
of your problem. You will work to develop a better understanding of the problem
and discuss what changes might make the situation better. In addition to group
therapy, there are several other options available, including: - Talking
with an individual therapist
- Participating
in therapy as a couple or family
- Receiving
medication
- A combination
of the above treatments
Your
therapist can help you understand the benefits of each of these treatment options
and determine whats right for you.
The
Group Psychotherapist Group
psychotherapists are mental health professionals trained in one of several areas:
psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, marriage and family
therapy, pastoral counseling, creative arts therapy or substance abuse counseling.
In considering a therapist for group, make sure he or she is also qualified to
lead group psychotherapy. The National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists
certifies group therapists by the designation "CGP," which means the
therapist has received specialized training in group therapy. Clinical Members
of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) also have received specialized
training. Who
Can Benefit
Like individual therapy,
group therapy can benefit almost anyone. Some of the issues typically addressed
include: - Difficulties
with interpersonal relationships
- Problems
facing children and adolescents (such as impact from a divorce, peer issues, learning
or behavioral problems)
- Aging
- Medical
illness
- Depression
and anxiety
- Loss
- Trauma
- Lifestyle
issues within a traditional culture
- Personality
disorders
- Addictive
disorders
The
Group Therapy Session The
group therapy session is a collaborative effort in which the therapist assumes
clinical responsibility for the group and its members. In a typical session, which
lasts about 75-90 minutes, members work to express their own problems, feelings,
ideas and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Such exploration gives
the group the important information needed to understand and help one another.
Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also
become "therapeutic helpers" for other members. Commonly
Asked Questions How
does group work? A
group therapist appropriately selects people (usually 5 to 10) who would be helped
by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another. In meetings,
people are encouraged to talk with each other in a spontaneous and honest fashion.
A professionally trained therapist, who provides productive examination of the
issues or concerns affecting the individuals and the group, guides the discussion. Not
every group is alike. There are a variety of styles that different groups use.
For instance, some focus more on interpersonal development, where much of the
learning actually comes from the interaction between members. Others address thoughts
and behaviors, where the emphasis is on learning how to control negative thoughts,
address phobias or relieve anxiety-inducing situations. If
someone is in a group, do they also need individual therapy? It
depends on the individual. Sometimes group therapy is used as the main or only
treatment approach. Sometimes its used along with individual therapy. Often
people find that working simultaneously in both group and individual therapy stimulates
growth in mutually complementary ways. And clients may see two different therapists
for individual and group therapies. In such cases, its generally considered
important for the two therapists to communicate with each other periodically for
the clients benefit. Ask your therapist about the type of therapy that will
best meet your needs. How
is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups? Group
therapy focuses on interpersonal relationships and helps individuals learn how
to get along better with other people under the guidance of a professional. Group
psychotherapy also provides a support network for specific problems or challenges.
The psychotherapy group is different from support and self-help groups in that
it not only helps people cope with their problems, but also provides for change
and growth. Support groups, which are generally led by professionals, help people
cope with difficult situations at various times but are usually geared toward
alleviating symptoms. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom
or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist. Why
is group therapy useful? When
someone is thinking about joining a group, it is normal to have questions or concerns.
What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my
own problems in a group setting? What if I dont like the people in my group? Joining
a group is useful because it provides opportunities to learn with and from other
people, to understand ones own patterns of thought and behavior and those
of others, and to perceive how group members react to one another. We live and
interact with people every day and often there are things that other people are
experiencing or grappling with that can be beneficial to share with others. In
group therapy, you learn that perhaps youre not as different as you think
or that youre not alone. Youll meet and interact with people, and
the whole group learns to work on shared problems -- one of the most beneficial
aspects. The more you involve yourself in the group, the more you get out of it. What
kinds of people should participate in group therapy? Group
therapy can benefit many different people, from those having difficulties with
interpersonal relationships to those dealing with specific problems such as depression,
anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders or behavioral problems.
With adolescents, for example, group therapy teaches socialization skills needed
to help function in environments outside the home.
Will there
be people with similar problems in my group? The
therapist's role is to evaluate each member's problems prior to forming the group.
Usually there is a mix of members who can learn from each other. While some members
will have similar circumstances, it's not necessary for all to be dealing with
exactly the same problem. In fact, people with different strengths and difficulties
are often in the best position to help one another. What
kind of commitment do I need to make? The
time commitment depends on the type of group and the nature and extent of your
problems. Short-term groups devoted to concrete issues can last anywhere from
6 to 20 weeks. Support therapy groups (for example, those dealing with a medical
illness such as cancer) may be more long-term. There are also more open-ended
groups in which members work at their own pace and leave when their particular
needs or goals have been met. Its best to talk with your therapist to determine
the length of time thats right for you. What
if Im uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Its
not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but soon
you begin to develop feelings of interest and trust. Most clients find that group
therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk
with others who are experiencing similar problems -- in a private, confidential
setting. Many people who have experienced group therapy believe that working together
with others is helpful and they feel better by participating in this form of therapy. What
does group cost? The
cost varies depending on the type of therapist and perhaps even the geographic
area of the country. Typically, group therapy is about half the price of individual
therapy.
Is
it covered by insurance? Insurance
coverage is similar for both group and individual therapy. In addition, most managed
care companies cover group much the same as individual therapy. How
do I find a good group therapist? It's
important to consider the qualifications of a potential therapist. A professional
group therapist has received special training in group therapy and meets certain
professional standards. That's where the AGPA can help. Its Clinical Members have
received special training in group therapy. In addition, the National Registry
of Certified Group Psychotherapists certifies professionals who have met specific
training and educational criteria for group therapy as well as ongoing continuing
education requirements.
Click here to
search for a Certified Group Pyshcotherapist now! What
do I ask the
group therapist? When
talking with therapists, here are four simple questions you may want to ask.
- What is your background?
- Given
my specific situation, how do you think group would work for me?
- What
are your credentials as a group therapist?
- Do
you have special training that is relevant to my problem?
About
the American Group Psychotherapy Association The
American Group Psychotherapy Association is the oldest and largest professional
association dedicated to the field of group psychotherapy. The association has
thousands of members and maintains the highest professional standards in the field.
AGPA is a multidisciplinary association, representing all of the group psychotherapy
disciplines. Group
works! For information on finding a group psychotherapist,
click
here for online information or call toll free at 877-668-AGPA (2472)
or 212-477-2677. American
Group Psychotherapy Association 25 East 21st Street, 6th
Floor New York, New York 10010 212-477-2677 telephone 877-668-AGPA
(2472) toll-free telephone 212-979-6627 facsimile info@agpa.org
email www.agpa.org Appreciation
for support of this publication is gratefully acknowledged to the Group Psychotherapy
Foundation-Mitchell Hochberg Memorial Public Education Fund and The New York Times
Company Foundation 9/11 Neediest Fund.
To make a contribution to the Group Psychotherapy Foundation,
click here to complete a GPF Contribution Form. |