Group Therapy
If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.
– Buddhist Proverb
Knowing you are not alone can be powerful.
Group therapy provides a chance to interact with people with similar experiences. Working with others makes you realize you are not alone – others have the same issues.
Often, groups offer us the courage and support that individual therapy cannot. It helps to know that we’re not alone and that others understand our plight.
A comment made by a group member or a warm hug can mean the difference between barely holding on and finding the strength to move forward.
I offer the following groups for clients who want a format other than (or in combination with) individual therapy.
Domestic Violence Group benefitted Joni*.
When Joni entered the room with a huge black eye, the group members did not ask questions with words or body language. They warmly welcomed her.
They had all been there and knew how it felt to be stared at, met with questioning, and judged through the eyes of others. It hurts when someone suffering from domestic violence hears, “Why doesn’t Joni just leave?”
Joni’s fellow group members knew well the cycle of violence and promises by their partner never to hurt them again, followed by escalating tension and walking on eggshells until it happened again.
The group did all they could to support Joni as she endeavored to leave the horrors of violence behind her in search of a peaceful life.
Grief Group helped Mac*.
Mac sobbed during the group session as he said, “Early morning is the hardest.” He and his wife used to love getting up early and having coffee in their garden together. He missed her so much – after 50 years of marriage – and didn’t know how to cope without her.
“The house is so quiet – I miss her laughter and even her scolding me for the way I folded the towels. I’d give everything I own to have one more day with her.”
The group and Mac shed tears as they understood the pain of losing someone dear. They offered him support in the form of suggestions and hugs.
By helping Mac, they were also helping themselves move through their grief.
Divorce Group gave Mallory* hope.
Mallory’s husband left her two months ago for another woman after 13 years of marriage. She was devastated because she was so sure they were soulmates.
Her pain intensified when she learned the other woman was her best friend. She couldn’t rest or eat, lost 30 pounds, and lost all hope when she found the support group.
The tears she shed as she told her story in the group seemed to wash away some of the pain. She sensed it would not happen overnight but decided to return next week with renewed hope that life would improve.
Don’t suffer in silence!
Call today to participate in the next group available.
I facilitate group therapy in combination with individual therapy whenever possible! Blending such modalities as Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness along with the group process offers those in need the most cohesive healing method available.
If joy has left your life and no one around you seems to understand, please reach out today. Group therapy works!
*These are fictitious names and scenarios used only to illustrate real-life situations.