Group therapy is when people receive psychotherapy in a group setting instead of individually. It’s effective for many different conditions and has several unique benefits.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a common treatment for conditions affecting mental and emotional health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that
There are several types of psychotherapy. One that you may encounter is group therapy. In group therapy, one or two mental health professionals lead a group session.
According to the American Psychological Association, groups are typically made up of 5 to 15 people and meet for one to two hours each week. You may receive group therapy either in-person or online.
This article provides an overview of group therapy, including its benefits, what types of conditions it’s best suited for, the different types of groups, and more.
First off, group therapy is effective. A 2021 article notes that 11 analyses of 329 clinical trials involving over 27,000 participants have found that group therapy is just as effective as other treatments for mental health conditions.
There are also several unique benefits to group therapy. These are important to be aware of if you’re interested in group therapy as a treatment option.
On a basic level, groups can act as a support network during your therapy journey. For example, groups may:
Foster feelings of belongingness and acceptance
When you’re living with mental or physical health conditions, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. Receiving therapy with a group of people experiencing similar things to you can remind you that this isn’t the case.
Act as a sounding board
People in your group may come from all walks of life and can have a variety of personality types. As a result, you can receive different takes on your situation and input on new ways to deal with challenges.
Hold you accountable
Group members can hold each other accountable for their actions and how they affect others, helping to promote positive changes and progress.
Help you embrace different perspectives
Being in a group with different types of people can help you realize that, ultimately, we’re all more similar than we are different.
Group therapy may be helpful for the following mental health conditions:
It’s also possible that you may choose to explore group therapy to help cope with emotional distress. For example, group therapy can be an effective approach for managing emotions like
Group therapy can also be beneficial for certain medical conditions. For example, it may help address distress in people who’ve been
When wouldn’t group therapy be recommended?
Sometimes, group therapy may
- is very anxious or shy about participating in group sessions
- is experiencing acute mental or emotional distress
- has trouble connecting with and relating to others
- has poor impulse control
- cannot commit to regular group sessions due to their work or life schedule
- is unlikely to comply with the rules or guidelines set out for group therapy
When it comes to group therapy, there are a few different group types, as discussed below.
Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous groups
Homogeneous groups are formed around a specific group of people and typically have a certain focus. To help you get a better idea of this, a few examples are groups for:
- women coping with the effects of breast cancer and its treatment
- individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder
- people managing grief after losing a loved one
A 2021 article notes that homogenous groups are more likely to “click” and get to work quickly. This is due to the fact that everyone in the group shares a common situation.
Heterogeneous groups are made up of a variety of different people and may not have as much of a central focus as homogenous groups. In this way, a heterogeneous group
Open vs. closed groups
You may start with an open group at any time, meaning that some people will have been in the group longer than others. There may also be an adjustment period as everyone gets to know new group members.
In a closed group, everyone starts at the same time. Closed groups are typically part of a specific treatment plan, such as participating in regular sessions over a defined 8-week period.
Small vs. large groups
As we mentioned earlier, group therapy typically involves 5 to 15 people. There are pros and cons to small versus large groups.
Smaller groups can allow more time for each person in the group, but there may be less variety in experiences and perspectives. Meanwhile, larger groups allow for this, but there may be less time for each person to join the discussion.
Several different types of techniques may be used for group therapy. The following sections explore techniques you may encounter.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very common type of psychotherapy. In CBT, you’ll work first to pinpoint and then change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical behavioral therapy is a specific type of CBT that may also be used in group therapy. It teaches strategies to better manage emotions.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy helps you comprehend interpersonal issues that can cause problems, focusing on ways to improve communication and manage emotions.
Psychoeducational therapy
Psychoeducational therapy uses a multi-pronged approach. It focuses on informing you about your specific illness and equipping you with skills that can help you manage it, such as those related to communication, problem-solving, and assertiveness.
Psychodynamic therapy
Psychodynamic therapy hinges on the principle that thoughts and behaviors can be rooted in past experiences. It works to improve self-awareness of these typically unconscious factors and then teaches strategies to manage them.
Skills development
Skills development groups aim to improve various social skills. They may include modeling and practicing various behaviors and setting behavioral or social goals.
Skills development may be helpful for various mental health conditions and also developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder.
Group therapy is when you receive psychotherapy in a group, as opposed to individually.
It is an effective form of therapy for many conditions, and can lead to a greater sense of belonging, different perspectives on issues, and increased accountability.
A variety of mental health conditions can be treated with group therapy, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
Group therapy may also be used to manage stress, grief, and certain medical conditions.
There are different types of groups and various therapy techniques that may be used. Having an open conversation with a healthcare professional can help you find a group that best suits your individual needs and your treatment goals.