What Happens During Group Therapy

Group therapy is a collaborative form of psychotherapy that brings multiple people together in a shared healing environment. Led by one or more trained therapists, these sessions are designed to foster emotional growth, increase self-awareness, and support recovery. By engaging in open discussions and reflective exercises, participants not only explore their own experiences but also benefit from the perspectives and insights of others. This communal setting becomes a space where people can feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their mental health journey.

Why Group Therapy?

From the moment someone enters a group therapy space, the potential for connection begins. Sharing personal stories in a group setting can ease feelings of isolation and offer a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. The act of listening to others, and being truly heard in return, can be deeply validating and emotionally healing.

Some key benefits of group therapy include:

• Shared experiences: Realizing that others face similar struggles can reduce shame and create a powerful sense of community ^[1].
  
• Diverse perspectives: Hearing how others cope with challenges can offer new strategies and insights that may not be discovered in solo therapy.
  
• Empathy and support: Group members often offer compassion, encouragement, and honest feedback, helping each other grow in a safe, respectful space ^[2].
  
• Improved communication: Practicing active listening and expressing thoughts in a group helps build interpersonal skills that carry over into daily life.
  
• Emotional resilience: Witnessing and participating in others’ healing journeys can inspire hope and strengthen one’s own sense of possibility.

Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy

Both group and individual therapy offer meaningful paths to healing, but they serve different purposes depending on a person’s needs. Individual therapy provides a private space to delve deeply into personal concerns with one-on-one guidance from a therapist. It’s often ideal for those seeking personalized attention, privacy, or working through complex or sensitive issues.

Group therapy, on the other hand, thrives on shared connection and mutual support. It offers a dynamic setting to explore emotional challenges while developing social and relational skills. Some people choose group therapy to work on real-time interactions, gain validation from peers, or practice vulnerability in a safe space ^[3].

The choice isn’t always one or the other. Many people find that a combination of group and individual therapy provides a well-rounded support system for growth and recovery.

Types of Group Therapy

There are several types of group therapy, each designed to meet specific emotional, psychological, or behavioral needs. Understanding the distinctions can help people find the format that feels most supportive and aligned with their goals ^[4].

Common types of group therapy include:

• Support groups: These groups bring together people with shared experiences such as grief, addiction, or chronic illness to offer mutual encouragement and reduce feelings of isolation.
  
• Psychoeducational groups: Focused on educating participants, these groups often explore topics like stress management, communication, or coping strategies for specific conditions such as anxiety or depression.
  
• Process-oriented therapy groups: These groups center on understanding interpersonal dynamics. Members share openly, provide feedback, and explore how their patterns show up in relationships.
  
• Skill-building groups: These groups aim to help participants learn practical skills like mindfulness, emotion regulation, or social skills in a structured way.

In any type of group therapy, the therapist plays a crucial role in guiding the group toward growth and meaningful change. To do this effectively, group therapists use a wide range of interpersonal and clinical skills. 

These include active listening to fully understand both spoken and unspoken messages, and reflecting to help members feel heard and validated. Therapists also clarify and summarize discussions to deepen insight and track group progress. They facilitate interaction among members, shifting focus away from themselves to encourage peer connection. Through empathizing and interpreting, therapists help members explore their experiences within a therapeutic framework. They also use questioning and linking to stimulate thought and highlight shared experiences. When needed, therapists confront inconsistencies, support members emotionally, and block behaviors that disrupt group cohesion or safety. 

These interventions may not always be obvious to group members, but they are intentional and grounded in theory. Ultimately, the group therapist’s skillful guidance helps create a safe, dynamic space where members can explore, connect, and grow.

The Group Therapy Process

Group therapy sessions are carefully structured to create a safe, respectful space where participants can share, reflect, and grow together. While each group may operate slightly differently, most follow a general flow that helps build connection and progress over time.

Here’s what typically happens during group therapy:

1. Creating a safe space: The therapist establishes guidelines for confidentiality, respect, and communication. This foundation encourages trust and allows participants to feel secure. The Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy provides a clear example of guidelines for group therapy participants.
   
2. Building trust and setting norms: Early sessions focus on helping members get to know each other and agree on shared expectations. As trust is gradually built, norms are established. This foundational step ensures a mutual understanding of the group’s purpose and the behavior expected from its members, creating a sense of safety and belonging.
   
3. Sharing experiences: As the group progresses, sessions typically involve participants sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the therapy’s focus. Therapists may introduce topics or exercises, but the flow often emerges organically from the group’s dynamics. This process allows members to explore their own issues within the context of others’ experiences, promoting insight and empathy.
   
4. Offering feedback and support: A core component of group therapy is the interactive dynamic among participants. Members are encouraged to provide feedback to one another, share personal reflections, and offer support. This interaction is facilitated by the therapists, who guide the conversation to maintain a constructive and respectful tone. Such exchanges can lead to breakthrough moments of understanding and connection as members see their own struggles mirrored and reframed by others in the group.
   
5. Learning and practicing skills: Many group therapy sessions incorporate skill-building activities and problem-solving exercises. Depending on the group’s focus, therapists may guide members through exercises that teach coping strategies, mindfulness, or communication tools. By practicing these skills in a supportive group setting, participants can gain confidence in their ability to manage their issues outside of therapy ^[5].
   
6. Reflecting and closing: As sessions wind down, there’s often a period of reflection on the progress made and the insights gained. Therapists may guide the group in discussing how they can apply what they’ve learned to their daily lives. Members sometimes share what they learned or set intentions for the week ahead. 

Group therapy is not a static experience, but a journey of continual growth and transition. As members evolve, new people may join, bringing fresh perspectives and challenges. The group’s dynamic nature allows for ongoing opportunities for personal development and deepened understanding of oneself and others. As group members leave, or if the group is not ongoing, closing sessions can provide an opportunity for members to acknowledge the journey they’ve shared, reinforcing the bonds formed and the communal support system they’ve built.

Is Group Therapy the Right Fit?

Group therapy can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s not for everyone at every stage of their healing journey. Deciding whether it’s the right fit often comes down to personal goals, comfort level with group settings, and openness to shared vulnerability.

This format is especially helpful for people who:

• Crave connection and want to feel less alone in their struggles.
  
• Are working on interpersonal issues or communication challenges.
  
• Appreciate learning from others’ stories and feedback.
  
• Are looking to practice new coping skills in a safe environment.
  

That said, some people may initially feel hesitant about opening up in a group. It’s okay to ease into the idea or try a few sessions to see how it feels. Therapists can help assess readiness and suggest options that match members’ needs.

Taking the Next Step

Starting group therapy begins with a few thoughtful steps. It’s helpful for people to reflect on their personal goals and what they hope to gain from the experience. Whether they want to feel more connected, build confidence, or learn new coping tools, clarifying intentions can guide choices.

From there, people should consider reaching out to a therapist, primary care provider, or mental health clinic to explore available group options. Many providers offer free consultations or intake assessments to help determine the best fit. People can also research community-based programs, online groups, or specialized organizations based on their needs.

Being proactive doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It simply means being open to support and willing to grow. With the right group and guidance, group therapy can become a meaningful part of someone’s mental health journey.

A Journey of Transformation

Group therapy offers more than just a setting for conversation. It creates a space for connection, discovery, and emotional growth. Within the shared experience of the group, people often find a deeper sense of belonging and a supportive pathway forward.

Taking that first step may feel vulnerable, but it can also be the beginning of something powerful. With openness and commitment, group therapy becomes not just a method of treatment, but a journey of transformation.