Group therapy is a type of counseling where several people meet together to discuss and manage shared experiences related to mental health. These sessions take place in a supportive environment that encourages understanding, connection, and personal growth. There are many different types of group therapy, and each one is designed to help with specific goals such as learning coping skills, improving communication, or managing mental health conditions.
At Rego Park Counseling, group therapy is offered as part of a complete approach to recovery and emotional wellness. The center provides group treatment programs for mental health and substance use challenges. Each therapy group is led by mental healthcare professionals who guide members through sessions that focus on learning, communication, and emotional healing in a safe and respectful group setting.
How Group Therapy Works
Group therapy happens in a group setting that usually includes eight to twelve people. These group sessions can be open, where new members can join at any time, or closed, where the same participants attend for a set number of meetings. Every therapy group follows group rules that help create a safe environment built on respect and confidentiality.
A group leader, often one or more therapists, guides the group through each session. The leader manages discussions, maintains structure, and supports group dynamics so that everyone can benefit. Group psychotherapy focuses on listening, learning from others, and practicing communication and coping skills. Members gain valuable insights by interacting with other members who face similar mental health challenges.
Group Therapy and Individual Therapy
According to a study, group therapy is defined as the treatment of multiple patients at once by one or more healthcare professionals and can address a broad array of conditions, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder.
A group session helps members build social and interpersonal skills while developing new coping strategies. Many people choose to combine both approaches, individual therapy for personal reflection and group therapy for interpersonal learning and support from other group members.
Psychoeducational Groups
Psychoeducational groups focus on teaching people about mental health and helping them develop effective coping strategies. These groups offer information about specific conditions, symptoms, and methods for managing them. Group members often learn skills for stress control, anger management, relapse prevention, or maintaining balance during life changes.
The group’s focus is education and self-awareness. Mental healthcare professionals help participants understand how thoughts and emotions affect behaviors. By learning these patterns, group members can apply what they learn to daily life and strengthen emotional well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Groups
Cognitive behavioral groups are structured therapy groups that help people recognize and change negative thought patterns. Often referred to as cognitive behavioral group therapy, these sessions help members understand how their thoughts influence their emotions and actions.
During group cognitive behavioral therapy, participants practice identifying unhelpful beliefs and replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms. Techniques may include role playing, goal setting, and behavior tracking. These groups are especially effective for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Skills Development Groups
Skills development groups focus on building practical tools that people can use in daily life. These development groups teach communication skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques. Members learn how to manage stress, set boundaries, and strengthen social skills.
Skills groups can also include elements of occupational therapy, helping people practice skills that improve independence and daily functioning. These groups empower members to develop strategies for success in work, relationships, and personal growth. Over time, participants gain confidence as they apply what they learn outside the group environment.
Interpersonal Process Groups
Interpersonal process groups focus on relationships and emotional interaction within a group setting. Also called process groups or psychotherapy groups, they encourage members to examine their reactions, behaviors, and communication patterns with others.
These therapy groups help people build stronger interpersonal relationships and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Members receive valuable feedback from other group members and learn how to express emotions in healthy ways. By exploring interpersonal dynamics in a safe environment, participants improve their ability to connect with others in their everyday lives.
Support Groups
Support groups provide emotional support for people who are managing similar issues or experiences. They can focus on grief, recovery, chronic illness, or mental health challenges. Support groups offer a space where members share stories and provide encouragement to one another.
The goal of a support group is to empower members through shared understanding and empathy. Hearing from others who have faced similar challenges helps people gain hope and learn coping skills. These group sessions build trust and connection, helping participants feel less alone in their healing journey.
If you’re looking for group therapy for substance use, we offer supportive and structured sessions designed to help individuals build healthier coping skills and prevent relapse. These programs provide a safe space for members to share experiences, learn recovery strategies, and find accountability through peer connection. At Rego Park Counseling, our group sessions encourage long-term healing and personal growth for those working toward recovery.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Groups
Dialectical behavior therapy groups teach emotional regulation, mindfulness, and stress management. These counseling groups are especially helpful for people who experience intense emotions or have trouble maintaining healthy relationships.
During DBT sessions, group members learn to manage difficult situations without harmful reactions. They practice skills like distress tolerance and emotional control. This type of group treatment helps improve emotional balance and strengthen interpersonal skills for better daily functioning.
Specialized and Combined Groups
Some therapy groups focus on specific issues such as relapse prevention, family dynamics, or dual diagnosis. Relapse prevention groups help people recognize triggers and develop strategies to avoid setbacks in recovery. Family-based counseling groups help improve communication and strengthen support systems among family members.
Other therapy groups may combine elements of different models, such as psychoeducational and process groups, to fit the group’s structure and goals. These sessions are flexible and designed to meet the needs of members while maintaining a supportive and respectful group environment.
Common Activities in Group Sessions
Group sessions often include a mix of discussion and skill practice. Activities like role playing, journaling, and guided conversation help members apply what they learn. A group leader may also use exercises to strengthen coping strategies and build teamwork within the group.
Each therapy group follows a plan that matches its goals. Members are encouraged to participate actively while respecting others’ experiences. Feedback from other group members helps individuals adjust their behaviors and develop new skills that improve communication and self-awareness.
Benefits of Group Therapy
The benefits of group therapy extend beyond emotional support. Members learn practical coping strategies and gain confidence through participation. Working with others reduces isolation and helps people build meaningful connections with those who share similar experiences.
Group therapy also encourages interpersonal learning and self-reflection. Members receive valuable feedback from other members and develop healthier coping mechanisms over time. The group environment promotes accountability, communication, and personal growth.
Choosing the Right Type of Group
Choosing the right type of group therapy depends on personal goals, comfort level, and the kind of support needed. Some people prefer structured programs like skills development groups, while others benefit more from open discussions in process groups.
It’s helpful to understand the group’s focus and structure before joining. Ask whether it is an open or closed group, how often it meets, and what topics it covers. Many people find that after attending a few sessions, they feel more comfortable and engaged in the process.
What to Expect During Group Therapy
A typical group session lasts between one and two hours and begins with check-ins from group members. The group leader then introduces topics or exercises related to the group’s goals. Over time, members become more comfortable sharing experiences and giving feedback.
As group dynamics strengthen, participants develop trust and learn from one another. The safe environment encourages honesty and growth. Each group experience offers opportunities to practice new skills, gain confidence, and improve emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Group therapy plays an important role in supporting emotional recovery and long-term mental health. It helps people build coping skills, connect with others, and achieve personal growth through shared learning and understanding. Each type of group therapy provides different benefits, giving individuals the chance to find the approach that best fits their needs.
At Rego Park Counseling, group treatment programs are available for a wide range of mental health conditions and substance use issues. The center offers psychoeducational, skills development, support, and process groups that help participants strengthen emotional health and build healthier coping mechanisms. Contact us to learn more about available group sessions and begin your path to improved emotional well-being.
FAQs
What are the different types of group therapy?
The main types include psychoeducational groups, cognitive behavioral groups, skills development groups, interpersonal process groups, support groups, and dialectical behavior therapy groups.
How does group therapy differ from individual therapy?
Group therapy involves several members meeting together, while individual therapy focuses on one-on-one sessions. Group sessions emphasize peer support, communication skills, and interpersonal learning.
Who leads a group therapy session?
Each group is led by a trained group leader, often a licensed mental healthcare professional, who guides discussion and maintains structure within the group environment.
What should I expect in my first group session?
The first session usually introduces the group’s rules and goals. Members share at their own pace, and the group leader helps everyone feel comfortable participating in a respectful and supportive environment.