Group therapy online
You may find yourself wondering how to find the best online group therapy or even curious about group therapy benefits. You are not alone. Many people have never participated in group therapy online and wonder what it would be like. Finding group therapy online is easier than ever. You can search for groups across your state, and may even find one that specialized in your unique circumstance. With any mental health therapy service all groups will be somewhat different, but here are the basics to help you get started. Below are some different online group therapy options I currently offer and a brief group therapy description.
Educational Group therapy
Educational therapy group are a gathering of clients and at least one therapist typically focused on learning skills. The therapist in these groups usually will have prepared materials, education, and activities for the group to participate in. While the support from group members is influential in any group the main focus is learning specific education. I currently offer group therapy on setting healthy boundaries.
support group
Support groups or process groups are also a gathering of clients and at least one therapist. However, this group is more focused on processing between group members. Often this looks like a group of people with a shared experience providing support to one another. There still may be some education, but it will not be as heavily education focused compared an education group. This type of group provides the flexibility to shift towards the group’s needs rather than accomplishing a set syllabus. I am currently offering a support group for young adults. Find out more at process group for young adults.
Group Therapy benefits
I have seen so many clients benefit from group therapy. There is something so therapeutic about being with a group of people all focused on improving in the same ways. Clients are able to find empathy, but also typically leave feeling encouraged and empowered to make changes. You leave group therapy each week feeling less alone and less stuck. Withing recent years we have seen an increase in group therapy online. This provides such great access to a mental health professional online. Additionally group therapy online cost tends to be lower than indvidual therapy cost. In my practice you can get started with group therapy for just $40 a session.
when is group therapy a good fit
when your personal goals align with the groups purpose
your individual therapist has recommended group
you can find an open group that you think could be beneficial
individual therapy is out of budget, but you want to get support
you are transitioning out of individual therapy, or not ready to start individual therapy yet
you are willing to practice vulnerability and challenge yourself
you have found a group lead by a qualified mental health therapist
you are interested in online therapy services
When is group therapy not a good fit
if you are worried your mental health concerns are needing more individualized attention
you do not fit into the group specifications. Some groups do have specialized populations they serve. This can vary by age, gender, experience, or diagnosis.
you do not think you would be willing and open to sharing or being supportive in a group setting
if you have struggled with group therapy in the past. See a therapist for individual therapy, address the roadblocks, and try again
if you have consulted with the group leader and they have told you this isn’t the group for you
Reach out for a consultation
If you are interested in joining group therapy online I’d be happy to work with you. Prior to clients joining any online group therapy we will meet for a brief consultation. During your consultation feel free to ask any questions and we will sort out which online group therapy is right for you. Deciding to start therapy is always an anxiety producing experience for new clients. It is okay to have a lot of questions or no questions at all. Trying out group therapy is a great way to get support from a mental health professional online and also others who can relate to your experience.
