Why should you consider group therapy?

One of the things that tends to happen to people in distress is that they begin to feel alone and isolated because of their problems. Group therapy can help people overcome this obstacle by giving them an environment where they can feel comfortable among others with similar distress and concerns. This sense of being understood by and understanding others is an important part of the healing process.

Group therapy is also a useful option for anyone dealing with social issues. Not only were we all raised in families and among others — that is, in groups — we continue to live in various types of groups at work, at home and with friends. Learning how you can function and grow in the company of others in the setting of a therapy group is a powerful way to improve your interpersonal relationships everywhere.

Group therapy is a safe and effective “laboratory” in which you can explore and experiment with new approaches learned through individual therapy. In group therapy you can explore these with others who won’t condemn you and can offer you honest and helpful feedback so that you can stay on the most effective course to personal growth.

Finally, observing others who are also overcoming their own personal difficulties can be a great way to learn about yourself. It is always difficult to “see” yourself clearly, but by being empathic to others and helping them understand themselves, you can learn to “see” them in your own life and with the help of the group, gain insight and be able to resolve your own difficulties.
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In short, the guided social dynamic of group therapy can a lens through which you can get a chance to look at yourself through the eyes of others—this experience is effective psychotherapy.

I co-facilitate two mixed gender therapy groups on Monday evenings at 5:30p - 7p and 7:30 - 9p in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco with Ildiko Ran, LMFT, CGP​