Benefits of Group Versus Individual Therapy

Sometimes, people wonder why they need to participate in group therapy, and also individual sessions. It can feel like a lot, but there are good reasons why it could be helpful to do both at the same time. At Cottonwood, in Tucson, Arizona, we have 35 years of experience, treating a wide range of behavioral health concerns. Using evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, we customize each care plan to the patient being treated.

Characteristics of Individual and Group Therapy

Individual therapy consists of a session that just involves you and your therapist:

  • The whole session can focus on your specific concerns, feelings, and goals. 
  • You have the expertise of a trained mental health professional at your disposal. 
  • You are in a setting that is guaranteed to be entirely confidential.
  • You are generally free to discontinue your participation in therapy at any time.
  • The techniques the therapist uses will be specifically tailored to you.
  • May discuss the trauma you experienced and how it has led to the choices you make now.
  • May build on work you have been doing in group sessions.

A group session has numerous differences from a one-on-one therapy session. Group therapy

  • Allows you to share your knowledge and learn from the wisdom of other people who also face mental health challenges. It may also make it easier to recognize patterns of behavior that are easy to miss in your own life.
  • Will generally focus on building skills among all of the participants, rather than the needs of an individual person. 
  • Combat isolation, which is a problem a lot of people with mental health diagnoses face. By normalizing the idea of having mental health concerns, groups may make it easier to see that you aren’t the only one who has this challenge and that you don’t need to be embarrassed by your diagnosis.
  • Allow people to practice their group interactions, which can also provide the therapist with insights to discuss in individual therapy.
  • May require a commitment to participate for a certain amount of time. This could be 4-20 sessions for a short-term group that follows a standardized curriculum. Such groups are often called “closed” groups because they are not open to new members joining once a group has already started meeting. Groups that don’t have a standard duration may not have this expectation and are often called “open” groups because they are open for new members to join at any time.
  • Provide a different kind of accountability from individual sessions, as the people in the group reinforce shared expectations.
  • May discourage participants from discussing their trauma, as it could trigger others in the group and derail group discussions if traumatic details are disclosed.

What To Expect From Group Therapy

If you’ve never experienced a group therapy session, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what to expect. Here’s what you should know about how group therapy typically works:

  • Session length: Sessions usually last between 60 and 120 minutes.
  • Shared experiences: Group members often share similar challenges or conditions, creating a sense of connection and understanding.
  • Professional guidance: A trained and licensed therapist facilitates the session to ensure structure, safety, and productive discussions.
  • Flexibility in format: Sessions can be conducted either online or in person, depending on what works best for you.

Small Groups Versus Large Groups

Most groups have five to 15 participants. One size is not better than another and each has its own benefits. In a larger group, there are more people to learn from and there is often more diversity within the group, providing a broader perspective. Smaller groups, on the other hand, often allow more time for each individual to talk and ask questions.

Group Therapy Versus Self-Help Groups

Some people call all self-help groups and group therapy sessions “support groups” and while a person can get support from both sources, there are important differences between the two. Self-help groups are often facilitated by someone whose expertise comes from lived experience, rather than being a licensed therapist. Self-help groups primarily focus on alleviating symptoms and aren’t necessarily going to address the underlying causes of those problems. Therapy groups are facilitated by a therapist with training and certifications. These groups are going to be targeted at addressing the root causes of mental health disorders. 
At Cottonwood, we offer our patients a wide range of holistic interventions. From nutrition and exercise to spirituality and several modalities of therapy, we believe in nurturing the whole person. Please contact us today to learn more.

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