Strength in Numbers
Group therapy provides an alternative to individual therapy. It helps individuals embrace the give-and-take of social connections by promoting the exchange of support and understanding. In this setting, people can learn to focus both on themselves and on others, creating a rich environment for growth. There’s a common concern that therapy is safest in one-on-one sessions, where confidentiality feels more secure. Many worry about feeling exposed in a group, fearing that emotional wounds might be reopened or that personal secrets could be shared with unfamiliar faces, leading to feelings of shame. Some may also feel anxious about competition: finding their voice, standing their ground, and navigating the dynamics of who seems to have bigger struggles worthy of support. Additionally, there can be a strong pull for the therapist’s attention and care, creating a mix of connection and competition among participants.
While groups might not always feel like the comforting spaces many of us seek, they play a vital role in our journey of self-discovery. Emotional growth can be quite challenging, but when we share our feelings of frustration, disappointment, envy, and anger in a supportive group, it often opens the door to meaningful growth and transformation. In the background, the therapist acts as a gentle guide, offering support rather than steering the process. This collaborative dynamic allows group members to take on important roles for one another, turning the group itself into a nurturing therapeutic environment. S.H. Foulkes, who founded group analysis, beautifully described this approach as therapy conducted by the group, with the therapist as part of that journey. Many individuals who have experienced individual therapy and then transitioned to a group setting often find it feels less hierarchical. It can generate fresh perspectives, offer personal challenges, and sometimes even feel more liberating – adding an element of playfulness to the experience. Over time, being part of a group can be incredibly healing, creating an opportunity to truly be oneself while feeling a genuine sense of belonging. These milestones are precious achievements in a world that can sometimes feel pressured and alienating
