Get the Most Out of Your Group Experience

  • Attend regularly. Make a commitment to yourself and to other group members.

  • Take responsibility for your counseling and your group. It's your group, so if it is not moving in the direction you want, say so.

  • Participate actively. You will make more progress if you get actively involved in the group discussions.

  • Take some emotional risks in group. It is structured to be safe and supportive.

  • Be as honest and open as you are able in group. Let people know who you really are.

  • Speak in the first person. Phrase your sentences with "I." This makes what you say much more personal and powerful.

  • Learn to listen. Don't worry about your response while someone else is speaking. If you do, you are not really hearing what is being said.

  • Speak directly to individuals in the group rather than about them to others.

  • Notice when you are using "I think.." statements and "I feel..." statements.

  • Be spontaneous. Often we wait our turn to speak, try to be polite, or think about what we want to say for so long that the moment to say it has passed.

  • Be specific and direct with your feedback.

  • Share both positive and negative feedback.

  • Don't give advice and suggestions. Don't try to solve other member's problems for them. Don't blame or judge others.

  • Be respectful, even when you don't agree with a person's position or behavior.

  • Ask for feedback when you need it? Seek clarification and avoid becoming defensive or making excuses.

Why Group Counseling?
The Benefits of Group Counseling

GroupOne of the greatest advantages of group therapy is in helping you realize that you are not alone -- that there are other people who have the same problems. This is often a revelation and a relief.

Group work is an opportunity to get support and new perspectives on dealing with a problem. It is also an opportunity for you to give support and to offer others new ways of looking at things.

Many personal problems are actually interpersonal in nature. In group therapy you will learn to explore and to understand how you relate to others and get specific feedback on how others react to you.

You may be uncomfortable at first when it comes time to discuss your problems in front of strangers, but the fact that others are facing the same type of situation as you may help you open up and discuss your feelings. In fact, group therapy is a way to build a sense of trust not only within the group, but in your life outside the group.
 
What You Can Expect

Group therapy sessions vary, but the basic format is a small group of individuals (no more than ten) who meet on a regular basis over an indefinite period of time to discuss their feelings and problems and provide mutual support. The counselor acts as guide and facilitator.

Everything that takes place within a group therapy session is kept confidential. What you disclose in sessions is not shared outside of the group. The meaning and importance of confidentiality are reviewed with group members at the first meeting and every time a new member joins the group.

To be of greatest benefit to you, active participation in group therapy is important.

 
What is the Difference Between a Group and a Workshop?

The workshop format is used in groups that look at a problem or issue from a number of perspectives. Workshops generally run from four to six weeks, or can be conducted over a weekend or a 9am-5pm day. Workshops provide all the opportunities of group therapy, but are more focused and instructional. Sharing feelings is still a core element, but the expression of feelings may take different forms, for example:

  • Interpretive Workshops: Using art, music, movement, spirituality, etc. to express emotions and gain insight
  • Writing Workshops: Including: journaling, narrative, poetry, songwriting, group writing, story jar, etc. as therapy for a range of issues
  • Meditation Workshops: Using meditation practices, guided imagery, and relaxation strategies for healing stress, anxiety, grief, etc.
  • Workplace Workshops: Especially for grief and trauma counseling
 


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