Getting admitted into an alcohol or drug addiction treatment program is a major step toward recovery. However, most people may initially be too shy or scared to participate in group therapy. Why is this such a common occurrence? The thought of facing your demons and changing your life in a significant way may elicit a combination of emotions, including anxiety, fear, and maybe even hope. But to put those emotions into words and speak your feeling out loud can be terrifying to do when you don’t know who will understand you or who you can trust.
It’s not uncommon to feel some degree of resistance to the prospect of baring your soul to total strangers in group therapy. That’s why most addiction treatment programs start with individual therapy sessions first. If you’re curious about our options for group therapy in New Hampshire, contact Bonfire Recovery by reaching out to our team online or calling 603.617.4815.
What Is Group Counseling?
Group counseling or group therapy is a therapeutic form of care that is a subtype of psychotherapy or talk therapy. It can involve one or more therapists working with several clients simultaneously. This type of therapy is widely practiced and is part of many treatment programs.
While sometimes used for treatment by itself, group counseling is more commonly integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individual therapy sessions.
Group counseling can be categorized into different types, the most common of which are the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral groups: These group therapy sessions will focus on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted behaviors, emotional responses, and thinking patterns.
- Interpersonal groups: These group therapy sessions focus on interpersonal relationships and social interactions. This treatment also addresses how much support each client has from others and the impact these relationships will have on their mental health.
- Psychoeducational groups: These group therapy sessions focus on educating clients about their disorders and ways of coping. The techniques used are often based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Skills development groups: These group therapy sessions focus on improving social skills in clients with mental disorders or developmental disabilities.
- Support groups: Meetings of groups like this provide a wide range of benefits for people with a variety of mental health conditions, as well as their affected loved ones.
Groups can be as small as three or four people, but group therapy sessions often involve up to 12 individuals. A group typically meets once or twice each week for an hour or two.
How Does Group Counseling for Addiction Work?
Many clients find that one of the most anxiety-provoking aspects of an addiction treatment program is the therapy process. It’s not uncommon to feel some degree of resistance to the prospect of telling strangers your innermost thoughts and feelings. However, group counseling is an integral part of almost all addiction treatment programs.
While both individual and group therapy are designed to help clients gain insight, learn healthier coping skills, and work through issues that challenge them, group counseling has many unique benefits that complement the advantages of going to individual therapy sessions. Some of the unique benefits of group counseling include the following:
- Accepting a variety of perspectives
- Building relationships and a support network
- Finding hope for a better future
- Having a sense of belonging or universality
- Having a way to give and receive support
- Learning better communication skills
- Learning new ways of interacting socially
- Receiving feedback from peers
Can Someone Recover From Addiction Without Undergoing Group Counseling?
Group counseling has long played a critical role in addiction treatment. In fact, it’s quite rare to find an addiction treatment program without group therapy among its components. While it may seem scary to participate in group counseling, most clients find that their initial fears subside once they attend two or three sessions.
Social isolation can be a trigger for relapsing after completing a formal addiction treatment program. It can even prevent a client from moving forward in addiction treatment. Group therapy prevents isolation, paving the way for long-term recovery.
Ready To Learn About Bonfire Recovery’s Options for Group Therapy in New Hampshire?
If you’re looking for group counseling options in Rochester, NH, contact Bonfire Recovery today. You can reach out to our team online or call 603.617.4815.
