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GROUP THERAPY

Current Group Offerings- Fall 2023

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Why Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving one therapist that acts as a facilitator and several group members (usually somewhere between 4-8 members). Group therapy can sometimes be used as the only therapeutic intervention, but is most often used in conjunction with individual therapy in order to meet different needs for the client.

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There are many reasons why group therapy can be very beneficial for clients, with the primary reason being that it helps clients realize that they are not alone and others are struggling with concerns similar to their own. This sense that you are not alone can be very healing and help further the progress in individual therapy services and heal and strengthen relationships outside of the therapy group.

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At HeadFirst Counseling, we offer educational and supportive parenting groups, adult group therapy, group play therapy, teen therapy groups, summer children's groups, and sibling play therapy groups. Check with our office for current group availability.

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Other ways group therapy has been found to be helpful (taken from Irving Yalom’s principles outlined in The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy):

 

  • Instillation of Hope- Many clients enter group therapy at different stages in the healing process. Clients further along in their healing offer hope to clients towards the beginning of the process.

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  • Universality- The feeling that what you are going through is universal and you are not alone.

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  • Imparting Information- Group members are able to share information and help bring new insights to other group members.

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  • Altruism- Group members are able to help each other, therefore increasing the confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth in the individual group members.

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  • Development and Enhancement of Social Skills- The therapy group is a safe and accepting place to try out new skills without fear of rejection or judgment.

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  • Imitative Behavior- Group members can begin to model healthy behaviors and imitate healthy social behaviors as seen by other group members and the therapist.

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  • Interpersonal Learning- By receiving feedback from other group members and the therapist, members of the group can develop a greater understanding of themselves.

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  • Group Cohesiveness- The therapy group is united in a common goal, and group members are able to gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.

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  • Catharsis- Sharing feelings and experiences with other group members, and having those feelings and experiences accepted and acknowledged by other group members, can help relieve pain, guilt, and stress.

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  • Existential Factors- With the support and guidance of the therapy group, members are able to gain insight into their own responsibility to their lives, behaviors, and choices.

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  • Affordability- Group therapy is offered at a lower cost than individual therapy, and is therefore more affordable for clients unable to attend individual sessions.

 

HeadFirst Counseling offers different groups for different client populations. Contact the HeadFirst office or speak with your therapist to find out if group therapy may be the best fit for your current needs.

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