Being part of a group can offer additional emotional support and positivity that individual therapy techniques can sometimes struggle to capture. This is the main reason why group therapy activities are commonly prescribed aspects of a well-rounded individual therapy treatment plan.
Engaging in therapy in a group setting can be a little nerve-wracking for most people. Being honest about your feelings surrounded by a group of near-strangers is not what most people would describe as their comfort zone. Despite this, many psychologists agree that enacting fun group therapy activities can be immensely beneficial for patients who need some additional support.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we specialize in offering a meaningful group therapy program that helps to build trust and a sense of community. Learn more by calling 855.773.0614.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group psychotherapy or group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which therapists treat a small group of clients together. These groups aim to get people to work together and trust their support system with their emotions and problems. The many group therapy activities that therapists employ help patients build up a trust for other humans, recognize that others struggle with very difficult issues just like they do, and build up empathy and collaboration.
There are a few main types of group therapy, all of which use different types of activities. Group therapy can fall into different types depending on your mental health condition as well as the clinical method used during the therapy. The most common types of group therapy include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Groups
These types of groups center on identifying and changing unhealthy or distorted thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors.
Interpersonal Groups
Interpersonal groups focus on your interpersonal relationships and social interactions. This may include how much support you have from others and the impact these relationships have on your mental health.
Psychoeducational Groups
Psychoeducational groups focus on educating clients about their disorders and also provide different ways of coping with them. These groups use similar methods as and may use cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Benefits of Group Therapy Activities
Activities for group therapy can provide a wide range of benefits for patients, which often differs based on each patient’s unique experience within the group and what lessons they need to learn. Some of the main benefits of group therapy activities include:
Support
The support and community-centered aspect of putting together fun group therapy activities are one of the cornerstones of this type of therapy. Hearing what others have gone through can help people see that they are not alone and make them feel more empathetic for others and more understanding of themselves.
Relatability
Hearing that others have made it through similar situations as you can help you see the potential for growth. Activities for group therapy that establish common ground between members are great for this goal.
Self-Realization
One of the benefits of group therapy activities is the potential for you to learn about yourself. Being in a group of individuals who open up about their battles can allow participants to get a mirror in front of them. This helps people uncover more about themselves, their motives, and blind spots they may have never noticed or considered otherwise.
Find Fun Group Therapy Activities at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
If group therapy activities teach us anything, it’s that sharing is healing. Activities for group therapy that encourage growth in a variety of areas, such as:
- Transparency
- Trust
- Communication
- Community
These activities are invaluable therapeutic tools that can help people learn about themselves and others in a profound way. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a group therapy program, reach out to The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® today at 855.773.0614.