Group psychotherapy is an incredibly effective therapy for a myriad of mental, behavioral, and emotional health concerns. It is also an approach that may feel intimidating and overwhelming. Any new experience, especially those where you do not know the process, can feel uncertain.
It can feel uncomfortable to be yourself in a group of individuals, even when everyone is in the group for a shared reason, as it asks you to be vulnerable. Although group psychotherapy can feel unfamiliar at first, it begins to feel more comfortable as time goes on and you connect with yourself and others in the group.
Finding a Sense of BelongingÂ
Group therapy proves to be so effective in one’s healing journey because it provides space for individuals to experience their universality and shared belonging.
Sharing the vulnerable, messy, and emotional parts of yourself can allow others to share their corresponding characteristics. In the process, you may begin realizing the struggle you are experiencing is similar to what others are encountering, too.
Self-UnderstandingÂ
Although it occurs in a group setting, group psychotherapy can lead to self-understanding — understanding how and why you are — with non-judgment and acceptance.
As you share about yourself and others share their experiences, you can offer reflections to others and receive observations from peers and therapists. Having this mirror held up to yourself can give you deeper insights into yourself and, therefore, increase self-understanding and healing.
Learning Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance
Sharing your process and struggles with others in a group (where the intention is to heal) can help you cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance as you are met with an attitude of unconditional positive regard by the therapists and peers.
Group therapy also gives you a chance to show others the same unconditional positive regard. Offering compassion and acceptance to others can often remind us to do the same for ourselves.
Group psychotherapy is a powerful healing modality regardless of where you are in your recovery journey. It can also feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, and scary — especially if you’ve never experienced it before. At Avalon Malibu, we recognize how intimidating group therapy, as well as recovery, can be.  When you join a group psychotherapy program at Avalon Malibu, you will also be among professionals and peers that support a safe and supportive environment that encourages cultivating belonging, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. We are here to help you every step of the way. To learn more, call us today at (844) 857-5992.
