During an intake appointment, a therapist will make an assessment with you of the type and nature of the concerns you are having and the most effective means of treatment. Often, in situations involving relationship difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, family conflict, poor social skills, or loss or isolation, the therapist might recommend group treatment as the treatment of choice. Sometimes, after an initial number of individual sessions a person is referred to group for continued longer term treatment where peer feedback and support might be useful.
There is also no limit to the number of group sessions a student may have.
Group represents the most effective treatment in many situations.
What is group treatment?
Group therapy is a form of treatment in which a skilled group therapist or therapists meet with a small group of people, usually from about 6-10 and the group discusses themes or issues pertinent to individual members and the group as a whole. Group members are required to maintain confidentiality and are encouraged to participate in providing constructive feedback, both positive and negative to other group members. Some groups offered are focused on specific topics and other groups are more general and open to multiple issues. All members are asked to call and inform the therapist if they are going to be unable to attend as absences raise the concern of other group members. Regular and consistent attendance to group is part of being in group treatment.
How does group help?
A substantial amount of research has been done on group therapy and a number of curative factors have been identified but only a few will be mentioned here. First, many people who experience themselves as struggling alone with an insoluble situation find that there are others who share their struggle. Second, having a group of people around you to offer support can be very useful. Third, new ways of looking at the situation and at one’s self may generate solutions not previously identified. Fourth, it can be remarkably helpful to hear from others responses to the question many of us often want to ask, which is “What am I like and what it is like to be with me?” This type of honesty serves as one of the more curative factors of group.