What You Should Know About Group Therapy
When you're dealing with trauma or certain issues, therapy can help you cope. People usually think of individual counseling when they think of therapy. However, there are different types of counseling available to suit different needs. In some cases, group therapy can be a better choice. Here are four things you should know if you're considering group therapy:
1. It can be more affordable.
Many people don't seek psychiatric care because they're concerned about the cost. Some health insurance plans offer inadequate coverage for mental healthcare, which can keep you from getting the help you need. In many cases, group therapy is more affordable than one-on-one sessions. Since one therapist is available to help multiple people, the cost per hour is significantly reduced. If you're still worried about affordability, you may be able to find a group therapy practice that offers sliding scale rates.
2. It can allow you to relate to others.
Many conditions leave people feeling isolated and alone. It can be hard to open up to others when you feel like you're the only one going through your particular challenges. Group therapy will allow you to meet others who are going through similar difficulties. It can help you feel less alone and allow you to practice relating to peers. Group therapy can help you learn to be honest and forthcoming about your struggles and feelings.
3. It can give you the benefit of diverse perspectives.
Your peers can have valuable insights that you may not have thought of on your own. While the counselor will maintain control of each session, everyone present will have the opportunity to share. Someone might say something that adjusts your perspective or gives you insight into another point of view. This is a valuable opportunity that individual therapy can't provide, since individual therapy limits you to only receiving feedback from your therapist.
4. It can help you transition out of intensive psychiatric care.
In most cases, therapy isn't meant to be an ongoing, lifelong process. Focused therapy is designed to help you work through your concerns so you can stand on your own two feet. As you progress in your own treatment, your therapist may feel that you no longer need intensive care. They may initially suggest spacing your appointments out; for instance, you may come in for appointments every two weeks instead of every week. They may also suggest group therapy as an intermediary measure before discontinuing therapy altogether.
For more information, contact companies like Andrea Brandt Therapy.