Group psychotherapy

Group Psychotherapy

In Dedham, MA, group psychotherapy may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program for teens with SUD and other disorders. Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which one or more mental health professionals work with more than one client at the same time. Teenagers can look for a group session that fits their needs by talking to private therapists, mental health clinics, community centers, and hospitals.

The number of people in a group therapy session can vary, but it’s best to have between six and twelve people in each group. Most of the time, these groups meet once or twice a week, but they can meet more often if they want to. Sessions usually last an hour or two. Group therapy is divided into different types based on the mental health problems being treated and the way the therapist treats the people in the group.

Group psychotherapy has many benefits for teens who are getting help for SUD and other disorders at the same time. These things are:

 

Types of Group Therapy

The categories of group therapy are based on the mental health conditions being treated and the method the therapist uses for treating the participants. The most common kinds of group therapy include the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral groups: These groups identify and change distorted thinking patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses.
  • Interpersonal groups: These groups focus on social interaction and interpersonal relationships, and they look at the amount of support individual group members have and how those relationships affect mental health.
  • Psychoeducational groups educate clients about the disorder being treated and ways of coping. The methods are often based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) principles.
  • Skills development groups: These groups look at improving social skills for people with developmental disabilities or mental disorders.
  • Support groups: These groups are beneficial for those with various mental health conditions and can also benefit the loved ones of the group members.

Meetings for group therapy groups can be categorized as either open or closed. An open group session welcomes new participants at any time. Closed groups only allow core group members to attend sessions.

Benefits of Group Psychotherapy

Safety, support, and encouragement: People in the group give each other support and encouragement, and they see that other people are going through the same things they are. People can also practice their social skills in a safe, secure setting.
Role modeling: People in a group can show each other how to deal with problems as they all learn to do so. As each person sees someone else dealing with problems, they start to see that there is hope for their own healing.
Insight into social skills: During group sessions, therapists can see how the people in the group act in social situations.
Affordability: Because the cost of group therapy is split among the people who go, it is often less expensive than individual therapy.

As part of our SUD and co-occurring disorder treatment programs for teens in Massachusetts, we offer group therapy at New Harbor Behavioral Health. Our clinicians are very skilled and have a lot of experience. They use evidence-based methods to help teens come up with ways to deal with problems and keep from falling back into old habits. Teenagers can learn a lot about themselves and how they act by taking part in group therapy and listening to the stories of others.

Wrapping Up

Group psychotherapy in Dedham, MA, involves a group of people working with one or more therapists to understand their issues and support one another. Typically, group therapy is used alongside other methods to provide a comprehensive treatment program.