Group Therapy and Meetings

Group therapy can make a huge difference in mental health treatment. Most group work takes place in the form of group therapy, which involves one or more therapists counseling a group of people on a similar issue.

Group therapy might seem to contradict the idea that treatment must be individualized, but this is not true.

Instead, the heart of group work lies in the interpersonal connections between individuals in the group – it lies in the bonds forged over shared experiences, empathic moments fueled by harrowing personal tales, the relief that comes from sharing the truth, and the satisfaction from knowing that your story helped inspire positive change in those around you.

Interpersonal relationships are often at the core of mental health treatments. Learning to better relate to others and connect with one another can help open the doors on a healthier self-esteem, and positive interactions that lead to a better self-image. Even when a personal affirmation isn’t enough to cement a positive belief, hearing praise or gratitude from others can help us come to terms with the idea that we do deserve happiness.

The Goals of Group Therapy

Group therapy is not a contradiction to one-on-one therapy, but a supplemental and symbiotic therapeutic process. Making progress through a group setting can translate into new goals and targets in one-on-one therapy sessions, and vice versa.

Depending on the goals of a group therapy session, different individuals might come off having learned different things. Group therapy goals may include:

There are also different forms of group work, each with a distinct focus. At The Verve, these may include:

What Can Group Therapy Treat?

Group therapy is used in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. At The Verve, we utilize group therapy for the following:

As well as non-specific disorders or mental health symptoms and life problems, such as:

ARE YOU WILLING TO BE PART OF SOMETHING GREATER?

Group therapy might not be for everyone. If you do not feel ready to embrace a group dynamic, then focusing on seeking progress in a one-on-one peer therapy program may be better, especially if you struggle with social anxiety or interpersonal relationships. There is a lot to learn from becoming part of a community, but it may be a step-by-step process for some people.

Furthermore, not everyone is an ideal candidate for jumping straight into group work. Individuals with complicated, high-risk diagnoses may struggle to find themselves benefiting from a group setting in the same way that they might from focused, individual therapy. In most cases, a combination of both is best.

SUPPORT GROUPS AT THE VERVE

A support group can be a second or third family for some, and a way to connect with others who have had similar experiences and struggles, or a way to give back to the community by sharing your journey and your recovery experiences.

Support groups can also help provide a safety net for relapses or personal hardships, being a safe place you can return to when you feel the need to hear from others who have been going through a similar process.

Here at The Verve, we encourage clients to continue to rely on support groups throughout their recovery journey, and to grow alongside their peers.

THE VALUE OF PSYCHOEDUCATION

Psychoeducation is the process of helping a client understand their diagnosis, in the interest of providing more context for their treatment and improving treatment adherence. Group psychoeducation brings the element of learning to a wider group of peers.

Learning more about mental health and becoming aware of different conditions and treatments can help clients form a better understanding of their own condition, learn more about how common certain mental health struggles are, and provide context for why certain treatment modalities work for some people, and not for others.

Group Therapy and Meetings at The Verve

Discover the benefits of group therapy in Washington DC at Verve Behavioral Health. The Verve Community is at the heart of what makes treatment at The Verve different. We find that the initial treatment process is often just the first step toward a lifelong commitment to recovery and self-improvement. We encourage clients from all walks of life to join our dedicated recovery community and experience the benefits of a supportive peer network.

Furthermore, while group therapy represents much of the treatment process at The Verve, we also value individualized one-on-one programming. Each of our clients is partnered with a peer professional, who adapts the treatment program to the client’s needs as their treatment progresses.

At The Verve, the scope of the recovery process is always considered. We understand that dealing with mental health issues like addiction, depression, or trauma is a long-term process. We are here for the entire journey, for as long as you need us – and that goes for our community as well.

WANT TO GET STARTED?

We help our community grow by ensuring every individual’s needs are met, and by fostering relationships between different clients and professionals. The treatment process at The Verve has always placed an emphasis on becoming a part of something greater and benefiting from the support of a larger network of peers.

Are you interested in becoming a part of the Verve Community, and engaging with our group meetings? Get started with us today by calling (202) 816-6006 or sending us a message via our contact form.