Frequently Asked Questions
About Group Therapy
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Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a trained therapist works with a small group of people. Unlike individual therapy where you work one-on-one with a therapist, group therapy harnesses the power of interaction, connection, diversity, and belonging as part of the therapeutic process.
The therapist facilitates discussions, guides the group dynamics, and helps members learn from each other. Group work provides opportunities for learning, growth, connection, and belonging that can’t be replicated in individual therapy.
Research indicates that group therapy effectiveness is equivalent or superior to the benefits of individual therapy.
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A process group is a type of group therapy that focuses on the "here and now" interactions between group members rather than on specific symptoms or structured exercises. Instead of following a predetermined curriculum or focusing on one particular issue like addiction or grief, process groups examine what's happening in the room as it unfolds-how members relate to each other, what emotions come up during interactions, and what patterns emerge in the group dynamics.
The therapist helps members notice and explore their immediate reactions, communication styles, and relationship patterns as they occur naturally within the group.
Process groups are particularly valuable because they provide a microcosm of real life where people can see their interpersonal patterns clearly, experiment with new ways of relating, and receive honest feedback in a supportive environment.
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If your problems have to do with relationships or emotions, a therapy group might be able to help you. This is because the group setting provides a real-time laboratory for practicing interpersonal skills and processing emotions with others.
Group therapy is particularly helpful for developing confidence, and for learning about your interpersonal patterns, to better connect with others, and for making room for all of your feelings. It is a joy to find a healthy place for your love, anger, longing, sadness, fear, and sexuality.
The group format allows you to observe how others handle similar challenges, receive immediate feedback on your interactions, and break out of patterns of immature and unhealthy coping behavior while in a supportive environment.
Practical Details
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Our groups have a maximum of eight members. This size allows for meaningful connection with each member while providing diverse perspectives and experiences.
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Each group session lasts 90 minutes. As for the duration of treatment, our groups are ongoing, meaning the group continues even as individual members come and go. Most members benefit from longer-term participation, as new issues tend to arise once trust and deeper relationships are built within the group.
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We offer both in-person and online groups, and there are benefits to both formats. In-person groups provide the full experience of being physically present with others, which some people prefer. Online groups offer greater accessibility and convenience, while still providing meaningful connection and therapeutic benefit. Both formats are therapeutically beneficial.
Common Concerns
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Yes, group therapy is confidential with the same protections as individual therapy. The group leader and all group members agree to hold all information regarding group participants as private. This mutual group commitment to confidentiality creates the foundation necessary for meaningful therapeutic work.
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This is a common concern and you're not expected to jump in immediately. Group members are encouraged to participate at their own pace, and the group leader will help create an environment where you can gradually become more comfortable sharing. Many people find that observing others initially helps them feel more at ease. Remember, your anxiety about speaking is likely something that affects you outside of group too, and working through it in the supportive group setting can be valuable for your overall growth.
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In process groups, there's not a predetermined agenda or structured exercises. Sessions begin with members sharing what's present for them, and the conversation develops organically based on what emerges. The focus is on expressing feelings openly and honestly, exploring relationships and interactions as they happen in the group, and understanding patterns rather than giving advice or trying to fix each other. All feelings about group members, including the therapist, are important to discuss. Social identity issues, power dynamics, and any topic that arises are all part of the group process. The therapist facilitates these discussions and helps members learn from their interactions and to connect with each other.
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Yes, absolutely. Many people find that combining individual and group therapy works well together. Individual therapy gives you a private space to explore personal issues and develop a strong therapeutic relationship, while group therapy provides opportunities to practice what you're learning and work on interpersonal skills in real time.
The combination often accelerates growth because you're getting both the individual focus of the one-on-one work and the interpersonal learning that happens in the group setting. The group therapy enriches the individual therapy because it brings up issues which might not come up in the individual therapy alone, and the individual therapy supports the group work by helping group members process, hold, and integrate what they are learning in the group setting.
Getting Started
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If you want to join a therapy group, the first step is to contact us to schedule a free phone consultation. We will discuss what you are looking for and how a group may help you. Joining a group is a big step and we are glad to answer any questions you have. We want you to be supported, prepared, and successful.
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Therapy groups can be very supportive. As relationships between group members build, and trust deepens, interpersonal conflict and difficult feelings can arise. This is an inevitable and important part of the process. When conflict occurs in group, we talk about it. Members put into words what is going on and the group leader helps members to work through conflict. In this way group members learn new and healthy ways of relating, connecting, and belonging.
Bountiful Office & Online Groups
Conveniently located in Bountiful, Utah, serving Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, with online options available for clients throughout Utah.