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 who meet regularly to discuss their problems, share experiences, and support each other's healing process. Unlike individual therapy where you work one-on-one with a therapist, group therapy harnesses the power of peer interaction and shared experiences as part of the therapeutic process. The therapist facilitates discussions, guides the group dynamics, and helps members learn from each other while maintaining a safe and structured environment. Sessions create opportunities for feedback, accountability, and connection that can't be replicated in individual therapy, making it particularly effective for issues involving relationships, social skills, and emotional communication.
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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 emotions or relationships, then those issues might be good candidates for group work because the group setting provides a real-time laboratory for practicing interpersonal skills and processing emotions with others who understand. Group therapy is particularly helpful when you're feeling isolated, struggling with social anxiety or communication patterns, dealing with relationship conflicts, or working through emotions like grief, anger, or shame that benefit from shared experiences and validation. The group format allows you to observe how others handle similar challenges, receive immediate feedback on your interactions, and break out of patterns of withdrawal or emotional avoidance in a supportive environment. However, group therapy works best when you're willing to participate and share, even if gradually, and when your issues don't require the intensive individual focus that severe trauma or crisis situations might need.
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. The group leader maintains the right to add members up to capacity and will discuss adding new members with the group.
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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. Upon joining, members commit to an initial six months to determine if the group is the right fit. 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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Each 90-minute group session costs $75. You're financially responsible for all sessions, even if you're unable to attend a particular session, as you're holding your spot in the group and other members rely on your consistent participation. There's also an initial 45-minute screening appointment for $250 (sliding scale available based on ability to pay) to ensure the group is a good fit for you. If you'd like a superbill to submit to insurance for out-of-network reimbursement, you can access that through the client portal or request a monthly superbill.
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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 can create stronger connections, allow for complete body language communication, and offer a clear separation between your therapy time and home environment. Online groups offer greater accessibility and convenience, eliminating travel time and making it easier to fit sessions into your schedule, while still providing meaningful connection and therapeutic benefit. Some people find online groups feel less intimidating initially, while others prefer the intimacy and focus that comes with meeting in the same room. Both formats are therapeutically effective, so you can choose based on what works best for your lifestyle and learning style.
Common Concerns
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Yes, group therapy is confidential with the same protections as individual therapy. As the group leader, I hold all information regarding group participants in confidence, with standard exceptions for safety concerns. Additionally, all group members agree to protect each other's anonymity - while you can share your own experience in group with people outside, you will not share the names or personal details of fellow group members. This mutual commitment to confidentiality creates the safe environment necessary for meaningful therapeutic work.
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This is a very 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 a safe 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 incredibly valuable for your overall growth.
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In our process groups, there's no 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 with each other.
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Yes, absolutely! Many people find that combining individual and group therapy works very well together. Individual therapy gives you a private space to explore deeply 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. I may be available to provide individual therapy sessions at my private practice rate, or I can provide a referral to another individual therapy provider. The combination often accelerates growth because you're getting both the depth of individual work and the interpersonal learning that only happens in group settings.
Getting Started
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The first step is scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation where we'll discuss your goals and questions, and I'll let you know how I can help. If group therapy seems like a good fit, we'll schedule a 45-minute screening appointment ($250) to ensure the group is right for you and that you're ready for the group experience. Having a screening doesn't guarantee placement in a group, as we want to ensure the best fit for everyone involved. You can reach me at (801) 210-8038 to schedule your free consultation or fill out the contact form on the website.
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Interpersonal conflicts and difficult feelings toward other group members are actually valuable parts of the group process. These situations mirror what happens in your outside relationships and provide opportunities for growth and learning. The group setting offers a safe place to explore these feelings, understand your reactions, and practice new ways of relating. The therapist will help facilitate these discussions and ensure they remain productive and therapeutic rather than destructive.
Bountiful Office & Online Groups
Conveniently located in Bountiful, Utah, serving Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, with online options available for clients throughout Utah.