A counseling group provides a supportive environment where you join others in addressing a challenging problem or situation in your life. Groups usually meet twice a month in a private setting with a licensed professional who will facilitate the meeting.
Is Group Right For You?
If you agree with any of the following statements then group may be right for you.
I feel isolated right now and I want to connect with others who will understand and help me.
I want to broaden my perspective or seek the advice of others with similar life problems.
I have a negative attitude about my self, others, and the future, and I want to change it.
I want to make improvements or achieve goals in my life and I would like others to support me.
I want to work on my communication and relationship skills in a supportive setting.
I want to share how I have grown and encourage others with their personal growth.
Benefits
Groups are trusting and accepting environments where you can share feelings and receive feedback.
Groups help you see that you are not alone and that there is hope for creating a better life.
Groups provide a sense of community that make you feel less isolated by you problems or situations.
Groups allow you to learn and practice valuable interpersonal skills.
Groups give you the opportunity to help others.
Process
Groups require mutuality and respect. A typical group meeting will be attended by four to twelve people and last sixty to ninety minutes. The facilitator will open the meeting by welcoming everyone and providing a brief educational topic. Members are then invited to take turns sharing about the difficulties and accomplishments in their life and receiving feedback from others. This therapeutic process is called group work. To wrap-up the meeting, the facilitator will provide a summary of the group discussion and offer insights on the group's process and dynamic.