What is Group Therapy?
Most people have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and often reference this when group therapy is mentioned. While AA is a form of group, it is not the same as group therapy. We are referring to a specially trained clinician leading a group of people to improve their interpersonal skills, model empathy, and emotionally connect with others.
The underlying logic of group therapy is that it gives people an opportunity to examine their approach to other people in their lives and have candid discussions with other group members about how they are being perceived. While sometimes difficult to hear, it is also extremely helpful and practical for improving all sorts of relationships. Group therapy is also a place to learn about confrontation and healthy conflict. Finally, group offers some relief to problems of loneliness and isolation, which have been on the rise in recent years.
The primary goal of group therapy is to help members form meaningful and healthy relationships, both within the group and outside of it. Individual group members have the opportunity to help others in their time of pain, which can be healing to them as well. Group therapy is highly versatile in how it can help; there are countless and unexpected ways it can impact your life.
Starting Group Therapy
Most people will start group therapy through a referral from their clinician. Before joining a group, all individuals will need to attend an intake session where background information is gathered to ensure that group is the most helpful modality. There may be times when the group screening may be completed at the same time. It may also be helpful for some clinicians in the area to refer to group therapy here. In this case, the client will retain their individual provider but attend Manhattan Mental Health Services, LLC. This should be done only when the individual provider deems necessary, and a signed release of information must be completed and on file for the coordination of care. Other times, people may be referred later in treatment. In these cases, the individual attends a group screening where they can meet the leader(s), discuss their goals for group therapy, and ask any questions before beginning. Each member will need to agree to follow the group guidelines for the group to be effective.
Contact us to get started.*
*Beginning group therapy at MMHS is contingent upon interest and the number of available members.
Most people have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and often reference this when group therapy is mentioned. While AA is a form of group, it is not the same as group therapy. We are referring to a specially trained clinician leading a group of people to improve their interpersonal skills, model empathy, and emotionally connect with others.
The underlying logic of group therapy is that it gives people an opportunity to examine their approach to other people in their lives and have candid discussions with other group members about how they are being perceived. While sometimes difficult to hear, it is also extremely helpful and practical for improving all sorts of relationships. Group therapy is also a place to learn about confrontation and healthy conflict. Finally, group offers some relief to problems of loneliness and isolation, which have been on the rise in recent years.
The primary goal of group therapy is to help members form meaningful and healthy relationships, both within the group and outside of it. Individual group members have the opportunity to help others in their time of pain, which can be healing to them as well. Group therapy is highly versatile in how it can help; there are countless and unexpected ways it can impact your life.
Starting Group Therapy
Most people will start group therapy through a referral from their clinician. Before joining a group, all individuals will need to attend an intake session where background information is gathered to ensure that group is the most helpful modality. There may be times when the group screening may be completed at the same time. It may also be helpful for some clinicians in the area to refer to group therapy here. In this case, the client will retain their individual provider but attend Manhattan Mental Health Services, LLC. This should be done only when the individual provider deems necessary, and a signed release of information must be completed and on file for the coordination of care. Other times, people may be referred later in treatment. In these cases, the individual attends a group screening where they can meet the leader(s), discuss their goals for group therapy, and ask any questions before beginning. Each member will need to agree to follow the group guidelines for the group to be effective.
Contact us to get started.*
*Beginning group therapy at MMHS is contingent upon interest and the number of available members.
