Benefits of Group Therapy

In shared experience, we can find validation, understanding and connection. Before stepping into Looking Glass Counseling I worked for a psychiatric day program in Boston, MA leading expressive arts therapy groups and later managing that program. In my time running groups both previously and now, I have seen the people who have stepped into the group space gain so many benefits and improvements to both their mental health and the goals they sought after. Here are some benefits to taking part in group therapy - where a group of individuals meet to describe and discuss a shared experience together under the supervision of a therapist:

• Improved insight - In a group therapy experience, I have observed that participants learn from one another regarding the prescribed group topic and modality. In the midst of sharing, an individual may gain a new idea on how to address a situation because they garnered it from a peer in group discussion.

• Validation in shared experience - During group discussion, someone might share an experience that directly relates to a specific group member. Because of that sharing, the commonality explored helps group members directly experience confirmation of not being alone. The creation of new connections while helping those who are observing, develop the belief that their experience will not be one of isolation if they were to share themselves.

• Deepened sympathy and empathy - Through sharing in a therapeutic space with others, group members can develop the ability and insight to understand others because of their directly shared experiences or through adjacent circumstances. In producing deeper connections with others over verbal or creative discourse, group therapy can produce feelings of vulnerability, intimacy and comradery that can improve overall mood.

• Support and accountability - There are times in groups, especially around improving behaviors or changing addictive patterns, where being in a regular space with others can help foster the means to change problematic behaviors. In groups I’ve facilitated, I have seen people make actionable change because others are hearing their story and allowing their peers to check-in on their progress session to session.

• Fostered belonging - Whether a participant is isolating due to more intensive medical or mental health treatment, recently reintegrating into the community or experiencing increased mood symptoms, group therapy can be a place to feel less alone and lonely as a means to improve mental health.

If you’re on board with group therapy, consider checking out the support groups offered by Looking Glass Counseling. And if you’re looking for something different, spend time talking about this either in your next therapy session, a medical professional or a peer/friend/partner you trust in the days ahead!

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Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

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