The idea of therapy often conjures the classic milieu of a patient and a therapist alone in a dark-lit, comfortable room discussing their emotions. Certainly, individual therapy remains a cornerstone of addiction treatment even if it isn’t conducted in quite so stereotypical a way. Group therapy is another method used by many addiction treatment providers. People may shy away from the idea of participating in group therapy. After all, discussing trauma and personal issues among strangers can be intimidating. But the benefits of group therapy are clear. It can be just as effective as individual therapy and may actually be more helpful depending on a person’s situation.
Discover how San Antonio Recovery Center structures our group therapy program by calling 866.957.7885.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy is not something anyone should ever dismiss out of hand. Sometimes, patients who are most resistant to the idea of group therapy end up realizing the biggest results. The content of group therapy is much the same as what you can expect from individual therapy. It’s really the delivery and shared experience that sets group therapy apart. Explore further benefits of group counseling below:
Encourages Vulnerability
Some patients struggle to be vulnerable in any setting. Drop them into individual therapy and they clam up the same as if they were in a group. One of the benefits of group therapy is that more reticent patients get to see other people opening up and sharing freely. All it takes is one brave soul modeling healthy vulnerability to unlock something special in a group therapy session.
Provides Community Support
One of the greatest benefits of group therapy for addiction is the community it builds. People in group therapy naturally bond and grow closer through sharing their experiences and getting to know one another’s struggles. Achieving lasting recovery is dependent on a strong support network. Sometimes the best supporters are people’s peers in recovery. Many addiction treatment providers even offer alumni programming to encourage lasting engagement among a cohort of people who experienced treatment together.
Reduces Isolation
Addiction can be intensely isolating. Societal stigma continues to abound. Simply entering treatment doesn’t reduce isolation on its own. Being surrounded by treatment providers may feel sterile or lack the familiarity people need. That’s where group therapy can be so powerful. It goes back to that community support aspect. Everyone in group therapy is working toward a shared goal. Success can breed success in a mutually-supportive environment.
Widens Perspective
Participants are united by a shared experience with addiction. But each person in group therapy brings their own perspective to bear. Another benefit of group counseling is that people are exposed to multiple viewpoints and coping strategies. People are able to learn from each others’ failures and successes while being challenged to think about their struggles from different perspectives.
Offers Firsthand Evidence of Improvement
Not everyone in group therapy has to be at the same point in recovery. Some participants may be much farther along than others. That is actually one of the benefits of group therapy. It’s important for people just starting out to see the progress others have made and to witness other people advancing toward their recovery goals.
The Benefits of Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups offer yet another avenue of engagement and support. Whereas group therapy offers a formal setting and is led by a licensed clinician, peer support groups are typically informal. It’s typical to share or rotate leadership responsibilities between members. Some structure may be in place to make the support group useful for participants. Key benefits of peer support groups include:
- Opportunities to forge sober friendships
- Mentoring and the chance to mentor others while in recovery
- Encouragement to stay sober and avoid relapse
- Accountability for making progress in recovery
- A sense of belonging and acceptance
Advance Your Recovery With San Antonio Recovery Center
We offer group therapy and peer support group options for anyone accessing our addiction treatment services. They may just be one element of a larger addiction treatment plan. Nonetheless, you can expect to experience the full benefits of group therapy when you engage with the programming offered by San Antonio Recovery Center.
Learn more about the benefits of group counseling by contacting 866.957.7885.
