Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Although it might seem overwhelming at first, group therapy offers benefits which aren’t always given through individual therapy. Considered to be one of the most fulfilling form of treatment, group therapy allows individuals to build a supportive network in which an individual experiences multiple views and perspectives from others who are dealing with the same obstacles. While individual counseling allows the patient to have one on one time to discuss concerns, group therapy gives individuals the opportunity to realize that they are not alone in facing such life challenges, allowing them to openly discuss similar problems with people who can relate.

Group therapy is a safe and positive environment for individuals to engage with others who are going through similar predicaments. Through open discourse amongst the members, individuals begin to develop levels of trust between each other and participate in an honest and meaningful discourse. Getting feedback, encouragement, and perspective from other members of the group is beneficial because it allows you to see the way others are coping with similar situations and learn from their journey.

Prior to attending the group session, counselors individually meet with their clients to gather information about their concerns and understand what form of therapy would be most suitable to them. After determining which route of counseling best fits the patient’s needs, there will be times, dates, and locations set for each session which will accommodate to the patient’s schedule. While there are general groups that are open for everyone, there will be groups designed on targeting specific issues. Once proceeding with this method of therapy, sessions consist of members speaking only with their personal concerns and feelings to one another. Through this, the counselors will lead provoking discussions which will initiate conversation amongst the group members. Groups usually meet for one or two hours a week with the same individuals which will help grow elements of trust and familiarity between the members of the group.