Most people who call to schedule with a
private therapist are looking for individual counseling and not group
therapy. This is just a little information to familiarize people
with the benefits of group therapy. Individual therapy is excellent
for providing a safe place for people to disclose their inner
feelings and get feedback on their issues from a trained
professional. Group therapy offers an opportunity to play out
undesired behaviors and emotional issues in a safe environment with
others who may be either triggering behaviors and emotions or be
sympathetic to them. A trained professional is able to point out the
behaviors which require adjustment.
Groups allow members to simulate family
and social experiences. Within this context, group members can
address family of origin issues and uncover road blocks and patterns
of behavior that cause distress. This process enables members to
work through their problems within the confines of a safe,
professionally guided forum.
Group members can provide each other with support and gentle confrontation, which allows members
to positively resolve issues and to become aware of other points of
view. By giving and receiving feedback, group members gain
perspective on who they are and how they portray themselves.
The objective is to learn more
self-awareness, decrease social anxiety, explore new behaviors,
develop more effective coping skills, and promote authenticity.
Confidentiality is a basis for effective group therapy. Members are
pre-screened for group in an effort to effectively combine
individuals for a suitable group.
Often group therapy is used in
conjunction with individual therapy to allow members to work more
intensely on their issues with their therapist while also learning
how to apply their tools within the group setting.
For more information on groups offered at O'Leary Counseling, please visit: www.olearycounseling.com
For more information on groups offered at O'Leary Counseling, please visit: www.olearycounseling.com
