By Dr. Aislinn Moss, PsyD

Talking about your struggles in front of a group of strangers may seem terrifying. Why would someone ever choose to do this? Believe it or not, there are some very good reasons to do group therapy. Research shows several benefits of group therapy:

1. Group therapy is scientifically-proven to be effective.

You may be wondering, “So, does group therapy actually work?” The answer is clear: Yes! Research shows that group therapy helps people navigate a wide range of experiences and concerns [1]. And it can be just as effective as individual therapy for certain problems, including stress, substance abuse, and navigating career challenges [2].

The benefits of group therapy can also last long after the group ends, sometimes up to a year later [3]. Most people who participate in group therapy experience significant improvement in their symptoms, both during their time in group and afterwards [4]. One meta-analysis found that participants in 43 out of 46 studies felt significantly better because of their participation in group therapy [3].  

2. Group therapy can help you connect with others who have similar struggles.

Going through a challenging time can be lonely. You might feel like you’re the only one struggling and that no one else would understand. In group therapy you can connect with other people who are going through similar struggles and find a sense of community. You can hear new perspectives on familiar issues and learn how others have dealt with issues you’re currently facing.

Sharing with the group can help you feel heard and enable you to get support from the other members. Hearing from your peers can help you learn from their experiences and apply what you learn to your own situation [5]. Not only can you learn from your peers, but you can provide support to another person, which feels good. Studies have shown that providing support to others improves your confidence, self-awareness, self-esteem, and reduces any symptoms of depression and anxiety [6].

3. Group therapy members can provide honest feedback and hold you accountable.

Ever wonder how you’re coming across to other people? It can be hard to receive honest feedback from others in our life, but group members and the group leader can provide interpersonal feedback in a way that is constructive, not critical. You can hear useful perspectives that you wouldn’t necessarily receive from others in your life.

Research has found that this kind of feedback in group therapy leads to significant improvement in relationships outside of therapy [6].  Moreover, the group can hold you accountable to changes you want to make. It can be hard to stay on a path, but when others are working towards a shared goal, and supportive of you, this can help you stay motivated [7]. Research has found this kind of shared group experience is key to making changes in your life [8].

4. Group therapy can be more accessible than individual therapy.

If you are looking to begin therapy or are interested in exploring another form of therapy, group therapy is more affordable than individual therapy [1]. Additionally, wait-times for group therapy might be shorter, so you can begin therapy sooner.

5. Group therapy offers a safe space for personal experimentation.

Groups offer a supportive and safe space for you to understand your experience, try new ways of behaving, and explore new ways of treating yourself and others. This experimentation is an important part of long-term change. For example, if you want to practice being more assertive, you can do that in a safe space like a group. Alternatively, if you want to practice listening to others and taking in a new perspective, group is an excellent place to try this.

What does this mean for me?

If you would like to make changes in your life, you may want to consider joining a group. Ask yourself the following questions:

1) Am I feeling alone and disconnected from others right now as I’m going through struggles in my life?

2) Would I benefit from having a safe space where I can get support from peers who are experiencing similar difficulties?

3) Do my goals involve navigating social experiences and relationships, or a desire to receive feedback, support, or connection with others?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, group therapy might be a good fit for you! If you are interested in learning more about group therapy, or are interested in participating in a group, contact Old Town Psychology using the contact form below.

[1] Malhotra, A., & Baker, J. (2022). Group Therapy.  StatPearls Publishing.

[2] McRoberts, C., Burlingame, G.M., & Hoag, M.J. (1998). Comparative efficacy of individual and group psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 2(2), 101-117.

[3] McDermut, W., Miller, I.W., & Brown, R.A. (2001). The efficacy of group psychotherapy for depression: a meta-analysis and review of the empirical research. Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects (DARE).

[4] Janis, R.A., Burlingame, G.M., Svien, H., Jensen, J., & Lundgreen, R. (2021) Group therapy for mood disorders: a meta-analysis. Psychotherapy Research, 31(3), 369-385.

[5] Yalom, I. (1970). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Basic Books.

[6] Schwartz, C.E., & Sendor, R.M. (1999). Helping others helps oneself: response shift effects in peer support. Social Science & Medicine, 48(11), 1563-1575.

[7] Klein, H.J., Lount, R.B., Park, H.M., & Linford, B.J. (2020). When goals are known: The effects of audience relative status on goal commitment and performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(4), 372-389.

[8] Coco, G.L., Fratello, C.D., Gullo, S., & Giordano, C. (2016). Group relationships in early and late sessions and improvement in interpersonal problems. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(4), 419-428.