Group Therapy For Personal Growth
Engaging in counseling with other members who have gone through similar struggles creates an atmosphere of cohesiveness. Group therapy not only allows Individuals to experience personal growth through self exploration, but to also learning about the experiences of others can aid in recovery. Additionally, because guilt and shame are common feelings, talking with others alleviates some of these feelings and helps the person to feel normal and safe in sharing their experiences and struggles.
In many ways, speaking in a group of people can be liberating as it helps the individual to feel as if they are not alone. Hearing other stories not only helps the person feel less stigmatized, but can also erase fear they may feel in telling their own story. In a group setting, members are often at different stages of recovery or self actualization. Hearing coping strategies, behavior changes and challenges that were faced by others can provide valuable insight into ones own life pattern.
Groups should consist of between six to twelve individuals. Often the size depends on the topic. More intense topics, such as anger, may be more useful with a smaller number. Regardless of whether groups consist of six or twelve people, they are more productive than larger groups because they provide an atmosphere of intimacy where every member can have a chance to speak. Many times individuals may come to discuss divorce, death or loss, or another topic.
All mental health groups should have a facilitator who is trained in counseling to guide them. The counselor expands their role as an individual counselor into the group setting. It is the job of the facilitator to keep each member on topic, ensure that no one monopolizes the session, and confront anyone who is not being open with themselves.
Telling ones life stories can be very difficult in a room of strangers. It is the job of the counselor to create an atmosphere of trust and support. Because individuals share intimate details about their life and struggles it is extremely important that confidentiality be stressed. Each member should understand that whatever is said in the session stays in the session. Violating this rule is severe and often results in the member being asked to leave.
Facilitators of groups are usually trained therapist who have received education at least through the masters level. A counselor is trained in human behaviors and thought processes and are well equipped to counsel individuals through difficult situations. Therapists have the tools that are necessary to challenge stubborn behavior and help their client connect their thoughts and behavior to their own happiness.
Facilitating a counseling group and counseling an individual require different sets of skills. While counseling an individual, the therapist must be able to challenge behaviors and be present in their clients unique struggles. In a group setting the counselor must be able to maintain cohesion throughout the members and be sure not to focus on any one person. Likewise, the therapist must be aware of any behaviors that are exhibited in the session that threaten the willingness of other members to engage.
Individuals can find this type of therapy in most locations where individual counseling is offered. Whether the client lives in Tulsa, OK or any other city, they are likely to find a mental health practice where they can engage in therapy in a group setting. For the counseling to be effective, it is important that the individuals are willing to open up about their own experiences as well as provide insight that may help another member.
In many ways, speaking in a group of people can be liberating as it helps the individual to feel as if they are not alone. Hearing other stories not only helps the person feel less stigmatized, but can also erase fear they may feel in telling their own story. In a group setting, members are often at different stages of recovery or self actualization. Hearing coping strategies, behavior changes and challenges that were faced by others can provide valuable insight into ones own life pattern.
Groups should consist of between six to twelve individuals. Often the size depends on the topic. More intense topics, such as anger, may be more useful with a smaller number. Regardless of whether groups consist of six or twelve people, they are more productive than larger groups because they provide an atmosphere of intimacy where every member can have a chance to speak. Many times individuals may come to discuss divorce, death or loss, or another topic.
All mental health groups should have a facilitator who is trained in counseling to guide them. The counselor expands their role as an individual counselor into the group setting. It is the job of the facilitator to keep each member on topic, ensure that no one monopolizes the session, and confront anyone who is not being open with themselves.
Telling ones life stories can be very difficult in a room of strangers. It is the job of the counselor to create an atmosphere of trust and support. Because individuals share intimate details about their life and struggles it is extremely important that confidentiality be stressed. Each member should understand that whatever is said in the session stays in the session. Violating this rule is severe and often results in the member being asked to leave.
Facilitators of groups are usually trained therapist who have received education at least through the masters level. A counselor is trained in human behaviors and thought processes and are well equipped to counsel individuals through difficult situations. Therapists have the tools that are necessary to challenge stubborn behavior and help their client connect their thoughts and behavior to their own happiness.
Facilitating a counseling group and counseling an individual require different sets of skills. While counseling an individual, the therapist must be able to challenge behaviors and be present in their clients unique struggles. In a group setting the counselor must be able to maintain cohesion throughout the members and be sure not to focus on any one person. Likewise, the therapist must be aware of any behaviors that are exhibited in the session that threaten the willingness of other members to engage.
Individuals can find this type of therapy in most locations where individual counseling is offered. Whether the client lives in Tulsa, OK or any other city, they are likely to find a mental health practice where they can engage in therapy in a group setting. For the counseling to be effective, it is important that the individuals are willing to open up about their own experiences as well as provide insight that may help another member.
About the Author:
To take part in our group therapy sessions, you should first review our online page. Come and take a look at our therapeutic services here at http://www.therapeuticservicesok.com.