ADULT GROUPS

Loneliness and isolation tend to lead to more loneliness and isolation, but making the (often difficult or exhausting) effort to connect with others is just what we may need to start feeling better.

Loneliness and isolation tend to lead to more loneliness and isolation, but making the (often difficult or exhausting) effort to connect with others is just what we may need to start feeling better.

The best part about being in a group is that you don't have to do everything alone. As uncomfortable as it may sound, sometimes sharing difficult thoughts and feelings in a group setting can be extremely helpful in facilitating healing.

This anonymous quote describes how sharing can help:

"Some of the most comforting words in the universe are 'me too.' That moment when you discover that your struggle is also someone else's struggle, that you are not alone, and that others have walked the same path." This is the fundamental concept on which group therapy is developed.

The 11 principles of group therapy are:

1. Instill hope
   Since group therapy often includes patients at different stages of their treatment, some of the newer patients may find encouragement in observing the positive impacts on clients who are further along in their treatment
2. Universality
   Just being part of a group of people who understand what you are going through and have experienced similar problems will help patients see that they are not alone and that suffering is universal
3. Impart information.
   Group members can be a great source of information
4. Altruism
   Group therapy offers members the opportunity to practice altruism by helping others in the group, an experience that will likely help them as well
5. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group
   This somewhat complex principle refers to the process by which patients explore and learn about their childhood experiences, personalities, behaviors, and feelings, and learn to identify and avoid destructive or unhelpful behaviors
6. Development of socialization techniques
   The simple experience of working in a group provides excellent opportunities to socialize, practice new behaviors and experiment in a safe environment
7. Imitative behavior
   Clients can observe and imitate or model positive and helpful behaviors toward others in the group, including therapists
8. Interpersonal learning
   Interacting with the therapist and other group members and receiving feedback can help a client learn more about themselves
9. Group cohesion
   Group therapy sessions can facilitate a shared sense of belonging and mutual acceptance
10. Catharsis
    This principle is based on the healing powers of sharing with others; Talking about your feelings and experiences in a group can help relieve pain, guilt, and stress
11. Existential factors
    Although group therapy offers guidance and support through the group, it also helps clients realize that they are responsible for their own actions and the consequences that follow.

This set of principles makes it clear that there are many advantages to working with a group rather than individually. Although some of these principles can be applied to individual therapy, most of them require a group setting.

The most common topics in group therapy for adolescents are:

• Family problems
• Substance abuse
• Mental health conditions
• Emotional well-being
• Grief
• Trauma
• Abuses
• Anger management
• Phobias
• Body image and weight
• Divorce

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