The benefits of group therapy are comprehensive and life-changing. A review of 43 studies found that those suffering from depression who attend group therapy show measurable and lasting improvement. Group therapy demonstrates clinical effectiveness for treating addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, and more. However, to understand why group therapy is so effective, we need to take a closer look. If you have questions about our group therapy program, feel free to reach out to Recovery Ranch TN at 1.844.876.7680 today.
Benefits of Group Therapy
When we recommend treatment options to our clients, one of the first things that they want to know is how or why this treatment will be effective. Thankfully, with group therapy, there is a significant amount of research that has been conducted in order to show its efficacy. In order to understand the benefits of group therapy, it’s important to consider what people gain from attending these sessions.
Realize You’re Not Alone
Group therapy is a place to meet others with similar challenges.
For example, other people have panic attacks. Others suffer from depression. Other people have been victims of abuse. Furthermore, many are struggling with addiction and no longer feel in control of their lives.
In group therapy, you connect with these individuals in a safe place. Many in the group are ready to talk about their feelings. Others may take some time to feel safe enough to do so. One of the top benefits of group therapy is the realization that others are where you are. And many have overcome it.
Put Words to Your Feelings
Maybe you have trouble telling an overbearing parent or spouse how you feel when they do something that angers you or makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps you’ve never pulled those racing thoughts out into the real world so you can look at the messages you’re telling yourself. Group therapy is a great place to put the indescribable into words. When you do so, you’ll find you’re on the road to healing.
Practice Valuable Social Skills
Social skills are vital to living a happy and productive life. However, developing these skills and using them are very different matters. One of the many benefits of group therapy is that you have several people with whom you can practice.
In this setting, work on skills like:
- Setting and enforcing healthy boundaries
- Communicating your feelings effectively
- Actively listening to others
- Demonstrating empathy
For example, imagine you have a parent or partner who tries to control your life. You’ve struggled to establish healthy boundaries with this person. They may even cry or get angry when you try to enforce boundaries. Those in group sessions can stand in for this loved one. You can practice what you need to say. As a result, you’ll feel more confident in the real situation. But the benefits of group therapy don’t end there.
Make Human Connections
You’ll also make a lot of human connections in group therapy. You may not have experienced this in a long time, or ever. You’ll laugh together when something’s funny. You may cry or otherwise show sympathy. You’ll learn how to develop bonds with other people.
These connections can also become a springboard for your life. As you continue group therapy, you can face life with the knowledge that other people are rooting for your success. If you’ve been afraid of trying something new, your group can become both encouragement and accountability. You want to show yourself and your group you can do it.
See Yourself More Clearly
Something amazing happens in a group. You’ll start to see yourself in other people in the group. They become a mirror of you. For example, you may have a negative body image. But when you hear someone else saying the same things about themselves that you say about yourself, a light may go off. None of it’s true about either of you. You’ll also get constructive feedback from others. This can be eye-opening. It shows you that there’s another way to look at things.
Where Can You Experience the Benefits of Group Therapy?
The Recovery Ranch TN offers evidence-based treatments like group therapy as part of our holistic and individualized treatment program. On our beautiful and tranquil ranch, our close-knit therapeutic community provides treatment for conditions such as:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Process Addictions (e.g., video games, smartphones, gambling)
- Substance Abuse Disorder
- Eating disorders
In this safe and warm environment, you’ll explore yourself and learn vital life management skills through art, music, exercise, adventure, and more hands-on activities. You’ll begin to heal body, mind, and spirit.
Seek Support at Recovery Ranch TN Today
If you’re ready to start on the road to recovery, we’re here to help. We create tailored treatment plans depending on each client’s unique needs. For instance, we may combine group therapy with other evidence-based treatments, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Life skills training
- Motivational interviewing
- EMDR therapy
- Family therapy
With a combination of these treatment options, it is possible to fully recover from addiction and mental health issues. Is an event, substance, mental health condition, or thinking pattern holding you back? The Recovery Ranch TN can help. Contact us at 1.844.876.7680 to get on the healing path.
