Importance of Peer Support

Getting admitted into an addiction treatment program is a major step toward recovery, and it requires significant courage. The thought of overcoming addiction by facing problems and changing oneself can be intimidating for some. That’s why there are many facets of addiction treatment that focus on improving support structures for clients, such as family therapy and group therapy. If you’re searching for a group therapy program in Florida, reach out to Coalition Recovery today. Call 888.707.2873 or contact our team online.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a psychotherapy approach that involves one or more therapists working with several clients at the same time. Moreover, group therapy sessions allow clients to benefit from peer support while already benefiting from evidence-based psychotherapy.

Group therapy is sometimes used by itself. However, it’s commonly included in a more comprehensive treatment program — such as an addiction treatment program — that provides one-on-one psychotherapy sessions as components.

Most group therapy programs are structured to be one of the following:

• Cognitive behavioral groups: These focus on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns.
• Interpersonal groups: Where the focus is on interpersonal relationships and social interactions. This includes how much support clients have from loved ones and the impact these relationships have on their mental health.
• Psychoeducational groups: The emphasis is on educating clients about their disorders and ways of coping, often based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Skills development groups: Improving social skills is the emphasis.
• Support groups: These focus on providing a wide range of benefits for clients with various mental health diagnoses, as well as their loved ones.

Groups can be as small as three or four participants. However, typical group therapy sessions often involve around eight to 12 people. Too few or too many participants can negatively affect the group therapy process. Group therapy sessions are typically once or twice a week, for an hour or two.

Group therapy sessions may be open or closed. New participants are welcome to join open group therapy sessions at any time. Usually, only a core group of participants attend closed group therapy sessions.

How Does Group Counseling for Addiction Work?

In rehab, group counseling primarily helps clients recognize that their struggle isn’t unique and that they’re not alone in struggling with addiction. Improving peer support isn’t the main focus but it’s nevertheless helpful in smoothening the addiction recovery path.

Licensed therapists have the necessary training and experience for leading group therapy. The role of the therapist in these sessions is to set and reinforce group rules and guidelines, lead the group process, and ensure the atmosphere is safe and productive for all participants. The therapist will typically:

• Ask questions
• Encourage participation
• Give feedback when appropriate
• Observe how participants interact as part of the group

Confidentiality is an important part of group therapy. For everyone to feel safe as they open up in group therapy, all participants must honor the confidentiality of their peers. Depending on the addiction treatment setting, one of the group rules may be for participants to refrain from interacting with each other outside of the group therapy setting.

In outpatient settings, group therapy sessions generally take place once a week. In more intensive treatment settings — such as inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization — group therapy sessions may happen two or times a week, or even daily.

When Should You Consider a Group Therapy Program?

If you or someone you love has already been admitted into a comprehensive rehab program, group counseling for addiction may already be a reality. Many rehab facilities recommend group therapy as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program and even as part of aftercare plans.

Participating in a group therapy program can give someone:

• A sense of belonging
• A space to find and build new relationships
• A way to give and receive support
• Access to a variety of perspectives
• Better communication skills
• Feedback from peers
• Hope for a better future
• New ways of interacting socially

Ready To Learn More About Coalition Recovery’s Sober Living Program?

If you’re looking for a group therapy program in Florida, contact Coalition Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 888.707.2873.