Sometimes the best way to treat mental health symptoms is to talk it out with a group of understanding peers. Group therapy programs can be tremendously beneficial for anyone struggling with mental health difficulties and can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
People looking for a group therapy program in Los Angeles can call 747.285.7504 today. Speak with the mental health professionals at Illumination Mental Health and start working toward recovery right away.
History of Group Therapy
Group therapy first became popular in the ’50s and ’60s. It began as a pragmatic solution to a simple problem: therapists had limited time, and many people were not able to afford individual therapy sessions. These therapists reasoned that they could conduct therapy in groups, saving costs and allowing them to help more people.
What they discovered is that a group therapy session was often much more productive than their individual sessions could ever be. People in a group therapy program were able to help each other just as much, if not more so, than the therapist alone.
By bringing a group of people with a common problem together, those in the group learned that they were not alone, that recovery was possible, and that they could share their knowledge and experience with others to great effect.
The Benefits of a Group Therapy Session
There are several reasons to start group therapy in Los Angeles. The key benefits of group therapy include:
- Building community
- Learning that you are not alone in dealing with your problems
- Seeing with your own eyes that recovery is possible from people who were in a similar position
- Gaining accountability for your actions from a group of understanding peers
- Learning valuable tools and skills from trained therapists
- Feeling supported in your recovery
Group therapy works partly because it surrounds you with people with a similar problem. It’s often easier to learn new ways to cope, persevere, and recover from people who can truly empathize with you than to learn from somebody who doesn’t share your experience.
For the most part, therapists in group therapy are there to facilitate the meeting and keep it on track — but the healing happens from the group members themselves.
Which Conditions Can Be Addressed in Group Therapy?
The support, accountability, and skill-building components of group therapy make it an effective treatment for a variety of different mental health conditions. Group therapy is a valuable tool for treating several disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
It’s no wonder that self-help groups have modeled themselves after the group therapy model, bringing together people with common problems to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes.
Group Therapy in Los Angeles
Many people are nervous about beginning a group therapy program. But it’s not as intimidating as it may seem: every group member started as a newcomer, and they had to go through the same sense of trepidation as you might be feeling.
Group therapy emphasizes giving back what you’ve learned to others, and new group members are met with warmth, compassion, and understanding.
Start a Group Therapy Program at Illumination Mental Health
When you’re ready to start taking the steps to recovery with a group therapy program, contact the mental health professionals at Illumination Mental Health by calling 747.285.7504.
Our comprehensive suite of mental health treatment options can show you the path to recovery, help you overcome troublesome mental health symptoms, and empower you to regain control over your life.
We believe that recovery is possible for everyone, no matter your struggle. It may seem like you’re lost in the dark, but we can help to illuminate the way.
