Group Psychotherapy

Group Psychotherapy "Group Therapy," is a very under rated modality since it's historically been exploited as a "cost effective way to achieve care," and while this is TRUE (education) it is also an incomplete picture of the potential for the symptom reduction (parataxic distortion) benefits of group therapy. 

 

When done correctly with a passionate, self aware, and trained individual, group members can expect symptom reduction as the natural byproduct of engaging in meaningful social interactions. 

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Famous psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, discovered that emotional difficulties such as anxiety, sadness, or feeling disconnected, nearly always root back to how we relate to others and how we feel about ourselves. Rather than treating your symptoms in isolation, a group therapy acts as a supportive "social microcosm." This is the space you can see your relationship habits in real time, receive honest feedback, and practice new ways of connecting with people who genuinely understand what your going through. 

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​Yalom found that two key forces drive healing in a group: universality (realizing you are not alone) and group cohesion (feeling accepted and valued by the group). As you form authentic bonds, gain self-awareness, and feel supported by others, the heavy symptoms that brought you to therapy in the first place—such as social anxiety, depression, or loneliness—begin to lift.

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If you are wondering whether group therapy is as effective as seeing a therapist one-on-one, decades of scientific research offer a clear answer: yes. Extensive studies show that group therapy is just as effective as individual therapy for treating common mental health concerns, including depression, trauma, and anxiety. It would be an excellent partner modality if you're already seeing an individual therapist. Beyond being equally effective, groups offer a unique advantage that individual therapy cannot replicate: a built-in community where you can practice real-life communication and social skills in a safe, controlled environment.

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Making the choice to attend your first session is a courageous step toward feeling better. The best way to start is to look for group topics tailored to your specific goals or life situations—such as a general interpersonal growth group, a grief group, or a group focused on anxiety management. For some of my groups I offer, I require an initial one-on-one consultation before the group begins. This gives you a chance to ask me questions, meet me (the therapist), and make sure the group's dynamic aligns with what you need to feel comfortable, supported, and ready to heal.