3 Key Reasons to Join a Group

The idea of joining a group can be so scary. When you are going through a difficult time, it often feels like you need one-on-one help focused solely on your problems and issues. It makes complete sense. You are struggling and not in a place where you are considering other people's problems. That said, we are all very similar. Our minds work similarly, and we all face some of the same life struggles. If you are struggling with infertility, you are not alone. If you have lost a loved one, you are not alone. If you go through periods of anxiety or racing thoughts, you are not alone. One of the most significant advantages of being a counselor is seeing how alike we truly are. 

1. The group therapy “me too” effect

The power of hearing another person express something you feel deeply or have experienced can not be understated. I often describe it as magical. I have watched its calming effect on a person and how, when someone doesn’t feel alone in their issues, they can begin to look at them with so much more gentleness. It can be scary to face challenging thoughts and feelings when you also feel really alone. 

Of course, this does not mean that you don’t face unique challenges. We differ in our identity, our childhood experiences, and our view of the world around us. Our problems are not like cookie cutters that are always shaped the same. Now, more than ever, we tend to surround ourselves with like-minded people and with people familiar to us. We know their perspectives, and when we suffer, the familiarity can be both comfortable and stagnating. 

2. Bonding with people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives

It's incredibly valuable to step outside of your own experiences and delve into the lives of others. The empathy and understanding that this fosters can transform your inner dialogue. Many clients describe the process of immersing themselves in the stories of others as the most enlightening aspect of group therapy. I have observed that inner growth moves faster when clients work with others and expand their understanding of the world and their place in it.

One of the most common issues that my clients discuss is relationship issues. They may describe their challenges in specific relationships, and sometimes, clients describe patterns of how they feel when interacting with others. Insecurities, anxious feelings, and worries about how you are perceived are some of the most common things I hear. 

3. Confronting your insecurities in a relationship in real-time in a group

In group therapy, your relational insecurities or patterns tend to arise. In other words, you will think the same way you do in social or work groups. However, it is quite different because the task of being in a therapeutic group is to talk about your feelings and issues. I have witnessed such incredible growth when someone confronts their issues head-on with a supportive and loving group. 

Fortunately, therapy has become increasingly destigmatized and accepted as a valuable resource for health and wellness. Whether you are at a crossroads in life or on a journey of self-discovery, joining a group can deepen your healing and self-awareness.