Find Group Therapy & Support Groups Near You in Person and Online

What is group therapy? It is a therapeutic group that typically focuses on one issue and whose participants experience the same or similar mental health disorders. A therapist guides the group. Individuals share their stories, and the therapist may provide guidance or highlight tips and tools for the group to consider. Groups tend to range from 5 to upwards of 20 people. Large groups sometimes have two therapists.

Group therapy can vary from session to session. Some group therapy involves group discussion and sharing, while other sessions may run more like a class. Therapists leading group therapy often provide participants with coping mechanisms and tools they can implement into their daily lives.

Sessions can take place on a daily and weekly basis. The participants may change over time, with new participants arriving and others leaving from one session to the next. Sharing in group therapy tends to center on narratives related to the struggles participants go through in dealing with a mental health issue. The therapist makes sure that everyone stays focused on the main issue at hand, and that everything said is as compassionate and productive as possible.

The basic structure of group therapy is as follows:

• Participants share an experience or diagnosis
• They offer hope and support to others in group
• Both therapists and patients share knowledge and experience
• Participants maintain a circle of privacy

Keeping the circle of privacy and ensuring the anonymity of all involved is crucial to the therapeutic process. This provides a safe space for everyone so that they can share freely. The therapist leading the group tries to focus participants to maintain a mood of positivity and empowerment for themselves and others.

Group therapy can be open, allowing anyone who might benefit to attend, while other groups may be kept private to the participation of a certain therapist or clinic’s patients. Group therapy can also address a number of different mental health issues, including:

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Individuals who have been through significant trauma sometimes end up dealing with something known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Due to the alienating nature of this disorder, working in a group can be very beneficial for these patients.

A group session for PTSD might limit participation to those with PTSD from a specific trigger, such as war. Different traumas can require different therapeutic techniques, so this can make it more productive for participants.

Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression group therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Facilitated by trained therapists, these groups focus on addressing the unique challenges of postpartum mental health. Participants share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support from others who understand their struggles. Sessions often include education on managing symptoms, self-care techniques, and developing a healthy bond with the baby. The group setting fosters a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation and shame. Through mutual support and professional guidance, participants can navigate the complexities of postpartum recovery and improve their overall well-being.

Addiction and substance abuse
Many are familiar with group therapy for addiction, thanks to media portrayals. Those participating in group therapy for addiction are often at different places in their journeys. Some have maintained sobriety for years, while others are early in the process. All participants share stories around their addiction and recovery with the goal of helping themselves and others. Some group therapy for addiction may include a 12-step approach like the one used in Alcoholics Anonymous.

Grief and Loss
Those who have experienced grief through the loss of a loved one often feel isolated. Working in group therapy can help those with grief realize they are not alone. Sessions might focus on different types of grief. As an example, a group may center on those who have lost a spouse. There are also group therapy sessions that take a more generalized approach. LifeStance offers a wide variety of grief group therapy in selected states/cities.

Chronic illness
Group therapy for people with chronic illnesses provides a supportive space to share experiences, coping strategies, and emotional challenges. Participants connect with others facing similar health issues, reducing feelings of isolation. These groups offer education on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and addressing mental health impacts like depression and anxiety. Facilitated by trained therapists, the sessions promote resilience, emotional well-being, and a sense of community, helping participants navigate the complexities of living with chronic conditions.

Depression or Anxiety
Group therapy for depression and anxiety provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and challenges. Facilitated by trained therapists, these groups use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices to help participants understand and manage their symptoms. Group members benefit from peer support, learning from others facing similar struggles, and gaining new coping strategies. Discussions often focus on identifying negative thought patterns, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and improving emotional regulation. This collective approach fosters a sense of belonging, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes mutual encouragement, contributing to improved mental health and well-being.

Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder group therapy provides a supportive space for individuals to share experiences and strategies for managing mood swings. Facilitated by trained therapists, these sessions focus on mood stabilization techniques, medication adherence, and coping skills. Participants benefit from mutual support, learning from others with similar challenges, and gaining insights into their condition. Group therapy fosters a sense of community, reduces isolation, and promotes understanding and acceptance, helping participants manage their bipolar disorder more effectively.

Eating disorders
Eating disorder group therapy, often provided in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting, offers structured, supportive sessions that focus on developing healthy eating behaviors, body image acceptance, and coping strategies. Participants benefit from peer support and shared experiences, reducing feelings of isolation. This therapy is ideal for individuals needing more intensive support than standard outpatient care but not requiring inpatient treatment. It helps participants achieve lasting recovery through a collaborative, supportive environment, fostering mutual understanding and encouragement, which are crucial for overcoming eating disorders.

Some examples are:

• Women (Postpartum Depression Groups, Domestic Violence Survivor Groups)
• Teens (Adolescent Therapy Groups, Social Skills Groups, School-Based Mental Health Groups)
• Parents and Caregivers (Caregiver Support Groups, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Groups, Chronic Illness Caregiver Groups, Parents of Children with Special Needs Groups, Divorce Support Groups for Parents)
• LGBTQ+ Community (LGBTQ+ Support Groups, Coming Out Groups, Transgender Support Groups)
• Veterans (PTSD Groups for Veterans, Veteran Peer Support Groups, Transition to Civilian Life Groups)

Research has shown that group therapy can be beneficial for patients, giving them a more affordable yet still effective alternative to individual sessions. Group therapy also supplements individual therapy and medication well, in many cases.

One of the great benefits of group therapy is that it helps people realize they are not isolated in their struggles. Seeing how others cope with similar experiences can help them move towards healing more quickly and effectively.

Everyone can take their own approach to group therapy. Those who are more verbal may enjoy sharing a good deal, while some might benefit from listening at first. Personalizing your approach helps ensure that you can benefit from the process.

Some group therapies are offered only in-person, however there are group therapies available for patients even if they are unable to come into LifeStance’s offices. Teletherapy, a branch of Telehealth, allows therapists to conduct group therapy sessions remotely via teleconferencing sessions conducted on the internet. The session would proceed as it would in person, with each patient sharing and with the therapist providing guidance to the group.

If you are interested in continuing your group therapy sessions via Teletherapy, reach out to us today. We can provide you with everything you need so that you do not experience any interruption in your care.

Burlingame, G. M., Fuhriman, A., & Mosier, J. (2003). The differential effectiveness of group psychotherapy: A meta-analytic perspective. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 7(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2699.7.1.3