Top Four Benefits of Joining Group Counseling
Group counselling is one of the most effective ways to get treatment and support for people going through circumstances that affect their life or mental health. Typically, groups are composed of around 10 participants. They are supervised by 1 or 2 leaders who are usually certified therapists or counsellors.
Small group counselling sessions are conducted once or twice a week. It involves sharing and listening to each participant’s problems and progress. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Some sessions, such as in the case of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups, are conducted to teach participants certain useful skills.
Do you think you need counselling? If you are still having second thoughts, you might want to know the many benefits of joining group counselling sessions.
Here are the top four benefits according to counselling agency Everyday Empathy:
It provides support system.
Undergoing therapy or counselling in a group setting is a great opportunity to provide and receive support to people with similar concerns as yours. Participants are encouraged to learn to lean on and assist each other in finding solutions to their problems. They are free to give each other advice and uplifting words to cheer them up and make them realize that they’ve got support. This is especially helpful to people who are grieving, have experienced trauma or domestic violence.
It helps improve your social skills.
Some people find it hard to socialize to other people or even involve themselves in conversations. This is especially true in the case of people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or mental disorders. Through group counselling, you will learn to slowly open yourself to people and improve your social skills. Engaging in meaningful conversations can be therapeutic and gives you the confidence to not just face and talk to people, but also to rise above whatever it is that’s holding you back.
It helps you to know yourself better.
Not a lot of people know that group sessions are actually an opportunity to know themselves better. A participant may bring up topics you may not have the confidence to raise in an individual counselling session. By listening to various concerns tackled from varying perspectives, it is easier to relate emotionally and understand your thoughts and feelings more effectively. This enables you to find your voice, assess yourself, and reflect better. As a result, you have greater understanding of yourself.
It helps you find new friends.
A lot of people who underwent group counselling were able to build solid friendships that tend to last even after the program. Knowing people you can openly share your concerns and frustrations with opens up opportunities to establish genuine bonds. Most of the time, the people who had the same experience as yours are the ones who can truly listen and give you the best advice.
You see there are many good reasons to join group counselling when you are going through some struggles in life. It is a safe place where you can better understand yourself and your circumstances and learn solutions so you can move forward.
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