How to Make Group Therapy More Meaningful
- Austin Pederson
- Aug 29, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Getting the most out of group therapy requires active participation and a willingness to engage. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide based on insights from a seasoned therapist to help you navigate your sessions effectively and make meaningful progress on your treatment journey.
What are the key behaviors to avoid during group therapy sessions?
To make group therapy effective, you should avoid distracting others, being negative or disinterested, boasting, downgrading others' contributions, making irrelevant comments, or withdrawing into your shell.
Ready to take your group therapy experience to the next level? Continue reading for more valuable insights on how to make meaningful group therapy sessions and foster a constructive environment, set personal goals, and get the most out of every session..
As one of the premier rehab centers in Utah, we strive to educate those around us on how to make the most out of their treatment. To help individuals get the full benefit of meaningful group therapy, we worked with one of our seasoned group therapists to compile a list of what to do—and what to avoid—when participating in group sessions.
How to Make Meaningful Group Therapy Sessions
Start the group process. Set an agenda of what you would like to work on in group by defining your concern(s) in here and now terms. Encourage group focus. Be aware of how your issues are presented in the context of the group relationship.
Be more trusting and trustworthy. You are trusting when you are willing to take a risk by opening up your true self to other people. You are trustworthy when you make others feel safe to be vulnerable with the group.
Express feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, concerns, reservations, and expectations.
Set personal goals. Work on and process how you would like to move forward in your life; how you could become more productive and constructive.
Be open to and ask for feedback non-defensively.
Tell others what you heard them say and what you observed before you rush to giving them feedback and advice.
Help other group members process new ways of coping with their thoughts, feelings, and urges.
Ask other group members what they are presently thinking and feeling, what their urges are and how these affect their relationships.
Ask for ideas, suggestions, facts, and clarification if you or others are confused.
Summarize and clarify ideas, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions.
Be willing to observe yourself and become more aware of your non-verbal behaviors, your feelings, and your thoughts. Be aware of multiple emotions and thoughts and how they are impacting you in the present moment.
Observe what you are communicating with your non-verbal behaviors and what messages you are trying to send to others. Be honest with yourself about what you are avoiding to express. Be willing to share those things in group.
What to avoid Group Therapy:
Distracting others.
Appearing or being disinterested.
Being negative.
Calling attention to yourself by boasting, telling war stories, or entertaining.
Downgrading others or their contributions.
Pulling into your shell, not taking an active role.
Making irrelevant comments.
Frequently Ask Questions:
• How can I build trust within the group?
You can build trust by being willing to take a risk and open up about your true self. You become trustworthy by making others feel safe and comfortable enough to be vulnerable with the group.
• What should I do before giving feedback to another group member?
Before giving feedback or advice, you should first tell the other person what you heard them say and what you observed about their non-verbal behavior.
• Is it important to observe my own non-verbal behavior?
Yes, it's crucial to observe yourself and become more aware of your non-verbal behaviors, feelings, and thoughts to understand what you're communicating to others and what you might be avoiding.
• What types of topics should I express in group therapy?
You should express your feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes, dreams, concerns, reservations, and expectations to get the full benefit of group therapy.
• How can I help other members of my group?
You can help other members by assisting them in processing new ways of coping with their thoughts, feelings, and urges, and by asking them about what they are presently thinking and feeling.
At Chateau Health and Wellness, we understand that true healing is a collaborative effort. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a supportive environment where you can apply the principles of meaningful group therapy and move forward on your path to recovery. We invite you to take the next step with us; your journey toward a more productive and constructive life is our shared priority. Contact our compassionate team today at (435) 222-5225 and let us help you begin your journey.
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About The Author
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
