What Does Group Therapy Do?
Most people with psychological issues do not speak about them because they feel no one can relate. As a result, they suffer in silence. If you have such issues, the Psychiatrist Near You may refer you to group therapy for help. Continue reading to learn about group therapy led by the psychiatrist in Richardson.
What Is the Main Goal of Group Therapy?
Group therapy involves a therapist bringing together a group of people with the same psychological issues. They share and discuss their struggles and get appropriate counseling from the therapist. The main goal of group therapy is to bring together people with similar issues and provide a safe space to open up and receive counseling.
Group therapy can be used alone or integrated with individual therapy. One or more psychiatrists lead a group of around 8 to fifteen members. The meetings involve various techniques and last for an hour and a half to two hours. They meet weekly in a quiet room in community centers, private therapeutic practices, or hospitals.
Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy?
This type of counseling treats a wide range of conditions. Anyone can benefit from group therapy if they are willing to share their issues with the members. However, they must not be in a crisis or have suicidal thoughts. Such issues need individual therapy.
You should consider group therapy with a psychiatrist near Richardson if you have any of the issues below.
- Depression
- Anger management
- Chronic stress, pain, or illness
- Grief and loss
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Phobias
- Divorce
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Weight management
- Substance use disorder
- Domestic violence
- Cultural trauma
Types of Group Therapy
The Richardson psychiatrist categorizes group therapy into different types. They are based on the condition they aim to treat and the clinical methods used during the therapy. Some of these groups are:
- Interpersonal Groups
They focus on interpersonal relationships and social interactions of the members. For example, they will look at the support you receive from others. They will also consider the impact of your relationships on your mental health.
- Cognitive Behavioral Groups
These help patients identify and change inaccurate thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors. For example, people with substance use disorder identify triggers for their addictions. They are then helped to develop strategies to help them reduce their use.
- Skills Development Groups
They help people with mental disorders or developmental disabilities improve their coping skills. The groups strengthen their behavioral and cognitive resources. This helps the members make positive decisions and avoid harmful situations.
- Psycho-educational groups
These groups educate patients about their conditions and provide suitable coping methods. In addition, they usually help people with specific issues such as anxiety or phobias.
- Support Groups
These benefit people with various mental health issues and their loved ones. For example, support Group Therapy Near You enables you to cope with issues such as losing a loved one.
What Techniques Are Used in Group Therapy?
Different psychiatrists use various techniques during therapy. For example, your psychiatrist in Richardson can ask you to sit in a circle and introduce yourselves. Next, you will share your reasons for attending group therapy. Finally, you may discuss your progress and experiences since the previous meeting. The therapist can encourage free dialogue or pair up the members.
They may have specific plans for each session depending on the goals they aim to achieve. For example, they will ask you to create a mask that you feel represents your emotions. It can be made from clay or drawn on paper plates. You will then discuss the emotions conveyed in each mask then find a way to deal with them appropriately.
Another therapist may encourage role-playing during therapy. For example, one member can portray someone in the other member’s life. The dialogue allows them to practice effective communication. Another technique by the psychiatrist near Richardson is writing. You write short stories about yourself and then read them to the group members.
Getting psychological help in group therapy has several benefits. You can explore these benefits by contacting us at Texas Psychiatry Associates. Book a session with our top-notch psychiatrists led by Dr. Syed Quadri and improve your life.