When it comes to therapy, there are a lot of options. That makes sense given that different people have different needs, and different situations call for different approaches. We gathered up quite a number of therapeutic practices in a two-part series you can find here and here.
One form of therapy we did not consider in that series is group therapy. That might suggest we do not think it is as important or as effective as other kinds of therapy. But that is not true at all. In fact, we think group therapy can be a wonderful experience for those in recovery from a substance use disorder. In this post and two to follow, we will take a detailed look at group therapy and the ways in which it can be helpful as you work to launch and maintain your recovery journey.
Before we jump in, however, we want to note that not everyone feels immediately comfortable in a group therapy session. That might be true for a number of reasons. For example, some folks feel like they should be able to solve their problems on their own. For those people, meeting with a therapist one-on-one can feel uncomfortable, and a group therapy setting only increases that discomfort.
Other folks might simply be introverted—meaning they feel more comfortable in situations that do not involve large groups. Still other people might struggle with social anxiety disorder, which can make gatherings of any type extremely difficult for a person to handle.
Even if you fall into one of those groups—the individualists, the introverts, or the socially anxious—we believe you can still reap the benefits of group therapy. The effort might be uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort should lessen over time. If you find that it does not, you might consider discussing the situation in a solo session with a therapist.
Shared Wisdom and Experience Are at the Heart of Group Therapy
A key part of group therapy is the sharing of personal stories—and that sharing can have a powerful impact on those who hear them. In a group therapy session, all of the participants have had similar experiences and are facing similar challenges. As stories are shared, each individual is reminded that they are not alone in their struggles.
That sense of connection—which a trained therapist will help the group develop together—can be an ongoing comfort to a person in recovery. It can also be a source of inspiration. When someone describes their situation, their coping strategies, and their hopes, it can provide insights and ideas that might serve others in the group well.
Take, for example, cravings for drugs or alcohol, which are a common challenge faced by those in recovery. Maybe you have been struggling mightily with cravings and are unsure of how to ward them off. Through group discussions of the topic, you may acquire new strategies and new skills that can serve you well the next time cravings come calling.
Importantly, you get to contribute to this collective wisdom by sharing your experiences with the group. That might seem daunting at first, but it is a key part of what makes group therapy effective—everyone participates and everyone benefits. That does not mean you have to be a polished public speaker. Just commit yourself to sharing your story honestly. You never know how much your story might help someone else in the group, just as the stories of others can help you.
To be sure, it is perfectly okay to ease into the group therapy experience, especially if you do not feel comfortable at first. As you come to think of the other participants as part of your recovery community, you will likely find you are more readily able to share.
More Benefits of Group Therapy to Come
The power of shared experiences and wisdom is a wonderful benefit of group therapy, but it is not the only one. As noted above, this series will feature two more entries. One will be focused on the ways in which group therapy can help you build better communication skills—skills that can serve you well in a wide range of situations. The other will consider the ways in which the group therapy setting can foster real connections that can strengthen the foundations of your recovery.
We Can Help You Overcome a Substance Use Disorder
Located near Wichita, Kansas, Bel Aire Recovery Center helps those who are struggling with drugs or alcohol to reclaim their lives. We provide medically supervised detoxification to help you get substances out of your system safely. We offer a rehabilitation program grounded in individual and—you will not be surprised to learn—group therapy sessions. And we are committed to robust aftercare programs that provide ongoing resources and support.
When you are ready to get your life-changing transformation underway, we are ready to help. A life free of drugs or alcohol is one in which you can build a positive future for yourself. We would be pleased to help you get started.
