Group counseling may be a common thing to a lot of us. Even though we may not have been in the group for counseling or other mental health reasons, almost all of us have been a part of groups or support groups at one point or another. Group counseling is somewhat similar to support groups also. Support groups mainly exist for various reasons, such as study support groups to provide information and resources for people learning the same subject, a health support group for people who may be diagnosed with diseases, for instance, cancer, etc. Many types of support groups like this exist. The primary aim of any such support group is obviously to provide strength and support to those people who may be suffering from something or facing a problem in a particular area. Read https://www.regain.us/advice/
How does group counseling work?
If you have been interested in how a group counseling session works, then read ahead to know more. Typically, a group may consist of 4-12 members who are seeking support or guidance in a particular issue. The members of this group may be from different backgrounds, different cultures, races, genders, etc., having a different perspective of life, which will be shared in the group as time passes by. In fact, this is one of the huge advantages of group counseling. You are exposed to the ideas and thoughts of people from various walks of life, and this will sometimes inspire you or motivate you in many ways you wouldn’t have thought of. Now, back to the topic, each of these teams will be then guided by a mentor or leader or therapist. In some cases, there may also be more than one leader. You will share experiences, stories, and wisdom with the rest of the members in the group, as they will with you.
Since it a group, a culmination of different individuals, you will get an understanding that you are not the only one facing a problem. Some people may have it easier; some people may have it worse. But no matter what, each of us human beings is going through a lot of struggles, and the fact that you are not alone in this journey can give you some much-needed strength.
Benefits of group counseling
Let us now examine the various benefits of group counseling:
- Makes you feel less lonely
- Enhances your social and communication skills
- Gives you a new perspective about things and just life in general
- Leaves you inspired and motivated by the accomplishments of others as well as teaches you lessons about the failures of some people so that you don’t make the same mistake
- Very cost-effective compared to traditional one-on-one counseling sessions
- Helps you to explore your own mind and even leads to finding yourself
- Creates bonds and connections that may last a lifetime