Using group therapy for recovery can be a great way for people to engage more with peers, learn from others, and get additional support during their recovery from substance abuse or mental illness. But how can someone who is new to group therapy make the most of it?
As nerve-wracking as it is, there are several helpful ways to make sure that your group therapy experience is as beneficial and rewarding as possible. Here are some ways that can help you stay focused and engaged in group therapy during recovery.
Be Honest About Your Experience
Group therapy is more than just a way to pass time and sit down with others. In fact, group therapy can take on many different forms, including:
- Group Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Support Groups
- Family Support Groups, and
- 12-step meetings for AA/NA
All of these groups have one thing in common: they depend on your honesty and openness to work effectively. One of the biggest challenges people may face when entering group therapy is being honest about their experience with addiction or mental health issues. This can be daunting, as it requires vulnerability and sharing personal struggles with strangers.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone in the group is there for similar reasons and have likely experienced similar challenges. By opening up and being honest, you not only allow yourself to receive support and understanding from others, but you also give others the opportunity to learn from your experiences.
Even being honest about your struggles with group therapy, such as being unsure or struggling to connect with others or your therapist, can also help your providers learn which types of groups are best for you. Whether good or bad, being honest about your experience is essential for effective group therapy.
Take an Active Role in the Group
Group therapy can sometimes feel passive, especially if you are used to one-on-one therapy sessions where the focus is solely on you. However, taking an active role in group can greatly enhance your experience and give you more benefits. This is especially true with intensive outpatient treatment, or IOP, and partial hospitalization, or PHP.
Both of these types of therapies are more intense than regular outpatient treatment, but studies show it can be just as effective as more intensive inpatient treatment for people seeking recovery from addiction. In short, getting the most benefits from group therapy for recovery is only possible when you take an active role during sessions.
Some ways to take an active role in group therapy include:
- Participating in discussions and sharing your thoughts and experiences
- Asking questions and seeking clarification from other group members or therapists
- Offering support and feedback to others in the group
- Completing assigned tasks or homework outside of sessions
Some group therapy sessions, such as in DBT, will also require members to roleplay skills so they can learn how to use them in real-life settings. Come into group therapy with a positive, non-judgemental mindset. Remember that your role in the group is as a participant and as a support system for other members.
If you’re having trouble engaging with peers, talk to your therapist or group lead. There’s nothing wrong with asking for support, guidance, or even taking a break and rescheduling your treatment if you feel you can’t actively participate in sessions.
Practice Active Listening Engaging in Group Therapy for Recovery
Active listening is a crucial skill to have in any type of therapy, but especially in group therapy. This means truly focusing on what others are saying and trying to understand their perspective without judgement. It also means listening to others without trying to intervene too quickly.
To practice active listening:
- Make eye contact with the person speaking
- Avoid interrupting or formulating your response while someone else is speaking
- Give validation if asked
- Don’t try to be a therapist yourself – offer support, but leave the therapeutic role to the professionals
Group therapy is a space where everyone should feel heard and supported, and active listening plays a crucial role in creating this environment. When you practice active listening, it not only helps others feel valued and understood, but it also allows you to gain insights and perspectives from other group members that can enhance your own recovery journey.
Remember – hearing is not the same as listening. Practice good listening skills to truly engage in group therapy and get the most out of your recovery experience.
Find Support for Recovery Today
The recovery journey toward sobriety is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be made alone. At The Berman Center, we offer PHP and IOP in Atlanta to help those looking for well-rounded, highly effective mental health and addiction treatment. We know it can be difficult to transition from inpatient treatment to everyday life, which is why we offer comprehensive aftercare programs to ensure you continue on the path of recovery.
We encourage you to reach out and find support through our group therapy sessions, which include art, CBT, DBT, yoga, family groups, trauma therapy, and so much more. Don’t wait to start your recovery journey – contact us today and take the first step towards healing.
