Group Counseling and Support Groups- the Benefits

Group counseling / support groups have many benefits. The main benefit from groups is that when you go to a group, you are with others who are going through something similar to what you are experiencing.

It can be very helpful and comforting to know that others can understand and empathize with you.

Groups also give the opportunity for individuals to learn from other people’s perspectives and to see how others are coping with a similar problem.  

Group is also the treatment of choice for certain issues such as grief and trauma situations. It is also less costly for everyone involved as well.

I personally love group sessions. I enjoy leading them and I enjoyed attending one when I was grieving the loss of my infant daughter. 

I believe that they are extremely helpful because you can attend one and just sit and listen to others and get something out of the session without ever even talking if you don’t want to. 

If you are hesitant in sharing, other group members are usually very encouraging and nurturing to invite you to share while also respecting you if you do not want to share.
  

If you have thought about attending a group, I want to encourage you to try one. Call local mental health providers and agencies or look in the newspapers in the calendar sections for groups listed.

Here is a small list of some types of groups: 

Bereavement/Grief, Medical, Weight Loss, Mental Health/ Mental Illness, Domestic Violence, Family Support, Life Transitions, and Addictions. 

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                          Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com