Group Therapy

What Is It?

Group therapy involves a group moderator and other people who share a common interest or problem. The group moderator is either a professional therapist or someone with similar issues as the rest of the group and who has been chosen by them to lead the group. The group could have different therapeutic approaches such as cognitive, interpersonal, or psychodynamic.

In a helpful group, the moderator guides the discussion in productive directions and makes sure that conversations are meaningful for everyone. A good group moderator will not force individuals to speak or share personal information if they do not want to. Many moderators will not even request that silent participants speak, although silent participants usually find themselves becoming more involved as time progresses. The moderator of a group is different than a mediator in couples or family therapy. A group moderator poses questions and encourages involvement of group members. A therapy mediator acts as a communication facilitator to the couple or family. The mediator helps family members to understand one another and work through their conflicts. Conflicts are typically not as much of an issue in group therapy.

Interactions between Members

Usually, the group develops quickly to a comfortable level at which sharing experiences does not feel awkward. Group members may comment that they feel close to other members because they share the same difficulties.

Confidentiality

One important aspect of group therapy is that members respect the privacy of each person in their group. Disclosure of another person 's private experiences, thoughts, or feelings is unwanted and can be embarrassing and even harmful. Members are usually asked as a condition of joining the group to sign an agreement to keep personal information about each group member strictly confidential.