What Is Group Therapy and How Can It Help You Heal?

When people think of therapy, they often picture one-on-one sessions with a counselor. But did you know that healing can also happen in a group setting? Group therapy is a powerful, often transformative, form of mental health treatment that brings together individuals facing similar challenges to support, learn from, and grow with one another.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy where one or more therapists lead a small group of people—typically around 5 to 15 participants—through structured sessions. These sessions can focus on a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, or social skills. Some groups are open-ended, allowing people to join at any time, while others follow a closed structure with the same members throughout a specific period.

While the idea of opening up to strangers might seem intimidating at first, many participants find that group therapy provides a unique sense of connection and belonging that individual therapy sometimes can’t replicate.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

1. A Sense of Belonging: One of the most immediate benefits of group therapy is realizing that you're not alone. Hearing others share similar struggles can ease feelings of isolation and create a sense of community.

2. Diverse Perspectives: Every group member brings a different background and set of experiences. Listening to how others cope with challenges can open new doors of understanding and offer fresh coping strategies you might not have considered.

3. Built-in Support System: Group therapy offers consistent emotional support and encouragement. Over time, participants often form strong bonds and cheer each other on through setbacks and successes.

4. Safe Space for Practice: Groups provide a safe and supportive space to practice interpersonal skills—such as communication, setting boundaries, and managing conflict—in real-time, with immediate feedback.

5. Cost-Effective: Because multiple people share a session, group therapy is often more affordable than individual therapy, making mental health care more accessible.

6. Facilitated by Professionals: Even though it's group-based, therapy sessions are guided by trained mental health professionals who ensure the space remains respectful, productive, and therapeutic.

Is Group Therapy Right for You?

Group therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be a powerful complement—or even an alternative—to individual therapy. If you're open to sharing, listening, and growing alongside others, group therapy might be a great fit.

Whether you’re navigating a tough time or looking to build stronger emotional resilience, joining a group may be the reminder you need that healing doesn’t have to happen alone.