Therapy is a crucial part of any addiction treatment program. While you might prefer the one-on-one nature of individual therapy, there is a lot you can gain from also attending group therapy. However, the presence of several people with different personalities can be tricky to manage. Everyone has a role to play. With this in mind, it is crucial to understand what to expect in a group therapy program to get the most out of the approach. If you or someone you care about is interested in learning more about the treatment options available at Sierra Sage Recovery Services, reach out to us online today or call 833.922.2884.
What Are the Different Types of Group Therapy Programs?
A group therapy program involves a therapist simultaneously working with several people to help participants resolve problematic areas in their lives by interacting with each other. While it can be used alone, group therapy is often a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication and individual therapy.
Group therapy programs tend to fall into one of two categories: process-oriented or psychoeducational. Process-oriented programs focus on making connections and having the participants share individual experiences. On the other hand, psychoeducational programs are more structured and aim to provide participants with the information needed to cope with the issues they are going through.
In addition to these two main categories, group therapy programs can be further split according to the group’s structure and discussion topics.
Group therapy programs can also either be closed or open. In closed groups, the sessions are limited to a select few, and new participants only join when a new group is created. Open groups welcome new participants at any time.
What to Expect in a Group Therapy Program
Regardless of the type of group you are in, there are general dos and don’ts of group therapy that you must follow. Doing so allows you to get the most from the sessions and avoid impeding the progress of other participants.
Ensure that you participate and get involved. The group’s progress is heavily determined by how much the participants share, connect, and learn from each other. Be as open and honest as you can. Also, emotions tend to be just as important as information or ideas, so it is okay to be emotionally vulnerable with other participants.
Learn how to give and take feedback. When giving feedback, ensure that you are specific, honest, and direct, sharing honest positive and negative feedback. When receiving feedback from others, acknowledge the feedback given. If it is unclear, feel free to seek clarification.
Try to avoid giving advice or interrupting someone else while they are sharing. It is difficult to share personal information with strangers, and it takes confidence and courage to do so. Cutting someone short could affect that confidence and make someone less likely to share in future sessions.
You must keep everything that is said in the group confidential. Sharing requires people to trust each other, and you mustn’t betray that trust. Additionally, you should make sure not to skip any session, arrive late, or leave early because this could disrupt the group.
Learn More at Sierra Sage Recovery Services
If you or a loved one is negatively affected by a substance use disorder, you must seek prompt treatment. Here at Sierra Sage Recovery Services, we offer several treatment options in addition to group therapy in our outpatient treatment program, such as:
With these do’s and don’ts of group therapy in mind, you can get more out of your group therapy sessions. If you are looking for a group therapy program near Las Vegas, Nevada, we are ready to take your call. Contact our admissions counselors at 833.922.2884 today or reach out to us online for more details.
