Group Therapy

• Instills hope – group members are usually at different stages of the treatment process. Newer people can see others who have been helped and those who have come along the way can look at new members and realize their own progress.

• Universality – individuals realize that they are not alone. Their problems or conditions are ultimately universal.

• Imparting information – information sharing can benefit all individuals

• Altruism – individuals who selflessly share with hope to help and support others can experience an increase in their self-esteem & confidence.

• Catharsis – sharing one’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences can aid in pain relief, stress, or guilt.

• The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group – within a group, members can share their experiences from childhood and learn from one another how those experiences have influenced their lives.

• Development of socialization techniques – practicing new behaviors in a supportive setting without fear of failure can be such a freeing experience

• Interpersonal learning

• Group cohesiveness – united with a common goal, group members develop a sense of belonging and acceptance.

• Existential factors – most importantly, while working with a group, members often realized that they are responsible for their own choices.