Group therapy is one of the structured psychotherapy methods conducted by individuals with similar life experiences, psychological difficulties, or common goals coming together under the guidance of a trained mental health professional in the field. The aim of this approach is not only to discuss the difficulties experienced, but also to enable individuals to learn from one another, to better understand their social relationships, and to develop new coping skills in a safe environment.
What is Group Therapy? The Psychotherapy Process with Individuals Having Similar Experiences
Although individual sessions are what comes to mind for most people when psychotherapy is mentioned, group therapy is one of the methods whose effectiveness has been evaluated by scientific research for many years and which is frequently used in psychiatric practices. Especially in many subjects such as interpersonal relationships, emotion regulation, loss and grief, addiction processes, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, it can be applied within different therapy models.
Being in a group environment, contrary to what many people think, is not just about talking. Over time, participants both learn to express their own feelings and thoughts and can gain different perspectives from the experiences of other members. Therefore, group therapy is evaluated as one of the important psychosocial support methods that can contribute to the individual's realizing that he is not alone.
In cases deemed appropriate, group work can be recommended as part of the treatment plan after a psychiatric evaluation. However, it is important that which therapy approach is appropriate is decided with an expert evaluation in line with the needs of each individual.
The Basic Approach of Group Therapy
Each individual establishes different relationships throughout his life, encounters various difficulties, and is affected by these experiences. Group therapy is a therapeutic process that allows people to evaluate these experiences in a safe group environment.
At the base of this approach lies not only the individual's recounting of what he has experienced; but also his learning from the experiences of other group members, receiving feedback, and gaining a closer awareness of his interpersonal relationships. Thus, the therapy room becomes an environment where relationship patterns encountered in daily life can be observed in a safer manner.
Throughout the therapy process, the expert supports the communication between group members to progress healthily, provides an opportunity for everyone to express himself, and ensures that the group dynamics continue within safe boundaries.
Sharing and Mutual Support in the Group Environment
Before starting therapy, many people may think that the emotions he experiences belong only to himself. However, coming together with individuals who have similar life experiences can help a person evaluate his own experience from different angles.
In group therapy sessions, participants can;
- Express his emotions in a safe environment.
- Listen to the coping methods of people experiencing similar experiences.
- Find the opportunity to develop healthy communication skills.
- Strengthen his empathy-building skill.
- Experience the importance of supportive social relationships more closely.
The sharing level of each individual is different. People who do not feel ready to talk during the therapy process are not forced; the participation process progresses according to the person's own pace. This approach supports the feeling of trust to develop naturally over time.
Especially in addressing difficulties related to social interaction in people experiencing anxiety disorders, the group environment can create a valuable working field when deemed appropriate by the expert.
The Process of Learning from Similar Experiences
People can often look at the events he experiences from a single window. Seeing how different individuals cope with similar situations, on the other hand, can contribute to the development of new ways of thinking.
For this reason, group therapy is not only an environment where talking takes place, but also a natural learning process where experiences are shared.
Over time, group members can;
- Notice repeating behavioral patterns in his relationships.
- Benefit from the feedback of others.
- Review his ways of expressing himself.
- Learn to establish healthy boundaries.
- Develop different perspectives.
This process can contribute to the individual's better understanding of both himself and his relationships with his environment. Therapeutic change can often be supported not only through the relationship established with the expert, but also thanks to the interaction between group members.
What Subjects Can Be Addressed in Group Therapy?
Group therapy is not a method applied for a single diagnosis. According to the expert's evaluation, structured therapy groups can be formed for different psychological needs.
Among the subjects that can be addressed in therapy groups;
- Anxiety and stress management
- Depressive symptoms
- Self-esteem problems
- Difficulties experienced in social relationships
- Communication skills
- Emotion regulation
- Grief and loss process
- Traumatic life events
- Anger control
- Family relationship problems
- Adjustment to chronic illnesses
- Strengthening psychological resilience
may take place.
Besides this, some therapy groups can be planned specifically for certain patient groups. For example, in Addiction Treatment programs, group work can be evaluated as an important psychosocial support component. Similarly, in individuals who are in the treatment process due to alcohol addiction, group-based psychotherapy applications can be included in the treatment plan in cases deemed appropriate by the expert.
In special therapy groups formed for individuals experiencing traumatic life events, creating a safe sharing environment is prioritized. Especially in people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, it is important that which therapy method is appropriate is decided after a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
Every group is not formed for the same purpose. While some groups progress educationally oriented, others can be structured on the basis of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, schema therapy, or supportive therapy approaches. Therefore, the therapy plan is determined in line with the needs of the individual and the goals of the group.
How is the Group Therapy Process Planned?
Before any group therapy program starts, participants are evaluated individually. In this evaluation process, the difficulties the person experiences, his therapy expectations, his suitability for the group environment, and his needs are addressed in detail.
Individuals deemed suitable are directed to the same group with people who have similar therapy goals. Thus, it is aimed to establish a common working ground among group members.
Group sessions are usually held regularly on certain days and hours. Although the duration of each session may vary according to the structure of the group, it is carried out within the framework of certain rules.
The basic elements taken into consideration during the planning process are:
- Group members having common therapy goals
- Determining the group size in a way suitable for therapeutic interaction
- Encouraging regular participation
- The principle of confidentiality being accepted by all members
- The process being carried out in a structured manner by the expert
If needed during the group duration, individual evaluations can also be made and the therapy plan can be reviewed again. Thus, it is tried to determine the most appropriate approach in accordance with the psychological requirements of each individual.
How is Confidentiality and Trust Ensured in Group Therapy?
One of the most important elements for a psychotherapy process to progress healthily is the feeling of trust. In group therapy applications as well, it is of great importance that participants can express themselves comfortably, feel safe while sharing the experiences he has lived, and believe that his personal information will be protected. Therefore, group work is carried out in line with certain ethical principles and professional standards.
Before therapy starts, detailed information about the process is given to the group members. How the sessions will progress, the responsibilities expected from the participants, and the principle of confidentiality are explained. It is emphasized that each participant bears the responsibility of not sharing the information shared within the group outside the group.
The principle of confidentiality covers not only the life events recounted, but also the identity information of the group members and the personal experiences voiced in the sessions. Thus, it is aimed to establish a communication ground based on trust in the group environment.
However, there are also legal and ethical boundaries to the principle of confidentiality. In situations where the person carries the risk of seriously harming himself or someone else, or under special conditions requiring legal obligations, experts act in accordance with professional ethics and the legislation in force. These exceptions are shared clearly with the participants before therapy starts.
The development of an environment of trust among group members may take time. While some people prefer only to listen in the first sessions, others may share earlier. These differences are accepted as natural and no participant is forced to talk. The therapeutic process progresses by respecting the readiness level of each individual.
The basic principles supporting the environment of trust are:
- Mutual respect and non-judgmental communication
- Adherence to confidentiality rules
- Respecting the right to speak of each participant
- Acceptance of different views and experiences
- The expert managing the group process in line with ethical principles
Thanks to these principles, group therapy can transform into a safe working space where individuals can express his feelings and thoughts more comfortably and feel understood.
What Are the Possible Contributions of Group Therapy?
The gains each individual obtains from the therapy process may vary. The nature of the problem experienced, regular participation in therapy, the person's openness to change, and group dynamics are important factors affecting the process. For this reason, it is not correct to promise definitive results for group therapy. However, scientific studies show that group-based psychotherapy applications can provide supportive contributions in various fields in suitable individuals.
Being in a group environment ensures that the person does not only focus on his own experience, but also sees the perspectives of other individuals going through similar experiences. This situation can contribute to the development of awareness over time.
Within the therapy process, people can;
- Develop his skills in expressing himself.
- Notice the areas where he has difficulty in establishing communication.
- Gain new skills regarding recognizing and regulating his emotions.
- Learn to establish healthy boundaries.
- Find the opportunity to evaluate difficulties experienced in social relationships.
- Develop his empathy skills.
- Experience the feeling of belonging provided by encountering people living through similar experiences.
Especially in individuals experiencing repeating problems in interpersonal relationships, the group environment can function like a small model of daily life. The communication styles the individual uses in his relationships become more visible within the group, and these can be evaluated accompanied by an expert.
While some groups are planned weighted towards psychoeducation, others are structured on emotion sharing and interpersonal interaction. Therefore, the contributions to be obtained are closely related to the purpose of the group.
Group therapy can be planned together with individual psychotherapy or Psychiatry follow-up when necessary. It is important that how the treatment plan will take shape is decided in line with the clinical evaluation of the person.
Differences Between Group Therapy and Individual Therapy
Many people who want to receive psychological support wonder what kind of difference there is between individual therapy and group therapy. In fact, rather than being alternatives to each other, these two approaches are psychotherapy methods responding to different needs.
In individual therapy, meetings take place only between the client and the therapist. The focus of the session is entirely on the difficulties the individual experiences, his life story, and his personal goals. It allows deeper individual work to be done.
In group work, on the other hand, there are multiple participants along with the therapist. Here, not only the relationship established with the expert, but also the interaction between group members forms an important part of the therapeutic process.
The basic differences between the two approaches can be summarized as follows:
|
Individual Therapy |
Group Therapy |
|
It is carried out between the client and the therapist. |
It is carried out with multiple participants accompanied by a therapist. |
|
All sessions focus on the needs of the individual. |
Group dynamics are at the forefront in line with common goals. |
|
Personal life history can be addressed in detail. |
The process of learning from similar experiences is supported. |
|
Social interaction is more limited. |
Feedback between group members occupies an important place. |
While individual therapy may be more suitable for some individuals, some people can benefit significantly from group work. In some cases, both approaches can be planned together. This decision must definitely be given as a result of an expert evaluation.
For Whom Can Group Therapy Be Evaluated?
Group therapy is a psychotherapy method that can be applied in different age groups and for different psychological needs. However, whether it is suitable for each individual must be determined as a result of a comprehensive evaluation.
Group work can be deemed appropriate especially for;
- People sharing similar life experiences,
- Individuals experiencing difficulties in social relationships,
- Those wanting to develop emotion regulation skills,
- People aiming to strengthen communication skills,
- Individuals wanting to work on anxiety and stress management,
- People in need of psychosocial support
.
Some therapy groups can be planned for specific diagnoses. For example, structured group programs formed for individuals experiencing Anxiety Disorders or support groups carried out within the scope of Addiction Treatment can be shown as examples of these.
Similarly, in people who are in the treatment process due to Alcohol Addiction, group work can be evaluated as a component of the individual's treatment plan. The purpose in this process is not only to talk about addictive behavior; but to strengthen social support systems, develop coping skills, and support motivation.
In individuals experiencing traumatic life events, on the other hand, the suitability of group applications is evaluated by taking into account the level of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms and the person's readiness.
For Whom Can Individual Evaluation Be Prioritized in Group Therapy?
Each individual's therapy requirement is different. Therefore, for some people, conducting an individual evaluation first instead of direct group therapy may be more appropriate.
During the expert evaluation, the person's current mental state, the severity of the symptoms he experiences, his capacity to adapt to the group environment, and therapy goals are addressed in detail.
In some cases, it may be recommended to plan individual psychotherapy first, and then transition to group work at an appropriate time. Thus, it is aimed that the person benefits more from the group process.
Situations Requiring Preparation for the Group Environment
There may be some situations that may require individual preparation before starting group work. Among these;
- Presence of intense psychiatric symptoms,
- Being in a crisis period,
- Experiencing severe difficulties in attention and impulse control,
- Clinical conditions that can make it difficult to comply with group rules,
- The person not yet feeling ready to participate in the group environment
may take place.
These situations do not mean that group therapy cannot be applied. The aim is to determine the most appropriate therapy plan for the person's needs and to create a safe psychotherapy process. Providing individual support first in some individuals and transitioning to group work later may be more beneficial.
The Role of Experts in Group Therapies
The progression of the group process effectively and safely is closely related to the knowledge and experience of the mental health expert managing the sessions. The expert is not only the person directing the talks; he is also the person observing the group dynamics, evaluating communication processes, and ensuring that therapeutic goals are protected.
The group leader;
- Ensures that sessions progress in a structured manner.
- Creates an appropriate environment for all participants to express themselves.
- Balances communication within the group.
- Provides psychoeducation when necessary.
- Monitors the implementation of ethical principles and confidentiality rules.
- Develops a professional approach in possible crisis situations.
The expert's duty is not to make decisions on behalf of the participants, but to create a safe psychotherapy environment where they can develop their own insights.
For this reason, group therapy does not mean simply coming together and sharing experiences; it is a planned professional psychotherapy method based on scientific foundations and carried out accompanied by an expert.
Group Therapy Approach at NPİSTANBUL
In group psychotherapy applications, the main purpose is to plan the appropriate psychotherapy method by evaluating the needs of individuals correctly. Therefore, at NPİSTANBUL Hospital, the group therapy process is not limited only to planning group sessions. In the first stage of the process, the person's mental state, therapy goals, and suitability for group work are comprehensively evaluated by experts.
The difficulty each individual experiences, his life history, and expectations are different from each other. Therefore, the same therapy plan may not be applied even for people with the same diagnosis. When deemed necessary, the appropriate psychotherapy approach is determined for the person in line with psychiatric evaluation, psychological tests, and individual interviews.
Group work carried out at NPİSTANBUL is planned based on psychotherapy approaches that have a scientific basis. The purpose of the group, participant profile, session frequency, and the therapy model to be applied are determined by the expert team. When necessary, a holistic treatment plan can be created together with individual psychotherapy, drug treatment, or other psychosocial support applications.
During the therapy process;
- Participants are expected to act in accordance with the principle of confidentiality.
- A safe and non-judgmental sharing environment is created.
- Equal opportunity is offered for each individual to express himself.
- Therapy goals are reviewed regularly.
- The process can be re-planned with individual evaluations when necessary.
It is important that which therapy method is appropriate in the psychological support process is decided in line with the clinical evaluation of the person. Therefore, group therapy is not a method recommended as standard for every individual; it is one of the scientific psychotherapy approaches included in the treatment plan in cases deemed appropriate.