Group therapy is an approach where a group of people meet with a therapist at the same time.
This group dynamic can create a safe space to share experiences with other people.
Talking with a therapist can help you figure out if group therapy is right for you.
After spending time with a supportive group of people, do you notice how good you feel? You might feel more energized or motivated. The benefits of group therapy work in the same way. But its intention is to improve your mental health. For example, you might feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope [1] after group therapy. This is in addition to reducing symptoms of mental health conditions.
In group therapy, there’s also less pressure to talk. This dynamic might make the space feel more inviting and comfortable. You might find yourself being able to relax more, which could help you open up and receive help. Whether you’re more of a talker or listener, you may benefit from the group support. Group therapy can offer a nurturing, collaborative, and reflective space to heal.
1. Social benefits
If you crave community or socialization, group therapy can be one way to meet this need. Being around others consistently can be a relief — especially if you live alone or feel isolated from others. You might also develop strong relationships with some group members. This can help you feel more connected in therapy, and you might be able to extend those connections beyond therapy.
Group therapy can also offer self-awareness. For example, you might start to recognize how you relate to others and show up within these relationships. This can start you on a journey to improve your intimate relationships. You might find that your relationships deepen, allowing for closer friendships, family bonds, and romantic connections.
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2. Emotional benefits
Given the nature of therapy, you’re likely exploring sensitive and triggering topics. But it can feel encouraging when other members understand your experiences. For the first time, you might feel validated in your trauma. It can also help to know you’re not the only one [1] who’s experiencing difficulties with a particular mental health concern.
Lightness can also show up more in group therapy rather than individual therapy. Humor reduces stress levels [2], which can benefit your emotional health. An individual therapist may not want to incorporate their sense of humor. But other patients are free to reveal their full selves, including humor.
3. Practical benefits
You might find that group therapy is more affordable since you’re sharing the cost with other participants. If individual therapy is out of reach because of cost, group therapy might be more cost-effective depending on your location and program. You can check your insurance plan to see if group therapy is covered.
Group therapy also gives you the opportunity to interact with different people. Practicing skills like healthy communication in group therapy can benefit you in everyday life outside of session.
4. Therapeutic benefits
Some research shows that group therapy is effective at reducing substance use disorder [3] (SUD), specifically cocaine use. In particular, these studies recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a group setting. Depending on your circumstance, it may be helpful to include group sessions in your current treatment plan.
Group therapy can also help young people heal [4]. A meta-analysis of more than 50 studies showed that group therapy helped adolescents reduce their depression significantly more than social skills training alone.
When group therapy might not be the right fit
Despite the benefits of group therapy, it isn’t for everyone. It depends on your unique experience. For example, if you have social anxiety disorder (SAD), you might do better with individual therapy. If your symptoms improve, you may consider group therapy later.
If you have a severe anger disorder, a group setting might not be a good fit. It could make the dynamic unsafe for other participants and erode trust among members. However, if you want to try group therapy, talking with your therapist can help you determine when that might be a healthy step.
Group therapy while experiencing severe trauma or unresolved post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can risk retraumatizing you. Listening to other people’s stories around trauma may be more damaging than healing during this stage in your life.
If you’re unsure, a qualified mental healthcare provider can talk you through the pros and cons of group therapy for your particular situation. You could start the conversation by mentioning what you’re excited or worried about when it comes to group therapy.
It’s completely normal to feel worried about sharing in groups. Over time, most people find that the group’s warmth, respect, and shared purpose help them ease into speaking up at their own pace. This vulnerability often becomes one of the most healing parts of the experience.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Clinical reviewer
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Group therapy can benefit everyone differently. For example, this format can help people process their emotions or learn coping skills within a supportive group environment led by a therapist. Talking with a mental healthcare provider can help you decide if group therapy would be a good fit.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
References
- New horizons in group psychotherapy research and practice from third wave positive psychology: a practice-friendly review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9893048/
- The effect of happiness and humor on improving immune system function: A narrative review study https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364540923_The_effect_of_happiness_and_humor_on_improving_immune_system_function_A_narrative_review_study
- A review of research-supported group treatments for drug use disorders https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13011-021-00371-0.pdf
- Group therapy for adolescent depressive disorder: a comparison of social skills and therapeutic support https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2005068/
Siobhan Neela-Stock
Siobhan Neela-Stock is a writer and journalist who focuses on health, particularly mental health. She earned her master's in journalism from Northwestern University in 2018 and worked at Mashable for over two years where she focused on social good reporting.
Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, SELF, Fortune, Verywell Health, among other publications. Neela-Stock also teaches writing and journalism at several universities.
She enjoys traveling, dancing, playing dodgeball, and spending time with her loved ones.
Ashley Ayala, LMFT
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in generational healing and family dynamics. Ashley has worked in schools, clinics, and in private practice. She believes that people’s relationships, including our relationship with ourselves, greatly shape our experiences in life.
Ashley is committed to empowering others to show up authentically and deepen their self understanding. This passion stems from taking a critical lens on her own life story and doing inner healing. One of her favorite quotes is “Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
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Rula’s editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness.
Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
