Common Misperceptions about Group Therapy
Myth: "I will be forced to tell all of my deepest thoughts, feelings and secrets to the group."
Fact: You decide what, how much and when you share.
Most group members tends to share more about themselves when they feel safe in the group. No one can force you to reveal anything you don’t feel comfortable revealing. While we recognize that sharing can sometimes be uncomfortable, we also know that many members report getting more out of group when they decide to share more personal aspects about themselves and their experiences. We encourage you to be aware of your pace for group involvement and to share when you feel comfortable doing so.
Myth: "Group therapy will take longer than individual therapy because I will have to share the time with others."
Fact: Group therapy is often more efficient than individual therapy.
First, you can benefit from being in the group even during sessions when you say little but listen carefully to others. You will find that you have a lot in common with other groups members and as they work on their concerns you can learn more about yourself. Secondly, group members will often bring up issues that strike a chord with you, but that you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.
Myth: "I will be verbally attacked by the leaders and by other group members."
Fact: Group facilitators help create a safe space for everyone.
It is very important that group members feel safe. Group leaders are there to help develop a safe environment. Feedback is often difficult to hear. As group members come to trust and accept one another, they generally experience feedback and even confrontation as positive, as if it were coming from their best friend. One of the benefits of group therapy is the opportunity to receive feedback from others in a supportive environment. It is rare to find friends who will gently point out how you might be behaving in ways that hurt yourself or others, but this is precisely what group can offer. This will be done in a respectful, gentle way, so that you can hear it and make use of it.
Myth: "Group therapy is second-best to individual therapy."
Fact: Group therapy can be just as - or more - effective as individual therapy.
Research shows that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy in addressing a wide variety of concerns, ranging from mild adjustment issues to chronic mental health concerns. For certain issues, such as relationship or interpersonal concerns, group therapy can be more effective than individual therapy. Group therapy is being recommended to you because your intake counselor believes that it is the best way to address your concerns. We do not put people into group therapy because we don't have space in individual therapy, or because we want to save time. We recommend group when it is the most effective method to help you. Your intake counselor can discuss with you why group is what we recommend for you.
Myth: "It is hard for me to talk to people; I'll never be able to share in a group."
Fact: Most people feel anxious when groups start and soon enjoy sharing and receiving support in the group.
Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, within a few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. Group members remember what it is like to be new to the group, so you will most likely get a lot of support for beginning to talk in the group.
What are the group rules for my participation in the group?
If group is to be effective, your commitment to the following is essential:
- If you are going to miss a session, please let one of the leaders of the group know.
- The group meeting times have been set by the group leaders, and you are asked to adhere to those times.
- Having a feeling and acting on it are two different actions. Acting out your feelings is not acceptable whether you act them out upon yourself or another member of the group. The way we most respect ourselves and others is by experiencing feelings and then allowing ourselves to talk about them.
- It is your responsibility to talk about your reasons for being in the group.
- The group sessions are confidential. You, other members, and the group leaders are bound ethically and legally not to disclose the contents of the group sessions.
- If you decide that you have gained as much as possible from the group or that it isn't the most appropriate treatment method for you, we ask that you come to the group and say good-bye.
- The work of the group needs to be done in the group during group time. Therefore, we ask that you not socialize with other members of your group during the time when you are a member of that group.
Adapted with permission from the Virginia Commonwealth University Counseling Services.
