Going to therapy can be a daunting task. However, group therapy has proven to be beneficial to many, especially for those who may be timid about the idea of therapy in general. If you’re nervous about trying group therapy, here are some tips that can help you gain the most benefits from your experience.
Tip #1: Be A Good Listener
Getting used to a new setting and a new group of people can be challenging. Many people avoid group therapy sessions because they don’t feel comfortable sharing their emotions in groups. That’s okay! There’s no pressure to hit the ground running at your first session. You’ll likely have to introduce yourself, but there’s no expectation for you to take the reins and dive right in if you don’t initially feel comfortable doing so.
The reason group therapy works for so many is that listening can be just as effective for your situation as talking. When you attend a group session, you’re connecting with others who share similar experiences, emotions and struggles, which can then help you with your challenges. Allowing others to do the talking is a great way to ease yourself into a new setting, while still receiving some valuable information for yourself.
Tip #2: Offer Feedback
Part of the appeal of group therapy is getting ideas and support from more than just one person. While therapists and counselors are trained to help their clients, you don’t need an advanced degree to offer moral support or suggestions.
Group sessions are about building community and trust among members, so when you respond to someone in group therapy, you’re making a connection. You’re letting them know that you’re paying attention and that you’re there for them, which then creates a relationship that invites them to provide support to you.
Tip #3: Don’t Judge
Everyone has their own lives and their own situations to deal with, and no one really has any right to judge another. However, it’s surprisingly easy to fall into a place of judgment when listening to someone else. But when you spend your life judging others, you come to expect judgment in return.
So you’ll be best served by keeping an open mind. Sometimes we judge others because we can’t understand their thought processes or actions. If you feel yourself starting to judge someone, take the time to ask questions instead. Just make sure you phrase your questions in a non-aggressive manner. Not only does asking questions help you understand your peers, it may also lead to a big eureka moment in that person’s mind. Trying to understand someone rather than judging them is key to helping you connect with other group members.
Tip #4: Be Honest
This may seem like an obvious one, but being honest is the most important thing you can do at any therapy session. When you’re open about your situation and your emotions, you’ll find ways to heal and move forward in your life.
Lying to yourself can be an easy trap to fall into, and then the added energy of keeping up with those lies is both exhausting and counterproductive. That said, being honest isn’t as easy as it sounds. Many people find comfort and safety in lying as a defense mechanism to protect themselves in a challenging situation.
When you catch yourself tempted to lie, instead you might say, “I don’t feel comfortable talking about that right now.” Through therapy, you then might discover why you don’t feel comfortable, which may then lead to amazing discoveries.
Group Therapy With Connected Roots
Group therapy allows individuals to seek improvement in a friendly and welcoming environment. Group sessions allow you to listen and absorb knowledge when you’re too anxious to take the spotlight, as well as the ability to offer help and support when you are called to do so. By being honest and offering feedback, you help yourself and the others in your group. If you want to discover how group therapy can help you find your way to a better life, contact Connected Roots today at 720-593-1062.