The Beauty of Group Therapy
What’s the big deal about group therapy?
In my second year of graduate studies, I took a class on group therapy theory. Simultaneously, I had the opportunity to both observe and lead IOP art therapy groups at a local behavioral health clinic.
As I gained deeper understanding of group theory and the power of group dynamics, I began seeing it play out before my eyes. I finally understood what made group therapy so special.
Here are some key benefits as described in The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (Yalom and Leszcz, 2020):
Instillation of Hope: Witnessing the development of people around you, or even hearing it from a member who has been in the group longer than you, can show you what’s possible and plant seeds of hope for what can be possible for you.
Imparting Information: Group therapy can be a unique space to receive information both from a trained professional as well as peers on niche experiences, or rarely discussed topics. It can also be an opportunity to share with others what you may have learned from your personal struggles or experiences.
Altruism: The opportunity to encourage others in a designated space can increase self-esteem. The balance between giving and receiving in personal relationships often leans one way or the other. The group dynamics can allow for someone to experience receiving help if they are used to primarily giving it, and vice versa.
Corrective Family Experiences: The role individuals play in a group often mimics the role they played in their family of origin. In the safe and supportive setting of group therapy, individuals can become more self-aware of these roles and learn new ways of interacting that may be healthier.
Corrective Emotional Experiences: Interpersonal emotional experiences in the group such as vulnerability or relating with one another, can be especially healing if this is not someone you are used to. Healthy emotional experiences in the safety and confidentiality of the group setting, may provide an ‘experiential template’ for you to repeat those healthy experiences outside of group as well.
Group Art Therapy
Group art therapy integrates the benefits of standard group therapy with the healing power of art making.
Art making can feel vulnerable, even when nobody is around. Experiencing making art in the presence of others who are exploring the same psychological concepts can create a sense of shared understanding and connectedness.
Discussing artwork with others made from the same prompt can also improve your ability to see things from different perspectives and may even provide deeper insight into your own artwork.
Interested in joining one of my virtual art therapy groups? First one’s on me.
