A primary aspect of substance abuse treatment is the use of several different types of psychotherapy. Various forms of psychotherapy are used to target mental illness, trauma, PTSD, and other underlying causes of drug or alcohol abuse. One of the most popular types of therapies used at drug and alcohol rehab facilities is group therapy. Group therapy in addiction treatment provides patients with several unique benefits that can help them say sober and develop healthy relationships.

Group counseling sessions are only effective if they are built on trust, support, and camaraderie among group members. Although sessions are led by a licensed therapist, most of the work, progress, and healing are accomplished by the patients themselves.

What is Group Therapy?

Group psychotherapy sessions have been at the foundation of treating a variety of conditions for over 50 years. The American Psychological Association (APA) explains group therapy as a group of patients who share similar experiences and goals who are working with one or more therapists for the purpose of life skills, cognitive development, learning, or behavioral modifications. The goals of group therapy when it is used in addiction treatment programs are:

• Provide peer support between group members
• Encourage and support personal growth and emotional development
• Provide skills for social development and healthy relationships
• Help patients develop better communication skills and a higher sense of interpersonal awareness
• Help patients increase their own self-awareness
• Hold patients and group members accountable with one another
• Help patients recognize their internal motivations for drug and alcohol abuse

Counseling sessions may be held in a variety of different formats. For instance, some groups will focus on certain mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, or common experiences such as trauma, grief, or loss. While patients are participating in group counseling, most therapists recommend that they participate in regular individual counseling sessions, as well. After all, both group and individual counseling offer specific benefits to people in recovery.

Therapy groups may range in size, demographics, and more depending on the treatment facility and the therapist’s personal preference. In general, the average group size is between 7-10 patients. This is because groups need to be large enough to offer a multitude of differentiating perspectives while being small enough to offer intimate and individualized care to each patient.

How Group Counseling Works in Addiction Treatment Programs

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and interested in starting group therapy, it is important to understand how the process works. First, the most important thing is that group members act in a manner that is confidential and supportive. After all, if members of the group aren’t keeping the information that is said in the group “in the group,” trust will be broken and it will be difficult for members to get vulnerable. Instead, patients must respect other group members’ privacy, feelings, and emotions.

Throughout therapy, patients will act as sounding boards for other members. To explain, patients will practice new behaviors or test out new ideas on other group members in a safe and professional setting. In addition, patients provide support and accountability to one another, so everyone stays on the right path towards sobriety.

Group therapy sessions held during addiction treatment usually follow the four stages of group development. These are as follows:

• Forming – when the group comes together, each member will introduce themselves and begin getting acquainted with the other group members.
• Storming – making the therapy session a safe place that allows for conflicts and different opinions to be spoken, heard, respected, and dealt with safely and appropriately.
• Norming – helping members of the group understand themselves and the other members of the group.
• Performing – encouraging group members to excel in their goals with self-awareness and interpersonal awareness

The Three Guiding Principles of Group Therapy

Psychotherapy sessions require patients to disclose vulnerable information and feelings that can feel distressing or uncomfortable. Sharing personal information with a group is never easy, which is why group therapy sessions should follow a set of principles that allow for a safe and secure environment. The three guiding principles of group counseling are:

• Confidentiality – therapists, patients, and group members are required to keep all information from the therapy sessions entirely confidential. This protects group members and makes them feel comfortable disclosing difficult feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
• Safety – it is the responsibility of the therapist to create a professional and respectful environment that is conducive to recovery. The group should maintain free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and sexual misconduct. All patients should feel safe talking about their feelings.
• Participation – all group members should participate equally, and if members aren’t participating, it can hurt the whole group.

Different Types of Group Therapy Used in Substance Abuse Treatment

The format and style of group therapy sessions vary depending on the addiction treatment facility and the preferences of the therapist. However, most group counseling sessions are divided into two categories: process-oriented and psychoeducational.

Process Oriented Group Therapy

During process-oriented therapy, group members relate to the experiences of other members, listen to the suggestions from their therapist, and begin understanding the effects of their own behaviors. Then, group members learn when their behaviors are appropriate and when they are destructive. When used in addiction treatment, process-oriented group therapy is beneficial for patients who are experiencing negative behavioral patterns, significant life events, or difficulty transitioning into a sober life.

Psychoeducational Group Therapy

Psychoeducational group therapy aims to educate and inform patients about certain topics, symptoms, and skillsets. While therapists provide the information, group members will participate as well. These groups may involve homework assignments, presentations, psychodrama, and other activities. This type of therapy helps patients who need assistance with stress management or relapse prevention.

Get Connected With an Addiction Treatment Provider Near You

Whether you’re struggling with drug addiction, alcoholism, or dual diagnosis, getting professional help that offers group therapy is a largely rewarding experience. Most group therapy sessions for people in recovery are offered through addiction treatment programs. In addition to group counseling, these programs will offer detox assistance, medical support, recovery support groups, and more.

If you or a loved one are in need of addiction help, don’t wait any longer. Pick up the phone and call today to speak with a dedicated addiction treatment provider.