How Group Therapy Offers the Chance for a Do-Over
“Do over.”
That infamous childhood phrase that harkens back to the days of being able to try again, to work toward a different, better result. How many times in adulthood have you wished for a do-over? Group therapy is an opportunity for an unlimited number of do-overs. Except, contrary to childhood games or school assignments, the challenges faced in a therapy group are real life situations.
Interpersonal group therapy is an accessible and affordable option for those wanting to learn more about themselves and their relationships with others. An experiential learning environment, group therapy offers clients the opportunity to explore their emotional needs, practice core emotions, and enhance their communication and conflict resolution with other group members.
A typical interpersonal therapy group has 6-10 members and is facilitated by one or two therapists that meets weekly for a 90 minute duration. The focus of individual participants is to work through relational issues that lead to psychological symptoms or dissatisfaction in relationships. Participants are asked to pay attention to their thoughts, feelings, and reactions and report on what they notice. It’s a venue to practice noticing emotion. Such an environment has a way of creating a microcosm, or ‘practice field’ environment, where the very relational issues a client struggles with in their everyday life will begin to appear inside the context of the group. This microcosm effect of group therapy offers participants an opportunity to change dysfunctional patterns through practice in a safe space. Essentially, practicing do overs will eventually lead to changes in day-to-day relationships at home or work.
Trial and error leads to trial and success. As members agree to keep what happens in the group, in the group, participants are free to share what they notice, and learn the effects of different responses. The group plays an important role through open and honest feedback and encouragement. You get an unlimited number of do-overs. Through trial and feedback, members are able to essentially take back their response and try again - modeling their responses for a more positive outcome.
As you learn to break negative behavior patterns through practicing effective behaviors in the safety of the group construct, you will build your confidence and be ready to practice these behaviors in the dynamics of your ‘real’ relationships. Similar to childhood where a do over often results in greater success in a particular activity or game, participating in an interpersonal therapy group results in increased positive self-esteem and interpersonal skills.
Now, who’s ready to practice some do-overs?
Jeff Grossman facilitates interpersonal therapy groups in Nashville & Brentwood, TN. Contact him by phone at 615-308-6318 or email. More information at www.jeffgrossmancounseling.com & www.grouptherapynashville.com.