How Group Therapy Works
This is one reason group therapy teaches emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
What is...to help individuals better manage their emotions
Almost everything is welcomed in group--especially these kinds of feelings or situations.
What are... emotions or events that make you feel low or want to cope in unhealthy ways
You shouldn't talk in detail about this if it involves methods or encouragement.
What is... self-harm
Group helps you feel this kind of emotional safety and connection.
What is... support, trust, and belonging
This is the number one priority in group therapy.
What is... making everyone feel safe, connected, and accepted
Group therapy is designed to help members do this with their skills and treatment goals.
What is... individualize them
Sharing these can help others give support and feedback.
What are... treatment goals, successes, challenges, and emotions
Talking about this can glorify unhealthy behavior and is not allowed in group.
What is... substance use (in detail)
Through group, you can start to better understand how to work on this.
What is... your own self-improvement
This type of behavior (opposite of respectful) will not be tolerated in group.
What is... bullying or aggression
This skill involves being fully present and nonjudgemental in the moment.
What is...mindfulness
How does this statement reflect openness in group: "(unhealthy coping skill) calms me down, but I know I need to stop."
What is... being honest about your struggle while expressing awareness of your goals
Because of HIPAA and privacy, you cannot share this about other treatment experiences.
What is... past treatment details
Group members can offer this to help you see your situation from a different angle.
What is... a new perspective
If conversations are too triggering or intense, they should be saved for this.
What is... individual therapy
Besides motivation and skill-building, group therapy also provides this kind of practice.
What is...real-life application or practice with feedback
These three types of statements are examples of giving helpful feedback.
1. "Do you feel like that helps?"
2. "Thanks for sharing"
3. "I feel ___ when ___"
Avoiding triggering group members is why you must keep this kind of trauma discussion vague.
What is... significant trauma
Hearing others' struggles can make you feel less alone and more this.
What is... understood and validated
To benefit from group, participants must do this honestly and openly.
What is... participate and engage
Conflict resolution and emotional awareness fall under this broader therapeutic focus.
What is...teaching skills that help you in daily life or improve relationships
This kind of respectful disagreement can actually help the group grow.
What is... respectfully challenging one another
You cannot exchange this kind of info with other group members.
What are... personal contact details (phone, social media, etc.)
Being part of group means both giving and receiving this.
What is... support and feedback
Because we don't know everyone's background, we avoid conversations that are this.
What is... overly triggering, detailed, or inappropriate for group