Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Group Counseling?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Group counseling is a form of therapy, which posits that people benefit from shared experiences. Usually, it's focused on a particular issue, like obsessive-compulsive disorder or anger management. While a therapist usually manages the group, contributions from other members are considered valuable since all in the group share similar issues.

One of the main principals behind group counseling is the idea that dealing with specific issues may cause isolation, and a feeling that one is alone in facing his or her problems. This form of counseling attempts to counteract isolation by assembling people with similar issues to enforce that difficulties are not singular to one person. Additionally, knowing other people with similar troubles can be comforting to individuals who may not have access in their own family and friends to people with the same problem.

Group counseling affords individuals therapy among others dealing with similar issues.
Group counseling affords individuals therapy among others dealing with similar issues.

Group counseling may be highly organized, with people doing specific activities together and then sharing the results. Alternately, it may be more freeform, where members share their current issues related to the group’s purpose. One person’s verbal contributions to a group might be discussed, validated, and provoke problem solving by other group members in a session. It might also be an entry into a discussion regarding a certain aspect of an illness or condition that is then primarily led by the therapist.

Anger management might be the focus of group counseling.
Anger management might be the focus of group counseling.

Different groups may also embrace different psychological schools of thought. For example, a Jungian-oriented group dealing with depression might evaluate symbols in dreams that could shed insight on each member’s condition. A Gestalt-oriented group might be encouraged to question a person’s motives and evaluate both verbal and body language. Confrontation in Gestalt therapy is considered a vital part of healing.

Group counseling might address subjects like living with grief.
Group counseling might address subjects like living with grief.

Some forms of group therapy take place in psychiatric hospitals. The success of such therapy often depends upon the diversity of people’s conditions. Other groups are more like Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and may not be counselor directed, but may merely be a number of people meeting to help find their way out of addiction.

Many large therapy businesses now offer group therapy as an alternative to private counseling. Such groups might address subjects like living with anxiety, parenting the special needs child, living with grief, or living with depression. Some people find the group counseling experience a better alternative than private therapy because it tends to cost less. Frequently, this form of counseling is covered by insurance, and many groups offer sliding scale fees for those without insurance.

In some cases, bereavement and grief therapy is part of a broader treatment plan.
In some cases, bereavement and grief therapy is part of a broader treatment plan.

The length of group therapy also varies. Some counseling groups take place for a defined period of time, while others are open-ended, allowing people to drop in as needed. Usually, more freeform groups are open to drop-ins, and they may last for an indefinite period of time. More organized groups can last for a specific period of time, and require materials, study books, or the like. These groups may require a time commitment and a payment upfront.

Many counselors and therapists offer individual as well as group counseling sessions.
Many counselors and therapists offer individual as well as group counseling sessions.

Not all group counseling efforts are completely successful. Occasionally, therapy suffers if a group is too large or small. It may also become problematic when one person appears to monopolize the group. Usually, the counseling works best when an experienced therapist can redirect a person who is sharing too much, and allow equal time for people to share their ideas, problems, or opinions.

People may vary in their need for therapy, and generally those who monopolize a group should not be looked down on but should be redirected to private counseling, where he or she can be the sole focus of attention. After some time in private sessions, a person may feel less need to monopolize a group session.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon926774

Could someone please categorize problems in counseling?

CopperPipe

Group counseling will often have a physical component as well -- there are a lot of different kinds of group therapy exercises, everything from icebreakers to trust building exercises.

It can be really helpful for those in counseling to have the physical touch and interaction that comes with some of these exercises.

yournamehere

@FirstViolin -- There are usually some standard questions, but it's not set in stone or anything.

First, the counselor would ask what kind of issues they are having, and how they think that group therapy could help them.

Then they would describe some common group counseling activities, and sound out the person's opinion on whether they think that would be helpful, or appropriate for them.

Finally, they would ask the person what level of support they feel that they need, and try to determine if a group would be able to provide that.

Although these are pretty common questions, it usually does come down to the counselor deciding or recommending a course of action -- these questions can just help them come to a decision.

FirstViolin

How do counselors determine if someone is suited for group counseling?

Are there some standard questions to ask, or is it usually a personal decision?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Group counseling affords individuals therapy among others dealing with similar issues.
      By: Monkey Business
      Group counseling affords individuals therapy among others dealing with similar issues.
    • Anger management might be the focus of group counseling.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Anger management might be the focus of group counseling.
    • Group counseling might address subjects like living with grief.
      By: Antonio Gravante
      Group counseling might address subjects like living with grief.
    • In some cases, bereavement and grief therapy is part of a broader treatment plan.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      In some cases, bereavement and grief therapy is part of a broader treatment plan.
    • Many counselors and therapists offer individual as well as group counseling sessions.
      By: Rob
      Many counselors and therapists offer individual as well as group counseling sessions.