Hello Friends!
Today we are talking about some of the different types of group therapies.
The first group is called the Psychoeducational Group.
Psychoeducational groups are made to help and educate people about certain issues including substance abuse. This sort of group is able to focus on the disorder and therefore educate those in the group about it and how to help themselves.
You are able to go in knowing that you will learn more about your disorder and how to deal with it better not just through discussions with you group. They will use materials to help you such as dvds or books or lectures.
The second type of group is called Group Therapy.
Sharing problems and finding out about how others have dealt with their difficulties may give you encouragement to work with issues that previously seemed too difficult. Individuals often find that group members are able to offer useful feedback and insight to each other. Although expertise is important, the therapist is not the only person with something to contribute. This process of giving and receiving allows individuals in the group to experience relating in a way which can be helpful in everyday settings.
To be able to share problems that you experience with others who may have dealt with this same difficulty you can learn from each other and maybe learn new ways to deal with them. To be able to realise that there are others with the same emotional and psychological needs as yourself means that you can know that you are not alone with them.
The third type of group is called Support Groups.
Support groups are groups for people who share common disorders. Depression, anxiety or eating disorders meet together to share the experiences with these disorders and are able to help each other with the knowledge of their own ways of dealing with it. The group is usually led by someone who has training in facilitating group talks.
You can talk about your disorders with others that know what you are talking about and are not going to judge you. They have either been where you are or are in the same position as you. You can gain some good friends through this, you have a support network of people that you can share your stresses about your disorder with and they will understand.
The last type of group we will discuss today is called the Twelve-step Program.
A twelve-step program is a guide to make and outline a course of action for sorting out problems like alcoholism or addictions.
A twelve step program can help you because it gives you a plan of steps to take to help your recovery. You also have a sponsor to guide you along the way plus you have the help from your whole group as well. So you have many sides of support this way.
Lisa Dodds is a mum to three beautiful daughters and has been married for six years. She loves spending time with her family aswell as running their newsagents with her husband so her life is pretty busy but she loves it that way. She has a personal blog about her life with bipolar 2 and her ups and downs. She loves to write and play her piano. She also loves photography and hopes one day she will be able to take it up more and maybe one day possibly make it as a career.
Defying Shadows 
Very interesting. I went to some Group Therapy once, but didn’t find it helpful as the facilitator allowed the more vocal people to speak most of the time, and never helped the less vocal (including me) take part
Group therapy isn’t for everyone. I am sorry you had a bad experience with that group. Not every group is the same way and sometimes you have to try a few different groups to find the one that helps you! Best of luck in the future!