Group Psychotherapy is a form of therapy where a group of people meet together, with a group psychotherapist, and make an agreement to use one another for a therapeutic experience.

A group member has an opportunity to observe and learn more about themselves. Clients are able to gain understanding and shift their behavior through the group experience. The information they receive gives them an opportunity to experience their own process, which can leave a more lasting impression. Having this experience can assist the client with obtaining their goals and enhance their relationships with others.

Though individual therapy is very powerful, group and individual therapy (together) can enhance the process of healing. Certain thoughts, interactions and behaviors become more visible in a group setting that would not normally present itself in an individual setting.

Group therapy can assist clients with increasing communication skills in the workplace and in their romantic relationships, where, many of our vulnerabilities surface.

There are all types of groups. Such as, support groups where there may or may not be a group facilitator (e.g., 12 step meetings). There are groups that have a subject or theme, like a grief support group. There are groups that are either heterogeneous (e.g., Mixed groups; both men and women) or homogenous (e.g.,Women’s or Men’s groups). A psychotherapy group is typically a closed group (which means, it’s a confidential group where clients can only join when a member has left or if there is an available space.

A group therapist facilitates group members through an experience, which allows clients to create a deep change. Most people change through having an experience, versus just gaining insight.

Elana currently running a Women’s Psychotherapy Group, Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and a Mixed Psychotherapy starting June 2008.

Please feel free to contact Elana Clark-Faler, LCSW, CSAT if you have any questions about joining a group, at 310-403 9147 or email: elana@wholenessandhealth.com

Learn More About Group Psychotherapy:

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~rccc/groupbro.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_therapy

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychotherapy/a/treattyps.htm

http://www.gpasc.org/

http://www.lagps.org/

http://www.agpa.org/