Group Therapy Sessions to Support Change

There is strength in numbers, they say, and this plays a big role when it comes to group therapy sessions.  This different dynamic has worked well to give people who are going through the same process the opportunity to learn together, challenge each other, and support each other in their recoveries.  If meeting one on one within rehabilitation is a frightening thought, then consider what this less individualized, yet no less effective form of therapy can do for you.

Discover the Benefits of Group Therapy Sessions

Not everyone is comfortable attending solo therapy in which it is only themselves and the facilitator.  Luckily, addiction treatment can be highly flexible, and there are a number of available formats so that each patient can be as well-adjusted as possible as rehab proceeds.  Particularly in the earlier stages of recovery, patients can benefit enormously from working with others under the guidance of one of a variety of trained providers while receiving all the same treatment opportunities that they would get on an individual basis.

For those who are able to grow and learn more completely when others are present to offer support, this is the logical option.  Group therapy sessions offer insight into the physical effects of substances, how addiction affects other people in the patient’s life, the existence and refocusing of triggers, and experiences that may have led to substance abuse, to name a few.  Patients are able to hone their abilities to stand against cravings, learning to refocus their energies onto forming new lifestyles for themselves and helping to support others.  Those who have been successful can provide real example of their strategies to others who may still be struggling with addiction; since those in the group has some feelings or experiences in common, their opinions and suggestions carry more weight.

The “culture of recovery” as fostered within group therapy sessions includes the benefits of “reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others.”  The impact of limiting a feeling of being alone in recovery and also being present to the successes of others in the group can be huge.  It isn’t difficult to imagine how this form of therapy might be successful, considering how often people join or relate with groups throughout their lives in general and the effect that groups of people can have on a person’s development.  Unfortunately, this also means that groups have the ability to act as negative influences as well as positive ones, potentially supporting unhealthy situations and decisions in those who need healthier structure.  This is why group therapy sessions are so important, as they “can be a compelling source of persuasion, stabilization, and support.”

Persuasion, stabilization, and support are all needed along the path to recovery.  With a trained specialist to lead these groups, the people involved are able to form more meaningful connections not only with the others in recovery, but also with the world at large.  People are, at their core, social creatures who crave contact with others.  Alone, a patient may be ill-equipped to face the highly negative emotions and self-deprecating thoughts that are often associated with addiction.  In a group setting, he or she has others to offer affirmations and positive encouragement toward successful rehabilitation.

An important point to make is that groups outside of “therapy” can still be “therapeutic.”  That is, after group therapy sessions, a person can still continue to make progress if he or she is surrounded by people, so long as “the relationship has the potential to influence and change that person.”  Of course, this could still be positive or negative influence, but the hope is that the patient would seek out those who can help to inspire healthy changes rather than the alternative.  For more information about finding group therapy sessions that work for your situation and your schedule, get in touch with The Bergand Group. The Bergand Group is Maryland’s leading addiction recovery center, and offers support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

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