The iconic painter, Leonardo da Vinci, famously said, “An arch consists of two weaknesses which, leaning one against the other, make a strength.” This concept of reliance upon others is what is also embodied in group therapy. Group therapy can be a highly beneficial treatment option for those struggling with issues of mental health. However, as with other treatment options, there are both benefits and limitations of group therapy.
What Exactly Is Group Therapy?
Defining group therapy may seem like a simple task. After all, it basically feels summed up in the name – a group that receives therapy. Of course, this is far too simplistic. Gaining an understanding of group therapy requires much more than dissecting the name.
Perhaps the most important aspect of successful group therapy is that it is very structured. It may not look like it at times, however. This is because group therapy relies on openness and honesty, which can appear quite “messy.” However, group therapy must always be administered by a mental health and/or addiction specialist. These professionals are the ones who ensure that the process runs smoothly and that the group benefits from the process.
Finding a Good Fit to Avoid the Limitations of Group Therapy
Another important aspect of group therapy is that it is not a singular category. “Group therapy” is an umbrella term for the many types of group therapy that exist. There are a variety of groups on countless topics. A person will benefit most from a group that addresses topics they most need or desire help with.
Perhaps the best way to think of this is via the term “shared experience.” Group therapy can work best when individuals in the group have shared or are sharing the same experiences. For example, one group may have members who are all struggling with a certain mental illness, like bipolar disorder. In other groups, people may connect through their shared experiences of addiction. Furthermore, if a person’s concerns do not match well with the group they are participating in, then they may experience some of the limitations of group therapy.
What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?
Of course, as with any other treatment modality, it is important to understand that no one therapy is a “cure-all.” There are positives and negatives that go along with all treatment options. The same is true when it comes to the benefits and limitations of group therapy. This is yet another reason why reaching out to a mental health professional is critical before starting any type of treatment or recovery plan.
The benefits of group therapy are vast. Because it is too much to cover, perhaps it is best to focus on a few of the more agreed-upon benefits. These benefits include universality, altruism, and hope. While all of these benefits rely on the concept of shared experience, perhaps universality relies upon it the most.
Universality
Universality refers to the opportunity for individuals to see that they are not alone in what they are feeling or experiencing. It also means that people can see that others have recovered from the same issues they are struggling with. This last aspect also ties into altruism and hope.
Altruism
Altruism has to do with “helping oneself by helping others.” This is a big concept in 12-Step recovery as well. Perhaps it is best put as “you have to give it away to keep it.” By helping others, an individual can feel better about themselves and how they can contribute to the world around them.
Hope
Lastly, hope comes from seeing other members of the group being successful. Being able to see that recovery is possible can be a pivotal motivator in getting well on an individual level.
The Key Limitations of Group Therapy
Choosing the right treatments in a recovery plan requires a delicate balance. This is because there are advantages and disadvantages to each treatment, including group therapy. Some of the limitations of group therapy are a lack of individual focus, the potential for “coasting,” and a lack of flexibility.
The truth is that for some individuals, group therapy is not ideal because they need more personal attention. For others, there is the potential that group therapy won’t work because they hide behind the group process to avoid participating. This is called coasting, and it can be both intentional and unintentional.
The last limitation is rather straightforward. Because there are multiple people involved, there are multiple schedules involved. It follows that one must have flexibility and availability to successfully participate in group therapy.
The Recovery Mission at Clearview
Because there are benefits and limitations to all forms of therapy, here at Clearview, we include many types of therapy in our recovery plans. In this way, we try to create an effective balance. We don’t believe in “one note” treatment plans.
Here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we take an individualized and customized recovery approach with each of our students. Our mission is to light our students’ path to recovery, so we make a plan to ensure that light shines brightest right at the start.
Back to Leonardo da Vinci and that idea of arches, in recovery, we believe that can be part of that interwoven arch, and we can help make it stronger than ever.
Group therapy can be highly effective, but it is not without its limitations. This is why it should be part of a multi-faceted recovery plan and not relied upon as the only option. Group therapy can be highly beneficial in that it can help individuals struggling with issues of mental health and/or addiction relate to others through their shared experiences. However, it is limited in the sense that ultimately some people feel unable to open up in a shared setting. If you feel like your daughter is struggling with issues of mental health, she is not alone. We can help light her path to recovery. For more information about group therapy, please call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
