Group Therapy Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Group Therapy

Group therapy is a therapeutic approach where a small number of individuals, usually around 5 to 15, meet regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist. It offers a supportive and structured environment where participants can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within a community of peers facing similar issues.

In group therapy sessions, members share their experiences, struggles, and successes, offering each other empathy, encouragement, and feedback. This interaction fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation, as members realize they are not alone in their challenges. The therapist facilitates the sessions, ensuring that discussions remain constructive and focused on therapeutic goals.

A group of 6 people sitting in a circle, in a group therapy Colorado Springs session.

Who Benefits from Group Therapy?

Group therapy can address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relationship difficulties, and more. It allows participants to learn from each other’s perspectives and coping strategies, offering new insights and alternative ways of approaching problems.

Group therapy also provides a platform for practicing interpersonal skills such as communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution in a safe and supportive setting.

Here’s how it typically works:

  1. Formation of the Group: Groups are formed based on specific criteria such as age, type of issue (e.g., depression, addiction), or treatment goals. Members often share similar concerns, which allows for mutual support and understanding.

  2. Structure and Format: Sessions are usually structured and may follow a specific format or agenda set by the therapist. Each session typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes.

  3. Therapist’s Role: The therapist facilitates the group process, ensuring that each member has an opportunity to participate and that the group remains focused on its goals. They may use various therapeutic techniques to promote discussion, reflection, and insight among members.

  4. Support and Feedback: Group members are encouraged to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. They provide support and feedback to one another, offering different perspectives and insights that can be valuable in understanding their own issues.

  5. Universality: Members often discover that they are not alone in their struggles, which can reduce feelings of isolation and shame. This sense of universality can be comforting and empowering.

  6. Learning and Skill Building: Group therapy often includes learning and practicing new skills or behaviors. Members can observe and learn from each other’s experiences and coping strategies.

  7. Social Skills Development: Interacting within a group setting can help improve social skills, such as communication, assertiveness, and empathy.

  8. Confidentiality: Group therapy sessions are confidential, meaning that members are expected to respect each other’s privacy and not disclose information outside the group.

  9. Duration and Frequency: Groups typically meet weekly or bi-weekly, with the duration of therapy varying depending on the goals and needs of the group members.

  10. Effectiveness: Research has shown that group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for many issues, and it offers unique benefits such as peer support, diverse perspectives, and social learning.

The Different Types of Group Therapy

Polaris Wellness Group offers both support and psychotherapy groups. We offer these options in person, and virtually. Both options differ in the focus, structure and goals:

  • Focus and Purpose:

    • Support Groups: These groups primarily focus on providing emotional support, empathy, and understanding among members who share a common issue or experience. The emphasis is on mutual aid and sharing coping strategies rather than on formal therapeutic interventions.
    • Psychotherapy Groups: These groups are led by a trained therapist and focus on addressing specific psychological issues or disorders through therapeutic techniques. The goals often include personal growth, symptom reduction, and behavior change.
  • Structure:

    • Support Groups: They are typically less structured and formal compared to psychotherapy groups. Discussions are often guided by shared experiences rather than structured therapeutic techniques.
    • Psychotherapy Groups: These groups have a more structured format, often following a specific therapeutic approach or method. The therapist guides the group process and may incorporate techniques such as cognitive-behavioral interventions, psychodynamic exploration, or skills training.
  • Leadership:

    • Support Groups: Leadership is often informal and shared among group members. There may not be a designated leader, or leadership roles may rotate.
    • Psychotherapy Groups: Led by a licensed therapist or counselor who facilitates the sessions, ensures psychological safety, and guides the therapeutic process.
  • Goals:

    • Support Groups: The primary goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn from each other’s coping strategies.
    • Psychotherapy Groups: Goals include addressing specific psychological issues or symptoms, improving interpersonal skills, promoting personal insight, and achieving therapeutic outcomes related to mental health and well-being.
  • Therapeutic Techniques:

    • Support Groups: Techniques are informal and often based on mutual sharing, empathy, and validation. Members may offer suggestions and support based on personal experiences.
    • Psychotherapy Groups: Utilizes structured therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to the group’s therapeutic goals. Techniques may include role-playing, guided imagery, cognitive restructuring, or mindfulness exercises.

Interested in Group Therapy? Become a Polaris Client Today!

LGBTQIA2S Friendly Therapy Colorado Springs

A Safe and Inclusive Place

PWG is passionate and committed to helping all clients. We offer a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment to culturally diverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. We are dedicated to providing culturally competent, quality wellness services with providers who are supportive, aligned, and accepting.