The idea behind group therapy is to find strength in numbers as you navigate the complexities of personal challenges alongside others who relate to what you’re going through, and where the whole group is invested in working on their ability to connect, be more emotionally honest, or overcome their deep fear of allowing real support. Group therapy is a powerful therapeutic option that involves one or more therapists working with several individuals at the same time. This form of therapy is designed to tap into the healing power of group dynamics and peer support.
In our group therapy sessions, participants share their experiences in a safe and confidential setting, guided by a skilled group therapist. It’s a place where you can gain multiple perspectives on common issues, learn from the experiences of others and practice new interpersonal skills within the group context in a way that you can never practice “in real life.”. The group acts as a mirror, reflecting the social environments of each member and providing opportunities for personal growth and learning.
Jason Seidel
Group Therapy is a powerful, intense, challenging, and much different than individual
therapy. We practice a few different kinds of group work, and currently offer “process”
groups, intense interactive groups for working on relationship, deeper connection,
authenticity, and vulnerability.
If you want a realistic feel for what “process groups” are, check out this new series on
YouTube, or read this article about the filming of the show.
At the Colorado Center for Clinical Excellence, our therapists in Denver and our therapists in Greenwood Village specialize in offering a diverse array of therapists dedicated to couples therapy. Recognizing that every relationship is unique, we provide a variety of therapeutic approaches, personalities, and expertise to ensure couples find the best match for their current phase of life. We invite you to learn more about our team by exploring our profiles. If you’re having trouble finding the ideal therapist for your relationship within our group, we’re also connected to an extensive network of professionals outside our practice. We’re committed to guiding you to the right support, whether it’s within our practice or with trusted colleagues in the wider community. To begin your journey toward a stronger, healthier relationship, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at 303-547-3700, fill out our brief online form or directly call any of our therapists. We’re here to help guide you and your partner toward a more fulfilling connection.
Jason Seidel
Kristen Morrison
Advantages of Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a unique set of benefits that can deepen or strengthen your sense of self in relationship with others:
- Diverse Perspectives: Engage with a variety of viewpoints that can offer fresh insights into your personal challenges.
- Support: Build a support system with others who empathize with your experiences more than you would ever expect, and can offer encouragement that feels real, not fake.
- Cost-Effective: Access professional therapeutic guidance in a model that can be more affordable than individual therapy.
- Real-World Practice: Develop “advanced” levels of social skills by interacting with the group in a more emotionally authentic way, which can be directly applied to your everyday life.
- Feedback and Reflection: Receive honest feedback from group members and the group therapist while working on your self-awareness and growth.
- Shared Experience: Feel less isolated in your struggles by witnessing others who are working through similar issues.
- Role Modeling: Learn from the successes of others in the group, which can inspire and motivate your own efforts to make difficult changes.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Group Therapy
Group therapy is often misunderstood, with many people holding misconceptions about its process and benefits. Some may believe that group therapy is less confidential than individual therapy, or that it’s only for those with certain types of issues.
Others might think they won’t get enough attention from the therapist in a group setting. At The Colorado Center of Clinical Excellence, we want to clarify these misunderstandings:
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our group therapy sessions.
Just like individual therapy, all members commit to respecting the privacy of others in the group. In Colorado, it is also the law.
Group therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
It is beneficial for a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship problems and life transitions. It is often helpful to have people who are similarly motivated to do this kind of work but who have different things they are here to work on.
Every member is valued.
Our therapists are skilled in ensuring each participant is heard and can benefit from the group experience. We use a feedback process in each session and focus on what might be “unspoken” (held by one or more members but not shared openly), not just on what is spoken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy
What Can I Expect in My First Group Therapy Session?
Prior to your first session, you will be introduced to the group’s rules and structure. We will be sure to prepare you with a few individual “prep” sessions prior to joining a group. In the first session, you’ll meet other members, and you’ll have the opportunity to share as much or as little about yourself as you feel comfortable.
How Large Are the Therapy Groups?
Group sizes can vary, but typically, our groups are kept small, ranging from 4 to 8 members, to ensure a personal and effective therapeutic environment.
Will I Have to Share Personal Information With the Group?
You have control over what you share in the group. While participation is encouraged, you will never be forced to share more than you’re comfortable with.
How Often Does the Group Meet?
Groups meet weekly, most for 85 minutes, but this can vary depending on the specific group and therapeutic goals.
How Long Does Group Therapy Last?
The duration of group therapy can vary depending on the group’s focus and the members’ needs. Our groups are typically long-term with members often staying for years, as this is a ‘whole personality growth and development’ kind of process, not a tool for addressing a specific problem or diagnosis. While no contract is ever required, the expectation is that people do not start a group like this if they do not have the option or desire to potentially stay with the group for at least a year.
What if I Don’t Connect With Anyone in My Group?
Building connections can take time. However, the therapeutic process and the skilled facilitation by our therapists often help members find common ground and foster meaningful connections. Often, the difficulty one can face in connecting with a group is related to the reasons they have come, and many in the group will already recognize some of that same difficulty in themselves. This can become a surprisingly rich area to discuss, as scary as that might sound when one has not been in such an honest (and supportive) environment before.
Is Group Therapy Effective?
Yes, research has shown that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many issues. The unique dynamic of the group can provide benefits that individual therapy may not offer.
There are thousands of psychotherapists and counselors in Denver and surrounding communities. But there are not thousands of great psychotherapists. So, remember, it’s always okay to ask questions and get the information you need to make the best decision for your mental health and get the best help available. Always.