Benefits of Trauma-Focused Group Therapy
Does your heart rate increase when you’re invited out with a group of friends? Do you feel an impending sense of doom when you have to meet someone new? If you get anxious at the thought of socializing, then there is a good chance that there is a long list of things you would rather do than meet with a group of strangers and discuss trauma. Group therapy can seem intimidating, honestly individual therapy can be intimidating at first, however there are so many benefits to group therapy it’s worth it to make the leap. In fact, experts have discovered that group therapy can be more beneficial than individual therapy. You can assume 9 out of 10 members are feeling the exact same way you do, so you're already connected! In case you need some more convincing here are 6 ways group therapy can benefit you!
1. Create Your Village
The age-old expression “it takes a village” doesn’t only apply to raising children anymore, these days everyone needs a village of support. According to Maslow, connection and belonging are a basic human need. In order to reach self-actualization, or the point in your life where you can be who you are meant to be, you must first have connections and feel a sense of belonging. As we age it gets more difficult to find a group of likeminded people. It was much easier in high school when you were surrounded by people the same age 8 hours a day who were just as obsessed with whatever Justin (Timberlake or Bieber) was a teenage heartthrob at the time. It’s not as easy to find a group of people that have faced similar traumas and lived similar experiences. Group therapy is the opportunity to find your village and connect with people who are feeling the same way you are. In group therapy sessions you will be surrounded by individuals that feel or have felt the effects of trauma that are ready to build a supportive community with you! Don’t pass up this opportunity due to fears and anxiety, you deserve your village.
2. Find the Words
Can you remember a moment where the word you needed was on the tip of your tongue but you couldn’t get it out? When you are feeling nervous, restless, or tense it could be difficult to find the words to describe it. Group therapy provides you the opportunity to listen and absorb information from individuals that are on the same path to healing. Sometimes the words you need are out there, but you can’t quite find them. Listening to other group members discuss their thoughts and emotions may be the lightbulb moment you need to express yourself. Other group members may be able to put a name to the emotions, experiences, or ideas you might have. Naming the feeling could be the first step to coping with them.
3. Feel compassion towards yourself
Have you ever noticed that when someone is struggling you just want to show them kindness or compassion in some way; however, when you are the one struggling you find yourself feeling annoyed and frustrated? In situations where you feel depressed, anxious, or numb you tend to be unkind or impatient with yourself. In a group environment you are able to view situations similar to yours from an outside perspective. It is far less likely that you would say, or even think, the same hurtful things towards someone else. Creating connections with group members will allow you to relate to their situations and reevaluate the way you view your own situation. If you can be kind and understanding towards others, don’t you deserve that for yourself? Group therapy provides you with the opportunity to feel compassion for others and for yourself. Healing is a lot easier when you give yourself kindness and understanding.
4. Find the Courage to do Hard Things
As children, when we did new and scary things, we always wanted a hand to hold for support. As we got older that need for support did not go away it just became less socially acceptable. Society has a way of making you feel like you need to be strong and brave all on your own. In reality it is much easier to be strong and brave with a solid support system. Group therapy provides you with a support system that is encouraging and supportive. Group members will cheer you on as you take on the world and they’ll also be there to catch you if the world happens to take on you. This safety net of support will help you find the courage to do hard things!
5. Learn the Coping Skills You Need
The feeling of panic is all too familiar for many of us. What does that panic trigger in you? In most cases panic triggers one of the following fight responses: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Each of these reactions is unique and can present in different ways for every individual. In a group setting you can learn the coping skills to handle not only your fight response but all of the others too. As we heal and grow, trauma may begin to affect us in different ways. Having knowledge of coping skills for any reaction ensures you will be able to continue your healing journey long after the group sessions end. The different skills offered throughout group sessions will end up being invaluable to you on your healing journey.
6. Have a Secure Place to Heal and Grow
The ultimate goal of therapy is to heal and grow. Group therapy provides you with a secure environment to learn, share, and grow. Each group member has unique experiences, knowledge, and goals. Group therapy brings all of these things together in a secure environment that is ready to grow. Challenging yourself to heal in a supportive environment could be life changing! All you have to do is take the first step!
Join a VIRTUAL Trauma Therapy Group Today!
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