The Pros and Cons of Group Therapy

Both inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient treatment services frequently include a group therapy component. These sessions might be:

  • Specific to a particular culture, gender, or orientation.
  • Centered on some type of 12-Step program.
  • Focused on a particular method, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-educational, conflict resolution, or interpersonal or skills development.
  • Part of a therapeutic approach to trauma or grief, family dynamics, recovery, relapse prevention, or something else.

In other words, if you enter substance use disorder treatment, it’s unlikely you can avoid discussing and analyzing issues, behaviors, and progress in a group setting.  

Group therapy has a long history. It was first used with patients suffering from tuberculosis in the early 1900s. Later, it was part of a treatment procedure for emotional reactions—eventually defined as post-traumatic stress disorder—experienced by active military and veterans of World War II and subsequent conflicts. One of the first mental health facilities in the world to adopt group therapy techniques was the Tavistock Clinic in London in the 1950s. 

Today, addiction treatment therapists follow treatment improvement protocols established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A SAMHSA panel of experts continues to find value in group therapy, citing it as “a source of powerful curative forces that are not always experienced by the client in individual therapy. One reason groups work so well is that they engage therapeutic forces—like affiliation, support, and peer confrontation—and these properties enable clients to bond with a culture of recovery.” SAMHSA also has extensive data outlining the effectiveness of the group approach for not only substance abuse, but also “depression, isolation, and shame.” 

So as you move forward with your choice of wellness, knowing what to expect from group therapy prepares you to receive the most benefits from the experience. 

Benefits of the Group Setting

The power of unity is one of the strongest advantages to participating in a multi-member therapy session. Over time, medical experts observed long-lasting, positive behavioral shifts because the group as an entity is a central factor: a gathering around the proverbial fire that makes everybody feel safe, protected, and part of something greater than themselves. 

As such, the group develops an identity that helps its members dedicate more investment to their goals, because each individual succeeds when the group as a whole does. 

Additional benefits cited by the medical community include but aren’t limited to:

  • You’re not alone with your problems—continuing to progress and overcoming challenges is a universal theme. 
  • The group fosters altruism—that is, the exercise of developing selfless concern for other people’s welfare.
  • Inspiring hope—each time a group member succeeds, other individuals believe they can as well. 
  • A greater level of accountability—knowing you can rely on others to help you stay the course in recovery adds to your motivation.
  • Improving social skills—members of the group maintain a dedication to the purpose of each session, accepting all the different personalities and their idiosyncrasies, and utilize adapted methods for stronger relatability and communication.  
  • Interpersonal learning—your peers have something to teach you and can help elevate your personal goals and broaden your knowledge.
  • Cathartic healing—if properly nurtured by the group, individuals begin to overcome past circumstances and form more effective community bonds that reinforce better life choices. 

Not all groups will be the right fit at first, but honest assessments with your counselor or therapist will help you navigate different sessions until you feel comfortable. 

Limitations of Group Therapy

While most people thrive in a group setting, others might struggle. An individual’s life experiences factor into this, but there are some common reasons, too. 

Trouble establishing trust

All of us have experienced someone hurting us in the past, but some individuals’ trust issues are rooted in abuse, grief, trauma, and other major emotional catalysts. Consequently, being in a position of vulnerability is difficult. Noted researcher and author Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never a weakness.” However, if you’re not at a point where you can accept this fact yet, vulnerability simply makes you feel exposed and heightens distrust regarding how others will treat you.

Lack of stability

People in various stages of treatment come and go in sessions. If you’re just starting to build rapport with the same core people and someone new shows up or regular attendees leave, this might make you feel uneasy. Depending on your personal history, you might even withdraw from participating until you come to terms with the change. 

Peer support might also feel like peer pressure

The very dynamic that makes group therapy productive could also hold some people back when participants call you out and hold you accountable. Often without the conversational and reflective listening skills that therapists have, your peers are simply going to “tell it like it is.” This can sometimes make the atmosphere more confrontational and tense than many of us prefer. 

You don’t see progress in yourself or others

One primary criticism of therapy in general is that it’s simply “navel gazing” and doesn’t evoke actual productive change. Some people become frustrated in a group setting if others present the same issue repeatedly without resolution—or you might have the perception they believe that of you, which can slow your progress. 

The Balanced Group Approach at Willingway

Group support is a pivotal therapeutic method for inpatient and extended treatment, outpatient services, family programs, and continuing care weekly meetings, but it’s not the only one. Individual and recreational therapy, 12-Step recovery education, spirituality and self-care, and other applications are also part of a comprehensive, personalized continuum of care plan. Review our program features to learn more.