Group therapy is a very significant part of treatment centres and it offers people that have alcohol and/or drug problems support that they need to understand the roots of their addiction and pay attention to healing themselves by looking into problems that hold them back and learning a number of ways to deal with them. (Montgomery C (2002) 34–41)
The set up or rather setting of a group therapy session usually involves a therapist and participants with problems that are related. Sessions take up to 60-90 minutes usually depending on the number of participants. This time frames are pretty much most suitable to cover extremely important topics and allow moments of discussions, feedback and support.
You can find that some of the times when patients begin attending a group session, some of them are still in denial that they have a drug/alcohol problem. Whilst others may feel shy or nervous in sharing their story/experiences within a group setting. But just like any challenge or obstacle, one will need to overcome obstacles that prevents forward movement in recovery. Recovery is not only possible but it’s a reality.
Group therapy sessions cover a whole number of different topics. A lot is learned and discussed. In a group therapy session, you learn a number of things including but not limited to the following:
– Recovery skills
– Effective interpersonal and life skills
– Stress management skills
– Forgiveness and communication
– Letting go of emotional wounds
Unlike one on one therapy session, group therapy sessions offer a great opportunity to speak and get to know other people that have similar issues in a safe and supportive environment. You will also get to hear their stories shared and possibly learn or get inspired by them.
What’s great and beneficial about substance abuse/addiction group therapy is that participants can learn new behaviours like role playing and engaging with others in not only receiving valuable feedback and insight from other members of the group but by also getting support and motivation from recovering peers.
