Trying Group Therapy

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I just started group therapy this week in addition to my individual session(s). I find it extremely hard to talk just one on one, but my therapist thought the support a group could offer would be helpful. I was terrified to go, but I did. I wrote most of what I wanted to say and someone else had to share it. It wasn't much. I managed to whisper out a couple of things. I felt really self-conscious. I am hoping it will get easier with time. Anyone had benefits from group therapy?

 

[silkleaves]

I was in group, and I liked it because I was able to listen to others and be able to relate to what they were saying. Also, I was pretty quiet and did not say much in my one-on-one sessions, so this was a way for me to be able to get something out of going to therapy, without the pressure of having to come up with something to say...

...although, for any of us who were particularly quiet, the therapist would be sure to ask us if there was anything we wanted to add, or ask us something to contribute. I always panicked because I felt put on the spot, so I would try to at least say one thing in discussion, but just enough to not be called out lol

Still though, I liked that we were always given exercises to do, and had homework to do during the week, given lots of handouts and information on coping techniques, which was something that I didn't get in one-on-one therapy.

 

[shimmerz]

@JEKBreatheandBelieve It took me years to be able to walk into a group of people. I kept getting pushed into group therapy but knew I couldn't do it. It took a special group of people to get me to a trusting place with groups. I think you idea of taking it slowly, typing or writing your words and having someone else say them is brilliant! Little steps are so good! I wish for you to be kind to yourself and not expect too much from yourself. You are beautifully imperfect as is everyone on this earth. You just have the bravery to face it head on. Kudos to you! You are so brave!

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

...although, for any of us who were particularly quiet, the therapist would be sure to ask us if there was anything we wanted to add, or ask us something to contribute. I always panicked because I felt put on the spot, so I would try to at least say one thing in discussion, but just enough to not be called out

I felt really put on the spot tonight for that reason, but I think my therapist realized that eventually. We're going to process the session 1-1 before the next one.

@JEKBreatheandBelieve I think you idea of taking it slowly, typing or writing your words and having someone else say them is brilliant! Little steps are so good! I wish for you to be kind to yourself and not expect too much from yourself. You are beautifully imperfect as is everyone on this earth. You just have the bravery to face it head on. Kudos to you! You are so brave!

I actually write my words down in my one-on-one sessions sometimes. My therapist thought of that idea early on. It was a bit strange to do it tonight in front of people though. Thank you for you compliments. I certainly didn't feel brave.

 

[shimmerz]

I certainly didn't feel brave.

Most of us don't. Others must remind us.

 

[Northgirl]

I have done about 30 sessions of group therapy specific to sexual assault survivors and I think an experience that is subjective. It's sort of a "what you put into it, you'll get out of it" scenario. Me personally, group was a good support tool and made me feel less isolated and an important aspect is that it resolves a lot of the shame surrounding trauma.

However, I am a person who is often quiet and the group leaders made a point to call me out often to involve me and encourage participation, which was uncomfortable at best. Overall I think it is worth trying and you'll find out pretty quickly if it's something you can benefit from.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

@Northgirl I am going to keep trying. I have the second one tomorrow. If it weren't my own therapist running the group, I don't think I could keep putting myself through it. It is also very small which should help me feel more comfortable faster. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.