Group session- what to expect

[nowthisisme]

Hey i tried searching the forums about this but couldn't find anything related to this subject. A few months ago my T sugguested I attended a group session, she thinks it will benefit me if i hear and speak to other survivors.

I am healing from CSA and its been VERY difficult to open up and talk about my trama. I spent the past few months educating myself about PTSD, knowing my triggers, and grounding myself. I think i am on the right track, it's not going as quickly as I would like it to but there is improvement.

When she sugguest I attend a group session i tried looking for a few in my area and only found one which had a waitting list, I signed up for it and totally forgot about it.

Yesterday the psychiatrist running the group contacted me and said they are accepting new attendees. She said there is a prescreening interview which needs to be done to see if Its a good fit for me.

Has anyone ever joined a Group? What should I expect there? Is it like TV were each person has to tell their story? I'm not ready to talk about my trama especially not infront of a group of people I have never meet before.

If someone can enlighten me on how it works, I would appreciate it.

Did you benefit from the session? Whats the good and bad based on your experience?
Thanks!

 

[Rumors]

I don’t know bc I have never been to a group session but just wanted to encourage you to go and try it out realizing that you don’t have to say a word. You can listen, try it on for size, and decide if it fits for you. Good luck if you go. Please come back and post about it bc it might inspire me to try one!!!

 

[UnicornSightings]

I think the interview is a really good place to ask all these questions. I’d bring them with and I think they can give you a good idea if it’d be a good fit.

 

[Deleted member 44579]

Hi @nowthisisme. I have been to 2 group therapys... And both were helpful.
What I found was a strong bond with each and every woman there... Their stories, their pain.... All something each one of us had in common...
To me it helped as these women understood my ptsd... My suffering like no one else could.... And that's the point I guess.. Other friends didn't get it. Didn't understand... Ran away when I really needed them..these women didn't run away... These women understood...
You don't need to talk if you don't want to.. Nobody is forced to do anything.... I personally think you will get a lot from it and maybe some new friends... Which is always nice... Take care

 

[Joan]

I am in a group now that is great (I have been in a couple in the past that were not so). Different ones operate different ways so I think as others have said the interview time is a great time for you to ask, to express concerns, to share how you feel. I have never been in one that "forced" you to share anything, though they usually do ask that you participate in some way. For me it has been helpful to be around others who "get it" at least to some degree. Best wishes as you move forward.

 

[nowthisisme]

Thank you guys! I definitely needed the encouragement. Coming to this site and chatting with people that are kinda in the same boat as me gives me hope and inspires me to keep moving forward. I think a group will help as well.
I'm not sure I'll be going to this specific group because T wants to help me find something more suitable for me but my next session with my T is 2 weeks away .. blah I hate waiting ..
So I'm thinking if going to the interview just for the knowledge and to test myself to see how I'll react to a stranger .. I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Joan]

That sounds like a great plan....good experience to ask questions and explore. Will look forward to hearing how it goes.

 

[RoadtoHappy]

Thank you guys! I definitely needed the encouragement. Coming to this site and chatting with people...

Hi,

i am just wondering how you got on with the group therapy? I am going for an assessment tomorrow and am very uneasy.

 

[Joan]

I hope that you got to ask all your questions in your assessment...they are all great and very valid. Each group is different so those questions have to be asked for each one. I have been in horrible ones, but just last week finished up a 16 week one that was awesome. Keep us posted.