Group Therapy in Orange County: What to Expect and What it Can Help

When you’re facing a challenge, it’s good to know the options available to you that can help you address the issue. If you’re going through a tough time, whether you need help to cope with negative experiences or behavior, or you need help to manage a mental health condition, you can find help in the form of therapy. One of the options that’s available is group therapy in Orange County, California.

Group Therapy in Orange County: What is it?

Group therapy is a form of talk or psychotherapy where one or more therapists treat a group of people at the same time. The group can typically have between 5 and 12 members. Some group members attend individual therapy in addition to the group sessions. Group therapy brings together individuals who are dealing with a specific concern like anxiety or depression.

There are different types of group therapy, and they can be structured in different ways, as well. Some groups are support groups that encourage members to use group discussions and problem-solving activities as a means of supporting one another. Other groups are cognitive-behavioral therapy groups where individuals learn to identify harmful patterns of thought and behavior and adopt new, healthy behaviors for their well-being.

Other groups are skills development groups where participants learn specific skills. Another type of group is a psychoeducational group in which the therapist teaches group members more about their condition and walks with them to identify healthy ways to cope. Lastly, there are interpersonal groups, where the therapist helps group members understand and improve their emotional development and behavior as they interact with each other.

Groups can be open, meaning that other people can continue joining as time passes. Closed groups, on the other hand, don’t admit new members after the group kicks off. This can impact the group dynamics; for instance, the sense of intimacy and camaraderie that can develop in the group.

Issues Addressed in Group Therapy

Group therapy in Orange County, California addresses a wide range of concerns and is effective in helping people cope with symptoms and the challenges of a wide variety of concerns and health conditions.

Some of the issues that are addressed in group therapy in Orange County include the following:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Trauma
• Substance use disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Chronic pain
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Social or behavioral challenges
• Grief or loss
• Chronic pain
• Divorce

What to Expect

What can you expect when you attend a group therapy session at Orange County Christian Counseling? Groups will typically meet for an hour or possibly two every week. There’s no set number of sessions, with some groups meeting for between 4 and 20 sessions, while other groups meet longer than that. Sessions may be conducted online, but they are usually in person.

Groups will often have more than five, but less than twenty members. Your therapist(s) will usually break the bigger group down into smaller groups for activities to develop skills like communication, trust, or conflict resolution. The group will then be brought back together for discussion and feedback about the activities. There will also often be structured topics of discussion in the larger group.

In group sessions, members have an opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences, contributing to the process of mutual learning and encouragement. In other words, you won’t just be hearing and learning from the therapist(s), but from other group members. It goes without saying that others will learn from you and your experiences and perspectives, as well.

The Benefits and Drawbacks

If you’re considering group therapy in Orange County, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully. Keep in mind, however, that at the end of the day, group therapy is highly effective. Some of the possible drawbacks of group therapy include the fact that as it’s a group, you won’t get the same attention you would in individual therapy. You might not feel comfortable sharing personal struggles in a group setting.

Other drawbacks include the fact that conflict can erupt in the group, derailing discussions and disrupting the sense of camaraderie in the group. Lastly, as the meeting must accommodate all group members, meeting times are often fixed and not flexible.

There are, however, many benefits to group therapy. In a group, you’re exposed to perspectives and experiences different from your own. This can help you to be more self-aware, learn how to communicate and express yourself, and learn new ways of coping with your challenges. In group therapy, you can receive and give support to others. It also often costs less than individual therapy.

Group therapy helps you to put your problems into perspective. Your fellow participants help to keep you accountable to your goals, and you can experience the relief of knowing that other people understand the struggle you’re going through.

Group therapy in Orange County is an effective way to deal with different challenges and concerns, helping you learn to cope well. You can reach out to our office at Orange County Christian Counseling to schedule an appointment with a therapist in California or enquire about the groups they have available.