Group therapy is a type of counseling where a small group of people meet regularly with a trained therapist to talk through challenges, learn new skills, and support one another. Each person comes in with their own experiences, but often shares a common goal, like managing anxiety, building confidence, or learning how to handle life’s stressors.
Unlike individual therapy, where it’s just you and your therapist, group therapy gives you the chance to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through. And that’s the heart of why group therapy exists: to remind you that you’re not alone.
Common Types of Group Therapy
Here are a few of the most common formats and focus areas:
Support Groups
These groups focus on shared experiences, like anxiety, grief, trauma, or life transitions. They’re centered around conversation, validation, and emotional support from others who “get it.”
Best for: People who want to feel less alone and connect with others going through something similar.
Skills-Based Groups
These groups are more structured and focus on teaching tools and strategies, like managing anxiety, regulating emotions, or improving communication.
Best for: People who want clear takeaways and practical coping tools they can use in daily life.
Process Groups
These groups explore interpersonal dynamics and self-awareness. Participants talk about how they relate to others, how they’re feeling in the moment, and get real-time feedback in a supportive setting.
Best for: People wanting to dig deeper into relationships, self-growth, and how they show up socially.
Therapy Groups for Specific Populations
Groups may be formed for a specific age or life stage—such as kids, teens, young adults, adults, parents, or older adults—or based on a shared identity or need.
Best for: Anyone looking for support that feels relevant and relatable to their life stage or background.
How to Figure Out Which Group Is Best for You
Group therapy is built on the belief that connection is part of healing. Whether you’re a child learning to make friends, a teen navigating emotions, or an adult trying to manage stress, group therapy exists to help you feel seen, supported, and more equipped to handle whatever you’re facing, together.
Some questions you can ask yourself as you think about joining a group:
- What are you hoping to get out of it?
If you want tools, look for a skills-based group. If you want to connect emotionally, a support or process group might be a better fit. - Do you feel more comfortable with structure or open conversation?
Structured groups offer more guidance. Process groups are more flexible and exploratory. - What’s your comfort level sharing in a group?
Some people want to listen more at first while others are ready to dive in. Both are okay, and a good facilitator (therapist) will help you ease in. - Ask the therapist!
The best way to decide is to reach out and ask about the group’s focus, format, and what a typical session looks like. A good therapist will help you find the right fit based on your needs and goals. At Compassion Counseling, we offer free 15-minute consultations where you can share a little bit with us, so we can guide you toward the group that might best fit your needs.
You don’t have to figure it out by yourself, and it’s okay to ask questions along the way. The right group can make a meaningful difference, and a good therapist will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction. Remember, it’s not about doing things “perfectly” or “right”; it’s about taking a step toward healing. And the fact that you’re reading this right now shows that you’re ready to do just that.
Thinking about joining a group therapy session? Reach out today to get more information about groups.
