You might be nervous about taking part in group therapy. For an individual in recovery, a group therapy program is often one of the first opportunities they get to speak about their substance use issues in the presence of more than one person. What could you possibly gain by discussing your problems with a group of strangers? Despite the initial discomfort, there are many benefits to group therapy. By exploring some of these benefits, you can better understand why group therapy is a critical component of successful long-term recovery.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction issues and could benefit from group therapy, individual therapy, or any of the addiction treatment programs we offer, reach out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center online today, or by calling us at 844.962.2775.
What Is Group Therapy?
Although there are numerous benefits associated with one-on-one therapy, this type of treatment alone is only one side of the coin when it comes to addiction treatment. Group therapy sessions tend to involve up to ten people, and at Spokane Falls Recovery Center, a licensed therapist is present for each session. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, we recommend that individuals in recovery meet for group therapy at least once per week.
In each session, the focus is on listening to the experiences of others. You also get to express your own experiences, needs, and concerns. This will help you better address and process them in an encouraging environment. Most of these groups focus on particular issues, so you will be surrounded by peers in recovery who may have similar experiences to you and have similar recovery goals.
Group therapy can be an extremely valuable form of support in that it can help you manage your addiction issue and improve your communication skills while helping others on their own road to recovery.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
There are many ways in which group therapy can be exceedingly beneficial for individuals in recovery, especially when it is utilized alongside other approaches. These include, but are not limited to:
- Group Therapy teaches you to give and receive support. Sharing your experiences with others who have similar experiences to yours can help you manage and overcome these experiences. By listening to others share their experiences, you are helping them uncover the root cause of their issues. They are also helping you by putting your own issues into perspective.
- Group therapy allows you to see that you are not alone. When you are battling addiction, the substance you have been using takes center stage. It demands all of your time and attention. This is incredibly isolating as it leads to you neglecting the important relationships in your life, as you move away from the things that once mattered to you and gave you joy. Group therapy serves as a reminder that others are struggling with the same issues as you. It can put that isolation into perspective and encourage you to reach out to your peers in recovery and make supportive connections.
- Group therapy encourages you to develop your communication and socialization skills. Productive social skills are like a muscle; when you do not use them, they atrophy. Group therapy helps you develop your listening and speaking skills, to communicate more effectively across the board.
- Group therapy allows you to develop self-awareness and empathy. Another effect of isolation caused by drug and alcohol abuse is that it makes it difficult to see issues from the perspectives of others. Group therapy teaches individuals in recovery the importance of supporting each other and accepting other people on their terms.
These advantages are essential aspects of the recovery experience and will serve you throughout the recovery process at a substance abuse treatment center.
Learn More at Spokane Falls Recovery
If you are battling addiction, there is a better life waiting for you. Reach out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center today to learn more about what we can do to help get you on the road to recovery. Reach out to our specialists using our convenient and secure online form or by calling 844.962.2775.
