Group Therapy in NYC

When you’re experiencing a difficult time in your life, it can feel incredibly isolating — you might feel as though you have no one to turn to, for fear of being judged or shamed for your problems. At our core, we humans are social beings. Sometimes, a sympathetic ear can go a long way in helping you feel better.

In group therapy, one or more therapists work with several people at the same time. Typically, groups consist of around 5 to 15 people and meet once a week for an hour or two. Some participants might attend only group therapy, while others may attend individual therapy in addition to it. Group therapy is a common form of therapy available in community centers, mental health clinics, private practices, hospitals, and more.

To many, the thought of attending group therapy can be intimidating at first. After all, it involves opening up about your problems to a group of strangers. However, many group members find themselves surprised after experiencing the unique and supportive dynamic that groups provide that individual therapy typically doesn’t. 

Hearing the experiences of others can help you feel less alone and provide you with a fresh perspective. Group members often find it helpful to learn how others overcame similar struggles, and how they’re doing now as a result of their improved situation. Simply listening to the success stories of others can help instill hope and confidence that your situation can get better, too.

Group therapy brings people together who share similar challenges. As a result, you may find that it’s easier to hear and receive input from others who are in a similar situation. Groups allow you to try out new ways of thinking and behaving that improve the way you feel and relate to others. The safety of the group allows you to take risks and try new behaviors in your own life, and then come back to the group to share your experience and receive support.

When you connect with the other members of the group, they can act as a sounding board and help you formulate ideas for resolving challenges or improving difficult situations. Some participants also find that being in a group helps them follow through with their resolutions, as other members can hold them accountable. This unique dynamic fosters healing, growth, and new outlooks. For many people it provides a different experience than simply interacting with a well-meaning group of friends or family members.

Lastly, the guidance of licensed therapists also enhances the positive effects of group therapy. Depending on the type of group, therapists can also educate members about what they’re experiencing and teach proven strategies and coping mechanisms tailored for specific problems (e.g. anger management or emotional regulation strategies).

Group therapy can be used for a wide variety of mental health concerns, such as:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma 

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Phobias

• Panic disorder

• Substance use 

• Eating disorders

Aside from mental health conditions, group therapy can also help with challenges such as:

• Grief and loss

• Anger management

• Chronic stress

• Chronic pain and illness

• Domestic violence

• Divorce

• Race-based or cultural trauma

If you’ve been struggling with similar problems, you might want to consider seeking group therapy. For some, group therapy can be uncomfortable at first, but with support and guidance you can find safety in the group atmosphere. In addition, it might take a few tries before you find a group that fits you well.

At Clarity Therapy, group therapy sessions are conducted virtually, from the comfort of your own home. Group therapy involves meeting online with one or two therapists and a wide range of individual members who are seeking care for similar challenges.

Members are guided through exercises and interventions, paired with group discussions. The overall flow of the session and group therapy activities carried out will be largely dependent on the style and the goals of the group.

We currently offer three types of virtual groups:

• Dialectical Behavior Skills (DBT) Group – In our DBT skills group you can expect to learn techniques to better manage stress, negative feelings, and improve your relationships.

• Trauma Skills Group – If you’ve experienced trauma, we recommend starting with our trauma skills group to improve how you cope with unpleasant trauma symptoms.

• Trauma Processing Group – Once you gain the foundational skills, we encourage you to join our trauma processing group to begin your journey towards healing.

To learn more about these groups, visit the links above, or schedule a complimentary consultation with group therapist, Monica Amorosi, LMHC. You can contact her directly at [email protected].