Why Group Therapy Isn’t as Intimidating as You Think

This is what makes group therapy such a powerful tool in recovery. Joining group therapy may feel intimidating beforehand, but given enough time, it can become the bedrock of recovery you need to stay sober for life.

What exactly is “group therapy”?

As a person goes through the winding road of addiction recovery, there are battles for both the body and mind. Physically, the recovery journey presents withdrawal symptoms as your body medically detoxifies, but this is only half the battle. Over longer periods, the mind continues to develop cravings and urges to return to the substance. This is where therapy is used to help a person develop healthier coping mechanisms to deal with triggers.

Group therapy is one such type of therapy commonly used to help people recover from a drug or alcohol addiction. It is defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as “a therapy modality wherein clients learn and practice recovery strategies, build interpersonal skills and reinforce and develop social support networks.”

The steps of group therapy

A trained therapist may use group therapy or other types, such as CBT and DBT, in the recovery process. Some aspects of varying therapy types can sometimes overlap, and each therapist may frame a course differently, but group therapy is often structured with five steps:

• Forming: As the group forms, each member is introduced and generally looks to the therapist or group leader for direction.
• Storming: In this stage, the therapist works to establish group cohesion. Many differences can naturally arise in a group setting, creating the “stormy” feelings that the leader strives to calm.
• Norming: In the middle stage, apprehensions settle down and “normalised” behaviour is formed in the group. Members usually feel more comfortable and can start to open up.
• Performing: The performing stage is where the productive work begins. Each person is encouraged to actively engage, support one another and make therapeutic progress.
• Adjourning: As the group session comes to an end, time is spent reflecting on the progress made. Many people find closure here and goodbyes are underscored with a feeling of accomplishment.

Why might group therapy create apprehensions at first?

Each stage plays a fundamental role in building trust and lasting change, but the inherent sensations found in group therapy can be overwhelming for some, creating apprehensions that might not be felt in one-on-one, individual therapy.

It is completely normal, perhaps even expected, for a person to have some anxieties about starting group therapy in recovery. Your concerns are valid and they show that you have a tangible, genuine desire to change for the better.

These can include:

How does group therapy directly support addiction recovery?

At the start of the recovery journey, many people quickly face physical and emotional distress that becomes overwhelming. This sadly leads many to self-isolate and cut themselves off from others. Group therapy works to undo the tendency to self-isolate and helps a person recognise that the journey will only be harder if they remain alone.

Group therapy lays the groundwork for a deeper sense of accountability and a space where the community shares their struggles. For some, this might involve participation in programmes based on the 12 steps, which encourage honesty, surrender and peer support as part of the healing process. There can be a profound sense of mutual understanding found uniquely in group therapy, wherein each person can learn from another’s setbacks or successes. The group dynamic serves as a powerful, silent reminder that nobody should ever have to suffer alone.

Helpful steps for making the most of the group therapy experience

Each person’s rehab and addiction therapy experience will always be unique and inherently personal. It is natural to have some feelings of apprehension before you begin. Anxieties and worries are natural responses as we tread into the unknown. However, there are ways to make the process more comfortable, which may, in turn, yield greater results in the recovery journey. These include:

Give it a few sessions before deciding

The first few meetings will likely feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Remember that group therapy is a process. Most people will only start to feel comfortable after attending a few sessions. Stick with the programme long enough to ensure you glean a realistic picture of how progress is made over time.

Speak when you’re ready – silence is OK

In addition to making sure you give enough time to get an accurate picture of therapy, remember that you aren’t expected to share immediately or before you are ready. Group therapy is built on the foundations of trust and empathy, but it is perfectly valid to sit and listen until you feel as though you want to say anything. Your presence alone will likely matter to others, even when you’re quiet.

Respect others and you’ll receive the same in return

You may already feel, see, or intuit that everyone in the room is fighting their own battles. For some, the battle has developed into a war. You will be guided into the best ways of giving compassion and respect. This can be especially important in groups where words and actions can be easily misunderstood or if members are struggling with mental health conditions. Remember that you’re in a shared space of respect and compassion. The more you are in tune with this environment, the better the session becomes for every member in attendance.

Use what you learn outside the sessions

Finally, the most beneficial practice you can implement from therapy into your recovery journey is by applying the therapeutic lessons to your life outside of the sessions. You may find that the principles and practices you’ve picked up become indispensable tools in battling future cravings and urges.

I need support with my addiction

Being caught in the clutches of addiction can be an extremely painful and isolating experience. If you or a loved one needs support, please know that you are not alone.

Here at UKAT, we provide specialised recovery programmes with you in mind. Our rehab team delivers medical detox with support at every step, along with expert-led therapy designed to make sure you’re seen, heard and valued. If you’re dealing with alcohol, drugs, or co-occurring mental health challenges, we’re here to help you find the strength to overcome.

Your story is still being written. The next chapter does not have to be written alone. Reach out to us today and take the first step to a more fulfilling, sober life.