At Odile Psychotherapy Service, we strongly believe in healing in relationships and in community. We are wired for connection but traumas such as racial trauma rewire us for survival. This then causes us to break away from our relationships with ourselves, and our community.
We offer you community healing through group therapy.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves a small group of individuals with similar mental health or emotional challenges working together with one or more therapists (referred to as co-leaders or co-facilitators). Typically, these groups for adults consist of between 5 and 10 members, and sessions take place regularly for a specified period. There are two types of group therapy, open and closed. In open groups, membership can change over time, while closed groups have a stable membership.
In group therapy, participants share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts with each other. The therapist and participants create a safe and supportive environment where group members can explore their issues, offer each other feedback and support, and learn from each other's experiences. The therapist facilitates communication and guides the group towards their goals.
Group therapy can be beneficial for a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Stages of group:
Tuckman's model is one of the numerous models used to describe the stages of group development. This model is widely recognized and outlines four stages of group development:
Forming: During the first stage of group development, members of the group are getting acquainted with each other and setting goals and expectations for the group. The group tends to be polite and careful during this stage.
Storming: This stage is characterized by competition and conflict as members start to assert themselves and question the goals and norms established in the forming stage. While this stage can be challenging and even chaotic, it is a necessary part of the group's progression. It's common for there to be fights between subgroups, and some members may rebel against the leader during this stage.
Norming: During this stage, the group starts to develop a sense of unity and consensus. Members begin to collaborate and build more positive and supportive relationships with each other.
Performing: In this final stage, the group is able to work collaboratively to accomplish its objectives successfully. There's a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment as the group achieves its goals.
There are various reasons why certain individuals may feel fearful or apprehensive about the prospect of taking part in group therapy:
Fear of being judged: People may worry that others in the group will judge them for their thoughts or experiences. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed to share their thoughts and feelings with a group of strangers.
Fear of vulnerability: Group therapy requires participants to be vulnerable and open about their emotions and experiences. This can be challenging for some people, especially if they have a history of being hurt, abandoned, or rejected.
Fear of social situations: For people with social anxiety or other social phobias, the idea of participating in a group setting can be overwhelming and scary.
Lack of familiarity with group therapy: Some people may not know what to expect from group therapy, which can lead to anxiety and uncertainty.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Altruism- Providing help to others can improve one's own well-being.
Universality- Realizing that others share similar problems can be comforting.
Instillation of hope- Developing optimism about the future.
Catharsis- Expressing and discussing difficulties can be therapeutic.
Group cohesiveness- Feeling a sense of unity with others in the group.
Imitative behavior- Learning through observing and modeling others in the group.
Imparting information- Sharing advice and insights with each other.
Interpersonal learning- Receiving feedback on how one's behavior affects others.
Socialization- Learning new social skills through feedback and instruction.
Existential factors- Discovering meaning in life even in the face of injustice and hardship.
If you seek assistance in improving your relationships with others or enhancing your relationship with yourself, consider joining our support groups, namely "Miss Movin' On" , "Anxiety, Stress and Self-Doubt" " all about love: relationship reflection group" or "Greatest Love of All: Self-Love."
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