Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves you working with others in a group setting.
First, you need to learn about yourself and your relationships, then you can begin to change those behaviours and improve your relationships.
This type of therapy is an effective tool for improving communication skills and resolving conflicts – both essential elements of healthy relationships!
When we are in unhealthy relationships, it can have a negative impact on our own mental health. Being in a relationship should make us feel supported and cared for, not isolated or disrespected. If an unhealthy relationship is causing anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, it’s time to look for some support.
What types of relationships can I work on in group therapy?
Not just romantic ones!
You might need to work on your relationship with a family member or struggle with holding onto friendships. Group therapy can benefit these different relationships by practising the skills you need within a supportive group of people. You can discuss this in our initial consultation.
Whatever you need to work on, similar factors lead to the breakdown of relationships.
- Poor communication which creates isolation and distance
- Lack of empathy or understanding of how other people may feel.
- Not having the skills to resolve conflicts.
- Holding onto feelings of resentment
- Your own low self-esteem.
I keep ruining my relationships, why?
There are many reasons you may self-sabotage your relationships, noticing these patterns of behaviour is the first step towards change. With the help of group therapy, you can address them and move towards having healthy and fulfilling relationships.
If you’re afraid of getting too close to someone as it makes you feel vulnerable or exposed, you may engage in behaviours that push your partner away.
If you have low self-esteem and feel unworthy of love and affection, you are likely to act in ways that jeopardise your relationships.
You may struggle with trust and intimacy in relationships if you have experienced past trauma or abuse. Self-sabotage is a way of protecting yourself from getting hurt again.
If you have unresolved issues, like unresolved anger, anxiety, or depression. You may bring them into your relationships, leading to problems and difficulties.
When you feel like your emotional or physical needs are not being met in a relationship, you may engage in self-sabotaging behaviours to either get your needs met or end the relationship altogether.
Although dealing with these issues may not be easy if you commit to the process you can work towards making positive changes.
So, how can group therapy improve my relationships?
Group therapy involves working together to address shared issues. The benefits of interacting with others who share similar experiences or struggles are what make group therapy unique and powerful.
- It will increase your self-awareness and help you make positive changes.
- As you practise within the group, your communication skills will improve.
- You can learn so much from others’ experiences and perspectives.
- You have a support network to lean on and you can support others too.
- You have more chances to practise healthy relationship behaviours.
What sort of group therapy is right for me?
As with individual therapy, preparing yourself before you join a group can make all the difference. It’s a good idea to think about what your personal goals are before you join a group.
Do you want to improve how you communicate, deal with conflict better or connect with others sharing similar experiences?
Group therapists are there to facilitate discussions and activities, they allow everyone to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. One of my skills as a group analyst is to make sure everyone feels comfortable doing this.
You need to commit to attending every week if possible and this is made easier as my groups are run online.
If you’re ready to get in touch
So, if you want to break the cycle of unhealthy relationships, group therapy can be a valuable tool for making those positive changes.
Get in touch if you would like more information or to arrange a call.