Therapy Process Groups

Process group therapy offers a powerful opportunity for personal growth and change. A process group puts five to 10 people together to share concerns, struggles and challenges with each other and a trained therapist or two. The power of this type of group therapy is the way you can hear several different perspectives and constructive feedback from a diverse group. You will also benefit from support and encouragement from a group of your peers. These interactions can give you the chance to find out how you relate to others while also increasing your self-awareness.

The beauty of process groups is how unstructured they are. Some groups might focus on a particular theme or incorporate a particular demographic, but mostly they thrive in how organic they are. Group members can raise any issue that they deem important, but the most important part of the therapy is the natural interactions between members.

What To Expect From A Process Group

Your first few sessions with a process group will generally concentrate on establishing trust between the members and the therapist. During those sessions, your therapists and fellow members will work on building a rapport that will allow everyone to communicate freely and with honesty. New process group members are often surprised and amazed at how much their input can help others. The group trust is built and enhanced when every member commits to the group.

During group sessions, all members are responsible for bringing up subjects related to their own feelings and struggles. The discussion moves along based on what members want to address. Group leaders generally don’t structure discussion or assign topics. You are also encouraged to support other members and give them feedback.

As you start freely communicating and interacting with the other members, you will usually also begin recreating some of the problems that caused you to seek process group therapy in the first place. People who seek help in group therapy usually have relationship difficulties and challenges in interacting with others. During group sessions, these difficulties will start to emerge. The other members as well as your counselor will be able to pick up on these patterns and give you feedback on how to change them.

One of the biggest reasons people experience challenges in their personal life is unexpressed emotions and thoughts. Sharing these thoughts and emotions in a safe environment is what sets you on the road to self-awareness. Process group therapy offers a climate of trust where people can feel safe in their expression.

How To Get The Most Out of Process Group Therapy

In order to get the most out of a process group, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
  • Be yourself
  • Define your goals
  • Take your time
  • Focus on subjects important to you
  • Express your reactions and feelings
  • Be cognizant of the feelings you instinctively repress and censor
  • Give feedback to others
  • Request feedback from others
  • Don’t give advice
  • Experiment and take risks
  • Ask questions
  • Be aware of how you might be keeping people at arm's length
  • Be direct in your communication with others
  • Be open to hearing responses
  • Pay attention to non-verbal cues
  • Be patient with yourself
  • Work on what you learn outside of group time
One of the most important things to remember is that you should give the group plenty of time to develop. It may take several sessions for everyone to feel secure and safe enough to start communicating freely. Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t happen right away. You should be ready to give the process group at least four sessions.
If you don’t feel like things are moving along as you expected, you should bring that up with the group. When you interact with others, it’s important to challenge yourself. Don’t fall into old habits and behaviors, but instead, experiment with what feels difficult. The more challenging it is, the more beneficial it’s likely to be.

Menachem Psychotherapy Group in Los Angeles is ideal for anyone looking for support and to challenge their current behaviors that aren’t working for them. It takes a diverse group of people and allows them to work together, push against each other and learn from each other. If you’re looking for a unique place to get support from others, get in touch with them today. Also included is an individual session to discuss what you hope to get out of therapy.

What We Treat

Menachem Psychotherapy Group

If you or a loved one are interested in process groups please call:

(323) 524-3868

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