Thinking About Group Therapy? Here’s What to Know First
Whether you’ve spent time in individual therapy or you are totally new to exploring this side of yourself, you may have heard friends or colleagues talk about group therapy. You may be wondering: What exactly is group therapy, and what’s the point of joining a therapy group? Some people may not be comfortable sharing their vulnerable thoughts and feelings with others in a group setting.
Despite these hesitations, group therapy truly can be a crucial form of support. Group therapy can be a great segue into individual work. It can even be a great supplement to your journey in individual therapy.
As we explore group therapy, we’re going to talk about:
- What is group therapy
- Different types of group therapy: skill groups vs. process groups vs. support groups
- Why group therapy might be right for you
What Group Therapy Is (and How it Works)
Group therapy is similar to individual therapy. You get a chance to unpack your week, work through issues you’re facing, dive deep into your feelings, and break down life’s complexities. The only difference with group therapy is that you’re doing this with others who are aiming to get the same benefits you are.
A therapy group is a weekly time for you to come together with a therapist and a few other people. The therapist often acts as the group facilitator and moves the group through pre-planned activities/rituals, aids discussion, and helps members process life together. Therapy groups also often take the same approaches to confidentiality and safety, so all group members share a responsibility to make sure that what is said in the group stays in the group.
The point of group therapy is to find commonality amongst group members, collaborate to solve problems, and process feelings together. Sometimes individual therapy work can be isolating and may leave you feeling alone in the challenges you’re facing.
Even though it takes courage to be vulnerable in a therapy group, joining a group can give you the validation that you’re not alone in your struggles. In a therapy group, you get to be seen by others who may be going through the same thing as you. Group therapy can give you a much-needed feeling of community.
The Different Types of Group Therapy
There are three main types of therapy groups that you’ll come across if you find yourself looking for a therapy group: skill groups, process groups, and support groups. In this section, we’ll break down each of these types of groups so you can have a better understanding of what you should be looking for.
Skill Groups: Adding Strategies to Your Toolkit
Skills groups are often time-limited therapy groups, designed to teach tools and strategies through a fixed curriculum of activities and discussions, that can help you cope with a specific set of issues or challenges.
For example, you may find a DBT skills group for teens with anxiety, or an executive functioning skills group for adults with ADHD. These groups are specifically designed to help members experiencing these challenges learn about and experiment techniques that can make life more manageable.
Because skills groups are usually curriculum-based, they are often closed groups. This means skills groups may not add members once the group has formed and started.
You may find that skill groups are backed by a certain therapy modality, such as CBT, DBT, or ACT and may serve a specific population or set of issues. Even though there will often be discussion of how group members are feeling throughout the week, skills group facilitators may steer the conversation back to the skill for the week. If you are looking to add certain skills or strategies to your toolkit, a skills group may be a great fit for you!
Process Groups: Building Insight Through Connection
Process groups are groups that aim to benefit members by having a shared space to discuss weekly challenges, topics common to the group, or debrief members’ lives.
This type of group tends to focus on the here and now, allow members to lean on each other, and better understand themselves through their interactions with other members. If you participate in a process group, you may hear something one of your group members says that evokes a strong reaction for you. Maybe you’ve gone through what they’re describing or sympathize with some of their challenges. A process group allows you and your fellow group members to share these reactions, break down complex topics, and grow together.
Some process groups can be time-limited, but others may continue to run as long as necessary. Members of a process group may be free to join and leave as they please, since there is not always a strict curriculum that’s followed.
Even though you may find group members talking about certain skills they’ve used throughout the week, discussion will mainly be grounded in members’ experiences and sharing space with one another. A process group could be great if you’re looking to build community or connect with others as you navigate the complexities of life.
Support Groups: Connection through Shared Experiences
Support groups are a bit different from skills and process groups in that they are not often facilitated by a mental health professional. Instead, a support group is a group of peers with common concerns, experiences, or conditions who provide each other with encouragement, comfort and advice.
Examples of support groups you may have heard of are Alcoholics Anonymous, cancer support groups, or PTSD support groups. The goal of support groups like these is to help build community for a group of people who are going through (or have gone through) similar experiences.
Why Group Therapy Might Be Right for You
Chances are if you’re here, there is something that piqued your interest about group therapy. You may crave connection or want feedback from peers. You may notice that you’re feeling stuck in familiar patterns and up against it all on your own. Whether you are currently in individual therapy, were in therapy at some point in the past, or are totally new to therapy, you may benefit from joining a therapy group.
If you’re looking to learn specific skills, then you may be interested in a skills group. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a group that will help you connect with others, share common experiences, focus on the present, and learn more about yourself, then you might want to consider a process group.
There are often both in-person and virtual groups of all types that cater to different challenges, diagnoses, or demographics.
Whether you are looking to join a skills group or process group, group therapy may be a great entryway or supplement to therapeutic work and can teach you a great deal about yourself and the things you are going through. If you’re looking for a community of like-minded individuals who are seeking personal growth, then you may benefit from a therapy group that’s tailored to your specific needs.
A Therapy Group for Young Professional Men
At LightLine Therapy, we are currently recruiting members for a Young Professional Men’s Therapy Group. This virtual, 12-week process group is designed for men in their 20s who are navigating the transition from college or graduate school into professional life. The group will provide a collaborative space for discussing the challenges of adulthood, reflecting on what it means to be a young man today, and building connections.
If you are a man in your 20s who is looking to explore what it means to transition into adulthood in 2026, then you may want to consider our Young Professional Men’s Therapy Group.
Book a free consultation to explore joining our therapy group today.
FAQs
1. What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of people meet regularly with a therapist to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns together. Sessions often involve discussion, reflection, and shared feedback among members. The goal isn’t just to talk, but to learn through connection and real-time interaction.
2. How do I know if group therapy is right for me?
Group therapy may be a good fit if you’re curious about how you relate to others, want feedback, or feel stuck in familiar patterns. It can also be helpful if you want to feel less alone in what you’re experiencing. That said, it’s normal to feel hesitant at first, and many people grow into the group over time.
3. What happens in a typical group therapy session?
Sessions usually involve members checking in about their week, discussing challenges, and responding to each other’s experiences. The therapist helps guide the conversation, deepen insight, and maintain a safe, respectful environment. Over time, patterns emerge that can lead to meaningful change.
4. Can group therapy help if I’m already in individual therapy?
Sometimes, it’s even better that way. Group therapy can complement individual work by giving you a space to practice new insights in real time. Many people find that what comes up in group deepens their individual therapy, and vice versa.
5. How long does group therapy usually last?
This depends on the type of group. Skills groups are often time-limited, such as 8–12 weeks, while process groups may be ongoing. Your therapist should be clear about the structure and expectations before you join.
