Even with the pandemic coming to a close, America’s mental health needs remain high. Studies show that one in five adults lives with a mental illness.
One potential solution is group therapy. This type of therapy allows participants to share their experiences in a safe space. In doing so, they’ll receive support from a therapist and their peers who are experiencing the same issues.
Of course, group therapy isn’t an ideal fit for every topic. Here are five topics for group therapy that may come up in your session.
1. Grief
At some point in life, everyone needs to learn how to cope with grief. Keep in mind that grief doesn’t only relate to losing a loved one. You can grieve many other things, from leaving a hometown to ending a relationship.
Group counseling can be a big help with going through the five stages of grief. Hearing other people’s experiences allows you to see the reality of the grieving process. Talking to others also teaches you to develop coping skills.
2. Substance Abuse
Talking about substance abuse in a group setting will help you learn about your addiction. In particular, it may allow you to discover the triggers that lead to addictive behavior. This is a key step in the recovery process.
Group therapy also allows people to benefit from the advice of their peers. They can help you develop the skills you need to break free of addiction. They’ll also debunk your excuses and support constructive change.
3. Trauma
Like any other counseling service, group therapy can help you deal with past trauma. This can involve anything, from bullying to medical trauma. Healing from trauma can take a long time, but it’s essential for mental recovery.
One of the biggest issues with trauma is that it can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. As a result, simply talking about it can be a major challenge. In a group setting, you can express your feelings without fear of judgment.
4. Domestic Abuse
Contrary to popular opinion, domestic abuse isn’t always based on physical violence. It can also be financial, psychological, spiritual, and so on. The only thing these behaviors have in common is they’re used to control you.
Group therapy can help overcome the power dynamic of these relationships. It allows you to realize there’s a different life for you out there. In certain cases, you may also want to consider family counseling.
5. Self-Care
Self-care helps your mental health in every stage of your life. Whether you’re a student or a new parent, finding time for yourself is important. Even small acts of self-care will help you manage stress and lower your risk of illness.
Working with a group is good for coming up with the right self-care activities for you. These include yoga, mindfulness, journaling, and more. Group therapy also allows you to build the support network you need.
More Topics for Group Therapy
As you can see, topics for group therapy can vary a lot. Being aware of what to expect can help you make the most of your next therapy session!
At Honor Your Emotions, Inc., we believe there’s a cure for every impossible situation. We offer a variety of therapy services, including group counseling sessions. Contact us here for any therapy questions!
