What are the benefits of group therapy? Pioneered by 12-step programs such as AA and NA, group therapy uses individual experiences to advance the collective. Nearly all recovery centers offer some form of group therapy, using the power of peers to conquer addiction.
Read below to learn more about the benefits of group therapy.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
There are many benefits of group therapy which is why it has become a staple of nearly every type of recovery program. This is a quick look at just a few of the benefits of group therapy and how it promotes healing and recovery…
Examples to Follow
Have you ever noticed how something seems impossible until you witness someone doing it? That is because most of us find it easier to learn by example. See, “this is how you…” and so on. That same experience happens in recovery groups. One of the benefits group therapy offers is being able to witness others recovering, watching people like us doing it.
Support Network
Most people in group therapy find at least a few people who they look up to regarding how they work their recovery programs. These people that we see working hard at their recovery and getting healthier are the kind of people that can help others. Those dealing with addiction should build support networks of people like these and group therapy often affords those opportunities. More importantly, however, one of the best benefits of using group therapy is that it often results in friendships.
Fellowship in Recovery
If misery loves company, then addiction prefers isolation. Let’s be honest, being lonely is, well, lonely. Yet, how many alcoholics hide their drinking, sitting alone in a bar or at home, drink after drink? How many substance abusers find themselves alone behind the door of a bathroom stall, or locked in their bedrooms, using? Alone.
The friendship and fellowship found in recovery are one of the most beautiful benefits people discover in group therapy. Simply knowing that someone else knows, is comforting. Being able to feel like someone else understands because they have worn the same shoes, makes the process of recovery easier, better, and healing.
This is still recovery though, even in group therapy. Yes, we will find laughter, find others who know our struggle and find hope in these groups, but it won’t always be easy.
Accountability and Action
Among the many benefits we find in group therapy, the benefit of having accountability is one of the most powerful. These are people who are walking the road of recovery alongside you, with you, who share your wins – and losses.
These are also the support groups you will find inspiring you to action, to reach out, to be proactive about your own program of recovery. Soon, after a while, you will begin to realize it isn’t only about you, and it never has been.
And that is the greatest benefit and reason for group therapy, recovery.
Recovery and Group Therapy
Different group therapies will look different, be structured differently, and will generally be used for specific recovery reasons. What isn’t different about group therapy and recovery groups is the fact that they work.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction or if you need to talk to someone, there is help. The first step of recovery is reaching out and getting that help. Group therapy works because none of us recover alone, we recover together.
Don’t allow addiction to control another day of your life. Take back control and take your life back, call the Recovery Ranch PA at 717.969.9126 and experience the benefits of group therapy – experience recovery!
