Group Therapy: Definition, Types & Techniques
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Table of Contents
Introduction: Connection as Medicine
Imagine walking into a room where strangers slowly become mirrors, sounding boards, and sometimes even allies in your healing. That is the essence of group therapy (also called group counselling or therapy in groups). Unlike sitting alone with a therapist, here you are surrounded by others who share struggles—not identical, but similar enough to make you feel less like an island and more like part of a collective journey.
At its core, group counselling is about using connection as medicine. Humans are wired for community, and mental health thrives when we can process emotions, fears, and patterns in the company of others. The purpose of group therapy is simple but powerful: to give people a safe space where they can talk, listen, reflect, and practice new skills in real time.
What is Meant by Group Therapy?
In psychology, group therapy treatment is a structured form of psychotherapy where one or more therapists lead a small group of participants through shared sessions. Unlike the casual support groups you might picture, group therapy follows evidence-based principles of group therapy, drawing from approaches like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, or even experiential practices.
It is not simply a conversation circle. It’s a therapeutic environment where participants explore emotions, challenge distorted thinking, role-play new behaviours, and learn how to relate to others in healthier ways. The advantages of group therapy include reduced isolation, opportunities for social learning, and practical strategies for coping that are often harder to grasp in individual treatment alone.
Types of Group Therapy
There is no single formula. The types of group therapy vary depending on therapeutic goals and the issues at hand. Some common examples include:
- Psychoeducational groups: Focused on teaching skills like relapse prevention, stress management, or understanding mental health and substance use.
- Process groups: Open discussions guided by therapists where emotions, triggers, and relationship dynamics unfold naturally.
- Support groups: Emphasising empathy and mutual encouragement, particularly useful in grief, trauma recovery, or chronic illness.
- Skills groups: Drawing from CBT and DBT to train participants in emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Which is an example of group therapy?” — it could be a CBT-based anxiety group, a DBT skills class, or a trauma-focused group where storytelling becomes healing.
Stages of Group Therapy
Therapists often talk about the stages of group therapy because, like people, groups evolve:
- Forming: Members feel anxious, reserved, and uncertain.
- Storming: Conflicts or differences may arise as people test boundaries.
- Norming: Trust develops, people become more comfortable, and a sense of safety is established.
- Performing: Deep work happens when participants share openly, confront painful patterns, and support each other’s growth.
These stages explain why group therapy doesn’t feel transformative right away. Like any relationship, it takes time to settle, clash, rebuild, and grow.
Group Therapy Techniques
Therapists use structured group therapy techniques to ensure sessions remain purposeful. Common methods include:
- Role-playing: Participants rehearse new behaviours in a safe space.
- Cognitive restructuring: Using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, groups identify distorted thinking and challenge it together.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Borrowing from DBT, these techniques help manage anxiety and regulate emotions.
- Feedback exercises: Members give each other constructive observations, teaching both empathy and self-awareness.
And yes, for those asking, “Is group therapy a type of CBT?” — it can be. Many CBT programs are delivered in group format, making them cost-effective while still powerful.
Why Choose Group Therapy?
The difference between group therapy and behaviour therapy lies in focus. Behaviour therapy is often individual, targeting specific symptoms or habits. Group therapy, on the other hand, allows individuals not just to learn techniques but also to practice them within a social microcosm.
For anyone struggling with shame, isolation, or relational difficulties, this environment offers an irreplaceable sense of belonging. Some call it exposure therapy for the soul — facing vulnerability in front of others, realizing you are still accepted, and slowly rewriting the belief that you are unworthy.
FAQs
What is meant by group therapy?
It is a structured form of psychotherapy where trained therapists guide groups through discussions, exercises, and evidence-based practices to foster healing.
What are the 4 stages of group therapy?
The 4 stages of group therapy are: forming, storming, norming, and performing — each reflecting a stage in how groups develop trust and effectiveness.
What are the three types of group therapy?
Support groups, process groups, and psychoeducational groups are among the most common types.
What are the four types of group therapy?
Supportive, cognitive-behavioural, interpersonal, and skills-based.
Which is an example of group therapy?
A CBT-based anxiety management group or a DBT skills group is a strong example.
What is the most popular group therapy?
CBT-based group therapy is among the most widely used worldwide.
Is group therapy a type of CBT?
It can be. While group therapy can use various approaches, CBT is one of the most common therapeutic frameworks for group sessions.
How Can Samarpan Help?
At Samarpan Health Centre, we recognise the transformative role that group therapy plays in addiction recovery and mental health treatment. Unlike individual therapy, group counselling provides clients with a sense of community and shared understanding, which can be a powerful source of healing. The purpose of group therapy is to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can learn, share, and grow together, guided by trained therapists who ensure the process is both structured and meaningful. We employ different types of group therapy, including psychoeducational groups, skills-based groups, support groups, and therapeutic models rooted in CBT and DBT. These formats allow clients to explore coping mechanisms, practice emotional regulation, and develop interpersonal skills. The stages of group therapy, from initial trust-building to deeper sharing and eventual closure, help individuals gradually open up while respecting their pace and boundaries. Our therapists follow the principles of group therapy, ensuring confidentiality, mutual respect, and active participation. The advantages of group therapy at Samarpan include reduced isolation, opportunities for feedback, and the chance to witness real-life role models in peers who are also progressing in their recovery. We also integrate specialised group therapy techniques, such as role-playing, mindfulness-based practices, and expressive activities, to deepen self-awareness and healing. By addressing the difference between group therapy and behaviour therapy, we show clients how group work complements one-to-one behavioural interventions, enriching overall progress. Through carefully designed group therapy treatment, Samarpan provides individuals with the strength of collective healing, empowering them to navigate their challenges with empathy, accountability, and resilience qualities that endure long after treatment ends.