group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of treatment in which a therapist works with several people at the same time, typically in a structured setting. Group members often share experiences, discuss challenges, learn coping skills, and support one another under the guidance of a trained mental health professional.
Groups can range in size but often include about 5–12 participants and meet regularly.
Why Do People Use Group Therapy?
People participate in group therapy for many reasons, including:
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Managing anxiety, depression, or stress
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Coping with grief and loss
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Recovering from trauma
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Improving social and communication skills
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Addressing relationship challenges
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Building self-esteem
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Managing chronic illness or life transitions
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Supporting recovery from substance use disorders
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Reducing feelings of isolation
Many people find it helpful to connect with others who have faced similar experiences.
What Happens in Group Therapy?
A typical group session may involve:
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Discussing personal experiences and challenges
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Learning new coping or communication skills
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Giving and receiving feedback
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Exploring emotions and relationship patterns
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Practicing new behaviors in a supportive environment
The therapist helps create a safe, respectful, and productive atmosphere while guiding discussion and ensuring participants follow group guidelines.
Types of Group Therapy
Common types include:
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Support groups – Focus on shared experiences and mutual support.
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Skills-based groups – Teach practical coping skills, such as emotional regulation or stress management.
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Process groups – Explore emotions, interpersonal dynamics, and personal growth through discussion.
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Psychoeducational groups – Provide education about specific mental health concerns and strategies for managing them.
What Are the Benefits?
Group therapy can offer unique benefits that individual therapy cannot always provide:
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Realizing you're not alone in your struggles
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Learning from others' experiences
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Receiving support from people who understand similar challenges
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Practicing communication and relationship skills in real time
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Gaining different perspectives on problems
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Developing a sense of community and belonging
How Is It Different From Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy involves one client and one therapist, allowing for highly personalized attention.
Group therapy involves multiple participants and focuses not only on personal growth but also on learning through interaction with others. Many people participate in both individual and group therapy simultaneously.
A Simple Way to Think About It
If individual therapy is a private conversation focused on your experiences, group therapy is a professionally guided space where people with shared challenges or goals learn, heal, and grow together. The combination of professional guidance and peer support is one of its greatest strengths.
Group Sessions
Clients find it helpful to know they're not alone and group counselling sessions can provide a unique experience for healing. Group counselling programs typically run for 8-10 weeks. Individuals meet in a weekly group of 12 participants. Sessions are 120 minutes in duration and are always facilitated by two clinicians.
Workshops & Training
We are proud to support anyone in search of learning!
If you would like to be part of a workshop we're offering, please let us know. If you are seeking information on presentations to support your team or community, we would be happy to discuss your needs or answer any questions.
Group counselling and workshops are provided in response to community demand. To learn more about our available programs and training opportunities, or to make a specific request, please contact us.