Recovering from anxiety, trauma, or grief can be a lonely experience. Sometimes it isn't easy to express how we feel to our family or friends, despite their attempts to reach out. While individual therapy is always a practical option, group work allows you to meet and process your challenges with other participants. Whether you face challenges with anxiety, childhood trauma or grief, group work provides a safe space to meet and connect and support in the context of the group.
There are many types of group work, including support groups and group therapy. Support groups usually either have a longer duration or open groups. In contrast, group therapy is usually about 4-8 sessions with no more than 12 participants. Some group limits participants to 8 people.
Groupwork can be particularly helpful for those who feel isolated or alone in their struggles, as working in a group provides a sense of hope. Groupwork allows participants to learn, share coping strategies, and encourage and motivate one another. Studies have shown that group work can significantly reduce hopelessness and increase well-being.
The benefits of joining group work include:
● A sense of belonging: Members often feel a sense of connection and understanding from being around others who have experienced similar challenges.
● Support and encouragement. The opportunity to share your struggles and experiences with others can provide a sense of relief and validation.
● Information and resources: Members can share practical strategies and tips for coping with challenges.
● Increased self-awareness: Listening to how others overcome challenges often leads to insight into your struggles and coping mechanisms.
Joining group work can be daunting, but it can also be an enriching experience. Restoring Peace will hold group therapy for trauma survivors and people dealing with anxiety and a support group for parents with young children. Please get in touch with us to find out more.
Restoring Peace Counselling and Consultancy provide counselling and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, youths and adults individuals, couples and groups facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and mental health and relationship challenges. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg or WhatsApp at +65 8889 1848.
Keywords: group, life, struggles, anxiety, trauma, mental health, therapy, alone, struggles, coping
Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/therapy-medication/support-groups.htm
https://medium.com/ifme/the-benefit-of-support-groups-829fe0e77518