Group Counseling
Group counseling can be beneficial to those struggling with multiple concerns. You may be struggling with relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or life stressors. You may have family challenges or adjustment issues that are making it hard to cope. You could benefit from counseling in a small group setting with others, where your issues are normalized and validated. Groups are formed based on the needs and interests of current clients. I’m happy to discuss your interest in group counseling if you feel it would be helpful.
Group counseling is not for everyone, and it is often anxiety provoking. My counseling groups are small (not more than 8 members) and allow enough time for those interested to process their concerns with the support of a trained counselor, as well as the input of the other group members. Most group members have found participating in group counseling to be a powerful, validating experience. I’m glad you are bravely considering group counseling!
You deserve to feel like others get you.
You may struggle to find others in your life who can offer support and encouragement. You might want to share your feelings with others but don’t know how. You may need different skills to manage your life challenges in our day to day life. You might want to make new connections with others.
Group counseling can provide you with a safe, small space to share with others about your stressors, challenges, and joys. Additionally, group counseling can add skills to your coping strategies, as hearing how others cope can be helpful. Group counseling gives you a chance to feel heard, understood, and supported by people who are going through issues similar to you.
How Group Counseling Works
The first step is to schedule a free consultation where we can determine if group counseling would be a good fit, and if I currently offer a group that meets your needs. We’ll talk about what prompted you to seek group counseling and about what you hope to achieve.
During the first session, we will individually meet and explore in more detail your history and your journey to group counseling. I will do a lot of listening to give you space to share your story. We will talk about the group basics, and I welcome questions about group counseling!
In our first group session, the group will come together and talk about what goals we want to accomplish together. We’ll check in with each group member and discuss their struggles and begin talking about ways to overcome challenges.
In our subsequent group counseling sessions, we will continue to work on the goals the group created. New issues may come up, and we will also hold space for those. We will check in at each session to ensure group member needs are met and goals are reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do I need group counseling?
Group counseling helps you heal through relationships. Group is especially helpful for those who struggle within relationships, want to feel less alone, or have social anxiety. Group is also a place you can learn about others' unique perspectives. Group can be a place of exponential growth in knowledge of self and others.
+ How can group counseling help me?
Groups are usually made up of people with similar concerns, so members likely feel less alone in their struggles. You are able to get feedback from both the group members and the trained facilitator (psychologist) in real time, which can help you work on relationships and your emotions. Group is also a safe place to experiment with new behaviors that you can then try outside group therapy.
+ How do I start group counseling with you?
It's easy! Please just call my office number, email me, or fill out the contact form on the Contact Page. We can schedule a free 20 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit to work together.