Evidence-Based Addiction Therapies & Approaches

Group Therapy Program

Group psychotherapy has been around since the 1940s. It was discovered that the unique nature of group dynamics amplified the effects of therapy and opened doors to different kinds of therapeutic benefits that are not available in individual therapy. Not intended to replace one-on-one counseling but to be a psychotherapeutic modality in its own right, group therapy has been proven efficacious in treating most mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Addiction therapy programs in Nashville and elsewhere use group therapy in their drug and alcohol treatments.

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Getting into Group Therapy

How Group Therapy Programs Work

Group therapy is not the same as addiction support groups such as a 12-step program. Both involve the engagement of a group and peer support, but other than that, they are distinct from one another. One main difference is that group therapy always has a psychotherapist or mental health counselor guiding the sessions.

Because it is done in a group setting, group therapy enhances a feeling of connectedness among the members, so people do not feel alone. Empathy, accountability, and support are all part of the work done in this kind of therapy.

Many aspects are unique to group therapy or enhanced by a group model. A few are listed below:

Group dynamics – Humans have an instinctive drive to belong to a group. Many with a SUD have been members of social groups that have not served them well. Some believe personal development only takes place in the context of interpersonal relationships. In a cohesive therapeutic group, the sense of recognition and belonging leads to lasting healing.
Social skills practice – People with SUDs often struggle to interact socially while sober, and the group setting is a supportive space to work on these skills.
Universal nature of the experience – In group therapy, members feel less isolated as the shared nature of their experiences validates them and increases their sense of self-worth.
Modeling and imitating behaviors – Some of what needs to happen in therapy are difficult for many people. By seeing others in a group sharing difficult personal information, being vulnerable, exhibiting empathy, and actively supporting others, people can imitate that behavior and thus learn healthy ways of interacting and being.

OUR TAILOR-MADE APPROACH

Group Counseling Options

Therapists who lead therapy groups have a range of stylistic options they can choose from. Which one is used may have to do with who is in each group, the therapist’s philosophy or training, or other factors.

Three common group therapy program options are listed here:

Behavioral therapy groups

Based on the principles of behavioral therapy, for example, dialectical behavior therapy, this kind of group therapy for addiction will focus on identifying triggers, using mindfulness practices to manage stress and cravings, and developing strategies for healthy recovery.

Psychoeducational groups

Founded on the idea that knowledge is power, in this kind of group setting, members learn about addiction, how it works, what it looks like, and move on to focus on individual and shared experiences, and, finally, coping strategies rooted in the empowerment of self-awareness.

Skills-based groups

In some ways, similar to psychoeducational therapy, this model focuses on specific skill-development, using emotional, behavioral, and cognitive strengths to make positive life decisions and avoid or manage risky situations, people, and actions. Sharing this process in a group increases everyone’s access to ideas and strategies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Most Major Health Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment.

Most major health plans with out-of-network benefits will help cover the cost of treatment at Nashville Treatment Solutions. To find out your health insurance coverage, click the button below to begin your free benefits check & consultation.

If we can’t work with your insurance, our dedicated team of treatment coordinators will find the best options that work for you.

We currently are unable to accept Medicare or Medicaid plans including TennCare.