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What are the Different Types of Group Therapy Interventions?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

There are numerous types of group therapy interventions, including behavior therapy and psychotherapy interventions. Recreational group therapy focuses on various hobbies and activities, including sketching or drawing, music, or group yoga and meditation. Group interaction or relationship therapy is an intervention that helps strengthen relationships. Group therapy intervention may focus on school-aged children or adolescents. Other types of group therapy intervention may focus on divorce and its effects on children.

Some individuals do better with therapy programs in a group setting. One main advantage is gaining support from others who are in a similar situation. Group therapy interventions often involve help in overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. In this type of intervention, a therapist may counsel a small group of approximately eight to ten people in a session that generally lasts an hour or two.

Group therapy can help people share fears and hopes.
Group therapy can help people share fears and hopes.

With group therapy, individuals share their experience, their fears, and their hopes for the future. Ideas and concepts may be shared for overcoming problems. Group therapy patients with suicidal tendencies may benefit from a suicide prevention program. Other similar types of group therapy interventions are those designated for individuals suffering from mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

A victim of domestic violence may find it helpful to confide in other domestic violence victims.
A victim of domestic violence may find it helpful to confide in other domestic violence victims.

Some families facing issues including divorce, financial difficulties, or domestic abuse may participate in group therapy interventions. These programs are designated to help families in times of crisis. This type of group counseling is typically known as family crisis intervention.

Some group therapy programs are free and sometimes run by volunteer organizations. Others may charge a nominal fee. The group therapy programs are generally less expensive than individual counseling.

A patient with suicidal thoughts and tendencies may benefit from group therapy that focuses on suicide prevention.
A patient with suicidal thoughts and tendencies may benefit from group therapy that focuses on suicide prevention.

One form of group counseling considered unconventional by most standards is something known as Internet psychotherapy. Done through correspondence over the Internet, this type of therapy has been subject to controversy. There are, however, certain advantages for some individuals who participate in this type of group therapy program. Some individuals prefer not having to disclose their identity to other participants. Although participants will share their experiences and offer support, this is done through email exchange.

Victims may be able to find understanding within a support group.
Victims may be able to find understanding within a support group.

Some residential centers offer housing along with support and group therapy. Some of these facilities are known as halfway houses. Those who are homeless or facing other challenges, such as physical or mental handicaps, sometimes rely on these services. These facilities are often supervised by social workers and counselors who assist in group therapy interventions.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@talentryto- Yes, groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are popular group therapy organizations that offer help to clients through the support of others. These groups use the support and experience of members who have worked the program to help new members.

In addition to the supportive atmosphere, these types of therapy groups are free and readily accessible. Most communities offer AA and NA groups several times each week in discreet, private settings. The privacy factor is another reason that these programs work, and that clients trust using them to work through their addiction problems.

Talentryto

What about group therapy for alcohol and drug abuse? Aren't these groups still very beneficial when it comes to helping individuals give up these addictions?

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    • Group therapy can help people share fears and hopes.
      By: Monkey Business
      Group therapy can help people share fears and hopes.
    • A victim of domestic violence may find it helpful to confide in other domestic violence victims.
      By: LoloStock
      A victim of domestic violence may find it helpful to confide in other domestic violence victims.
    • A patient with suicidal thoughts and tendencies may benefit from group therapy that focuses on suicide prevention.
      By: dragon_fang
      A patient with suicidal thoughts and tendencies may benefit from group therapy that focuses on suicide prevention.
    • Victims may be able to find understanding within a support group.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Victims may be able to find understanding within a support group.
    • Group therapy inventions can help people dealing with rage issues.
      By: olly
      Group therapy inventions can help people dealing with rage issues.