Group therapy is a form of talk therapy where one or two trained clinicians guide a small group of people working on similar challenges together. It helps adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or alone in what they are facing. Solace Grove Behavioral Health offers group therapy in Milwaukee and by telehealth across Wisconsin, so help close to home is available.
Table of Contents
- How does group therapy actually work?
- What is the difference between group therapy and a support group?
- Who can group therapy help?
- What are the benefits of group therapy?
- What are the different types of group therapy?
- What are the downsides or challenges of group therapy?
- How do you know if group therapy is right for you?
- Key Takeaways
- References
How does group therapy actually work?
Group therapy works by bringing together a small group of people, usually about five to 15 members, who meet for one to two hours each week. One or more trained clinicians lead the session and guide the conversation. According to the American Psychological Association, groups typically meet for an hour or two each week. The Cleveland Clinic notes that groups often have seven to 10 members.
Sessions may be held in person or online. The Cleveland Clinic states that group therapy may be in-person or virtual. This flexibility means people can join from home when travel feels hard.
Groups can be open or closed. In an open group, new members can join at any time. In a closed group, all members begin at the same time, often for a set number of weeks. The American Psychological Association explains that closed groups may run as a 12-week session together.
Groups usually work best when members face similar difficulties and are at similar points in their journey. This shared ground helps people feel understood and keeps the conversation focused.
What is the difference between group therapy and a support group?
Group therapy is different from a support group because it is led by licensed clinicians and follows a treatment approach. A support group is often peer-led and not structured as clinical care. The Cleveland Clinic states that group therapy is different from a support group.
Group therapy can be used alongside individual therapy and medication. It does not have to replace one-on-one care. According to Citizen Advocates, group therapy is often used alongside individual therapy and medication.
Most group therapy programs ask members to sign a confidentiality agreement. The Cleveland Clinic notes that every member of a group typically must sign a confidentiality agreement, but members may not be held to the same legal standards that licensed therapists are. The American Psychological Association adds that confidentiality is part of the ground rules for group therapy, but there is no absolute guarantee of privacy when sharing with others.
Who can group therapy help?
Group therapy can help people facing depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship struggles, substance use, and seasons of feeling stuck. The American Psychological Association notes that groups are often designed to target a specific problem such as depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain, or substance use. The National Center for Biotechnology Information adds that group therapy can treat trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Groups may also help with physical health challenges. The Cleveland Clinic states that group therapy may help with physical diagnoses like cancer, obesity, or chronic pain. This means the emotional weight of a medical condition can be shared in a supportive room.
Solace Grove offers Group Therapy as a lower-cost complement to individual work. Small facilitated groups give adults a place to work on shared challenges alongside people who understand them. Sessions are available in person in Milwaukee and by telehealth across Wisconsin.
If any of these concerns sound familiar, an assessment can help clarify whether group therapy fits your needs. Solace Grove provides outpatient care rather than 24-hour emergency services. For urgent needs, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Group therapy offers a sense of connection and reduced isolation. Sitting with people who understand can lighten the feeling of carrying something alone. The Cleveland Clinic describes group therapy as a way to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Group therapy is backed by evidence showing it can be as effective as individual therapy. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that evidence suggests group psychotherapy is as effective as individual psychotherapy. The Cleveland Clinic also notes that several studies suggest group therapy is as effective as individual therapy.
Group therapy is often more affordable than one-on-one therapy. The Cleveland Clinic states that group therapy is often less expensive than individual therapy. The National Center for Biotechnology Information adds that group psychotherapy has the potential to be more cost-effective and widen access to psychotherapy in underserved populations.
Members often learn from each other's experiences and practice new ways of relating. Hearing another person's story can open a door that felt closed before.
What are the different types of group therapy?
Group therapy includes several common approaches. Cognitive behavioral group therapy focuses on patterns in thoughts and actions. Interpersonal group therapy centers on the desire for secure relationships. Psychodynamic group therapy explores how past experiences shape present feelings. Existential group therapy, based on the works of Irwin Yalom, examines meaning, choice, and responsibility. The National Center for Biotechnology Information describes these approaches in detail.
Some approaches use role-play or longer sessions. Psychodrama uses a designated client called the protagonist to act out situations. Redecision therapy combines Gestalt therapy and transactional analysis and sometimes uses long sessions lasting four to eight hours. The National Center for Biotechnology Information explains these methods.
The approach a group uses depends on the concern being addressed and the leader's training. The Cleveland Clinic notes that therapists use approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
What are the downsides or challenges of group therapy?
Sharing in a group can feel uncomfortable at first, especially for people who value privacy. The American Psychological Association acknowledges that opening up in front of others takes trust and time.
Confidentiality is a shared ground rule but not an absolute guarantee. The Cleveland Clinic notes that members may not be held to the same legal standards that licensed therapists are. This means privacy depends on everyone's commitment.
Group fit matters. Members usually do best when they face similar difficulties and function at similar levels. The American Psychological Association states that groups usually work best when members experience similar difficulties and function at similar levels.
It is okay to ask questions and go at your own pace before joining. A good group leader will respect your need to feel ready.
How do you know if group therapy is right for you?
Group therapy may be right for you if you feel isolated, stuck, or want to learn from others facing similar challenges. The American Psychological Association notes that groups work best when members share similar difficulties and are at similar points in their journey.
Ask about group size, format, meeting frequency, and whether the group is open or closed. The Cleveland Clinic states that groups typically have seven to 10 members and meet weekly for 60 to 120 minutes.
Group therapy can be combined with individual therapy and medication management for a fuller plan. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that group therapy is often used alongside individual therapy and medication.
If you are considering group therapy, Solace Grove offers a warm, low-pressure path to an assessment. Sessions are available in person in Milwaukee and by telehealth across Wisconsin. You can reach out when you feel ready.
Key Takeaways
- Group therapy is a form of talk therapy led by one or more trained clinicians, usually with five to 15 members meeting weekly for one to two hours.
- Groups may be open, allowing new members to join anytime, or closed, with all members starting together for a set number of weeks.
- Group therapy is different from a support group because it is led by licensed clinicians and follows a treatment approach.
- Research suggests group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy and is often more affordable.
- Group therapy is commonly used for depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, relationship issues, and substance use.
- Confidentiality is a ground rule in group therapy, but it is not an absolute guarantee when sharing with others.
- Solace Grove offers Group Therapy in person in Milwaukee and by telehealth across Wisconsin, and provides outpatient care rather than 24-hour emergency services.
References
- Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy — American Psychological Association, 2019-10-31
- Group Therapy - StatPearls — NCBI Bookshelf, 2024-10-29
- 7 Benefits of Group Therapy — Citizen Advocates
- What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy? — Cleveland Clinic, 2025-12-02
Support is available.
Connect with Solace Grove to explore care shaped around your goals.
Book Appointment