Mini Series 4 - What are the benefits of group sessions?

Busting Addiction and Its Myths

In this podcast, we answer the question... What are the benefits of group sessions?
There is more power in group therapy than meets the eye. The very fact that recovering people are sitting together and getting honest about their feelings is remarkable in and of itself.

1. Group therapy gives individuals the opportunity to relate to people experiencing the same problems; they no longer feel isolated as they felt when they were "out there" drinking and abusing drugs.
2. It creates a sense of hope as they watch each other learn and grow. Others will notice how much a person has changed for the better before that person sees it himself.
3. Group therapy helps individuals develop communication and socialisation skills and allows clients to express their issues and accept criticism from others.
4. It allows clients to develop self-awareness and empathy by listening to others who face similar challenges. The courage displayed by certain clients inspires others to confront their own issues more directly.

Group therapy has long been recognised as one of the most effective tools in helping addicts and alcoholics recover. The common identity as a recovery group and the shared purpose of working together to help each other heal is powerful medicine.