What to Expect from Your First Group Therapy Session

Millions of Americans struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The good news: Today, there is a broad array of treatment options focused on providing long-term, meaningful relief, improving your mood, your health, and your quality of life.

At Conduit Behavioral Health, Temika Heyward, PhD, FNP, CRNP, PMH, recommends group therapy as a comprehensive treatment plan for many patients. In this post, learn about the benefits of group therapy and what to expect during your first session.

Benefits of group therapy

Many people with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues feel isolated or alone in their journeys. Group therapy provides an opportunity to meet and share with people going through similar situations, providing a compassionate, confidential, and safe space to be yourself and seek help without judgment.

Your therapist guides the discussion throughout each session, keeping conversations and interactions positive, constructive, and on track. In addition to providing relevant feedback, each session offers the chance to connect with others and build confidence in social interactions. 

In addition to finding a safe place to share your thoughts and experiences, group therapy provides you with an opportunity to support others, building a sense of community. Of course, it also provides a chance to learn from others’ experiences while helping you and other members stay on track and accountable for their progress over time.

Your first session: What to expect

At the start of your first session, your therapist greets the group and briefly speaks with each member. This is when existing members may share quick updates on their progress while sharing their feelings.

Next, your therapist will discuss what to expect during the session, including touching on the group’s goals. That might mean reviewing previous “homework” assignments or addressing group members' concerns.

Most sessions are focused on a specific topic or goal, which may be a newly introduced topic or a continuation of a prior topic — for instance, feeling more comfortable in social settings or dealing with anger or depression. Your therapist will guide a discussion on the topic, encouraging input from the group members. This discussion explores feelings, introduces coping strategies, and establishes future goals for the group.

During the sharing part of the session, group members seek to support each other using compassionate listening and positive feedback and encouragement. You'll learn to practice good communication skills while surrounded by a caring and supportive environment. Discussion is always overseen and guided by your therapist.

Your therapist may introduce activities to help promote the group's goals and often assign additional homework activities, including journaling, to complete between sessions. At the end of your session, your therapist reviews the session's key points and provides feedback to the group.

Learn more about group therapy

Group therapy can be pivotal in your journey, helping you feel more connected while developing key coping and social skills. To find out more about group therapy and its role in your own journey, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Heyward and the team at Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, today.