Group Therapy as Part of Residential Mental Health Treatment

According to Mental Health America, key findings show that around 23% of adults in the U.S. experienced a mental health illness in the past year. This equates to nearly 60 million Americans, proving that a large number of people in the country have mental health issues. 

To reduce these numbers and help sufferers overcome their battles, residential mental health treatment is an option. Group therapy can complement other forms of treatment and offers support, connection, and healing in a supportive setting. This article explains what residential mental health treatment is and why group therapy is so beneficial to participants.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is an approach designed to help multiple people at the same time. Usually, group therapy will consist of around six to twelve people, but this will depend on the specific program in which a participant is enrolled. Group therapy has proven to be a highly effective form of treatment for those facing mental health struggles, including depression, PTSD, stress, addictions, and eating disorders.

Common topics that may be discussed during group therapy include specific experiences regarding mental health, trauma coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression management techniques, and methods for improving relationships.

During group therapy, common approaches are taken to help participants. Each may be encouraged to share experiences, feelings, and thoughts. Open dialogue, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) provide unique perspectives on similar problems. Group therapy also includes opportunities to get feedback from peers and to provide support for other group members.

Group therapy provides opportunities for:

• Building a community.
• Expressing emotions with no judgment.
• Inspiring others as treatment progresses.
• Sharing experiences, tips, and knowledge.
• Modeling healthy behaviors.
• Increasing levels of trust.
• Empathizing with others. 

How Group Therapy Works

Within a residential setting, group therapy is a pivotal part of tailored treatment programs. In a setting such as Jackson House, group therapy occurs around once a week, depending on the type of mental health treatment. 

At Jackson House, group therapy sessions are carefully structured and managed by licensed therapists who aim to create supportive environments for every participant. Groups are kept on a small to medium scale so patients feel comfortable sharing personal stories and talking about experiences. Overall, Jackson House aims to provide effective group therapy so no participant feels alone during mental health recovery.

During a group session, participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and work through strategies. Allowing yourself to open up will help you to connect with other people in the group, which then helps establish a safe space for everyone. Those in the group are in similar positions, which may provide comfort when it comes to speaking out. Support and accountability connected to group therapy can be combined with other key elements of mental health recovery, such as forgiveness. In a residential setting, group therapy may be integrated with individual therapy and other treatment modalities so that you can feel fully supported.

Benefits of Group Therapy

There are many benefits of group therapy, and, according to the American Psychological Association, group therapy is just as effective as one-on-one methods and has greater efficiency.

Two of the most valuable takeaways from group therapy are heightened self-awareness and a deeper understanding of challenges.

Key benefits of group therapy include:

• Creating a sense of emotional safety among peers.
• Participating in an environment meant for safety and belonging.
• Improving communication skills.
• Learning from others’ coping strategies and insights.

Sessions can become safe and supportive environments for sharing symptoms, stories, and experiences.

Group Therapy Options in Oregon and Southern California

Group therapy is part of Jackson House’s comprehensive residential treatment program. You are welcome to get in touch with Jackson House today to learn how residential treatment programs can help you on your path and to find a Jackson House location near you.