Early on in either individual or couples therapy, most of my clients will hear me state something about the importance of working on their own individual issues apart from the systemic issues in the family, school, work, or couple. I will begin educating my client about the benefits of ‘group psychotherapy’ as I believe this is a vehicle for growth on par with individual and dyadic therapies. When I do so, many clients will shake their head and utter, “That’s not for me” or, “No way” or “What?” I then explain that dyadic work in the hear and now with me is a great start, but a more intensive experience lay in the realm of working with like-minded others who wish to live their lives more fully, authentically, with purpose, and a deeper sense of connection. This is a crucial part of how group and individual work differs, but are complimentary. Taking the necessary step to work in individual therapy establishes a basis of trust and aids self-awareness, insight and expression. Group work ‘amplifies’ this dyadic process, exponentially. This amplification takes the form of multiple individuals, with many perspectives, variable ways of being in the world all witnessing and participating in what is being expressed. I might offer a client an example that illustrates what the differences are between what I relate and say in an individual session to contrast what they may hear and say in a group. If you wish to read such an example, please click here….READ MORE
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”. ~ Margaret Mead