Types of Groups.
There are essentially three different kinds of “Groups” in group therapy. They have different names, but suffice it to say there are Process Groups and Issue/Topic specific groups and psychoeducation groups often called “work shops.”
Issue-specific groups often have a predetermined number of fixed session meetings and clear beginning and end dates. However, they can also be done indefinitely with new people entering but with the common goal of completing a specific curriculum.
- Process and Topic Groups
- Limited Timeframe
- Confidential and Private
They are focused on one type of issue, i.e. Anxiety, Depression, Anger, etc. A person could start a group after the start date, but that will be up to the Therapist(s) of the group.
Psychoeducation Groups or “workshops” are like issue specific groups but deal mainly in the way of educating. They would be similar to attending a class. They can be a one time meeting of 1 or more hours or multiple days. However, the group is designed to educate on a certain topic and then to finish. For example, we often have workshops that focus on ADHD. These typically run 1.5 hours two days a week for two weeks.
Process Groups deal more specifically with the process of growth and making progress in general. Members in the group could vary in the issues of life that they have and struggle with; however, they have the common goal of getting through life more productively and healthily than their “norm.” An example would be a “communication group.” Someone in the group might be there to be less blunt, and someone might be there to be more assertive.
Timeframe.
With the exception of psychoeducation/work shops these groups have clear start and entry dates but not end dates. Psychoeducation groups have clear end dates. The group’s point is support, safety, vulnerability, honesty, and growth. These groups are powerful because they allow you to encounter life in a caring setting with health-forward-minded people. Although the struggles are different, humanness is NOT. These groups do take on a life of their own. A person could start a group after the start date and exit when they feel accomplished, but that will be up to the Therapist(s) AND group members regarding the appropriateness of entry/exit.
Check out the Shrink Think Podcast episode on group therapy to learn more! https://lifeencounter.com/shrink-think-podcast-and-membership/
Confidentiality in groups is taught and expected but cannot be guaranteed. As therapists, we will hold the group’s confidence, but it can’t be guaranteed because group members are just regular folks like yourself.
