Group therapy....when to begin it?

Group therapy....when to begin it?
E

EGL

Registrant
I'm curious about you guys who are doing group therapy. Are you doing it in conjunction with singular therapy? Instead of singular therapy? Did you begin it after singular therapy? I'm thinking I would like to find a therapy group, but not sure if I should or not, or if I'm at a point in healing where it's wise to do so, etc. Would appreciate any experience and insight anyone can offer.

Thanks,
Eddie
 
Hi Eddie,

I have been in a group therapy situation for the last couple of years.

I also see the same therapist on an individual basis.

The group to which I belong is made up of gay men only, since that was at the core of most of the problems I was seeking to address.

Previously I had been a member of a mixed group, gay, straight, male and female. That was a few years ago--and that was really tough. I moved out of town after about 6 months, so never got to see it through to the end.

Personally group is much more challenging than individual therapy; also I believe the opportunities for real progress are there too.

It has been an excellent place for me to see how my thoughts and feelings translate in real actions and interactions with real live human beings.

I'm blessed with an excellent therapist who keeps the focus in the group. The tendency I have noticed is to talk about everyone and everything except what is happening between the people actually in the room. LOL Nice way to escape the reality of real face-to-face interaction.

I go to other groups, such as 12 Step etc. But group therapy is very different from support, self-help, encounter groups etc.

There are some excellent articles about group therapy and how it helps us develop as people in relationship to others.

PM me if you're interested in knowing more about my experience. I'd be glad to discuss it further.

One last thing, people always seem to want to quit group just when they're getting down to he real core of their issues. Sometimes they do leave; so far I haven't.

Hope this helps,
 
Eddie,

I have done individual therapy since mid-1998. My therapist advised me of this local group in early '03, but I didn't think I was ready for that just yet. After a couple more months of visiting with the therapist passed, it was suggested again I consider a group setting. Scared outta my wits, I went into it October of '03. I was quite frightened by the prospect of sharing my personal broken self with others. The following January I visited with one of the men from there over dinner (we all go to a restaurant after our meeting is over for the night) and he shared so much with me it helped open my heart to be able to share the things I was dealing with. He has become a dear friend ever since. I have made other friends there as well. I've been there almost a year and wished I could have done it sooner. I have significantly reduced the number of visits to my therapist, but I am still going. I have gotten so much out of individual therapy. However, now the group thing is the best thing for me.

Hope this helps.

Andy
 
Eddie,

Group did me no good whatsoever.

I hope you have a better experience with it.

Whicker
 
I have not yet done any group therapy work. I do not see myself doing such. I think that this site is my 'group therapy'. But I have heard from some people who have had more success with it. I wish you luck, whatever you may choose.

leosha
 
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