6 Benefits of Group Therapy in Los Angeles

Group therapy in Los Angeles, California is a form of counseling where several people who are facing the same issue meet to talk about their experiences. Group therapy provides mutual support and accountability for people to get through certain struggles that would be almost impossible to face alone.

Besides being helpful for people sharing burdens that would otherwise be carried alone, group therapy is also a place to develop relationships, build community, and grow in confidence.

6 Benefits of Group Therapy in Los Angeles

It’s not unusual to be wary of group therapy. The idea of opening up in front of strangers or even hearing about other’s struggles, no matter how similar they are to your own, can be anxiety-inducing for some people. Introverts and neurodiverse people especially might not like the idea of talking in front of others. People who have experienced bullying in their past, or those who struggle with their self-esteem might avoid the very notion of group therapy.

It might not be for everyone, and there might be certain struggles that need to be shared in a more private way at least to begin with. However, there are benefits to group therapy in Los Angeles that many have not considered before.

These might be enough to sway some as they consider whether group therapy is the right thing for them. Let’s begin considering some of the most obvious benefits, and we will work our way to some of the things you might not have considered before.

Feeling less alone in your struggles

It’s not uncommon for people to mask their struggles as they try to get through life. On the surface, it may seem like they are coping perfectly when they really might be struggling.

This tendency for people to wear masks and appear “normal” is a coping mechanism that is necessary for getting through life, but it also increases the feeling of isolation and loneliness. In its essence, group therapy in Los Angeles is intended to show people that they are not alone and that their struggles are not unique.

Experiencing safety

People who feel alone often also feel exposed. One of the root experiences of any trauma is the feeling that the world is an unsafe place, or that people are unsafe to be around.

Being in a group at Los Angeles Christian Counseling where everyone shares a common bond automatically creates a sense of safety and belonging. It might take some time for people to feel comfortable around each other, but being part of a collective where everyone shares a struggle is an incredibly safe place to be.

Receiving help and giving help

Certain struggles make people feel worthless and as if they have nothing to offer. Feeling this way seriously affects a person’s self-worth, a feeling that only adds to whatever struggle they are already facing. People learn in group therapy that not only are they helped by others, but they can be of help to others. Just their presence and willingness to share are enough to encourage someone else.

Building confidence

As people learn that it is safe to be honest, that others can be trusted, and that they have something to offer, their confidence exponentially grows. Certain issues require confidence to face and conquer, like addictions and compulsions. Many disorders cause people to feel like they are the only ones to have their unique struggle. When they learn that other people are dealing with the same or similar issues, it gives them the boost of encouragement they need to continue.

Working on communication

An unavoidable part of group therapy is talking and listening. This can be terrifying for some people, or simply a hurdle to overcome for others. It can be difficult to talk about deeply personal things in front of others, regardless of how well you know them. Group therapy in Los Angeles provides an opportunity for people to grow in communication and active listening skills. This can be a valuable tool to have in the future.

Benefiting from accountability and support

It’s probably obvious that group therapy is a suitable place to find support, but many people might overlook the fact that it also provides accountability. Some aspects of a person’s healing require them to take responsibility, for example, a person addicted to a substance.

Chemical dependency is a disease and should be treated as such, but actively avoiding the use of that substance is a responsibility, and it helps to have accountability. Accountability is about sharing the burden of responsibility so that its weight is not crushing.

If you are interested in group therapy in Los Angeles but don’t know where to start, please contact us at Los Angeles Christian Counseling in California. We can provide information and connect you with Christian counselors in California who will help. Call us or email us at your convenience.