Group Counseling

Group counseling is a type of therapy in which a few people, usually around five to twelve, have group sessions to address a common issue or struggle. The sessions are led by one or two trained, licensed counselors who specialize in group counseling.

The counselor, like those at Los Angeles Christian Counseling, creates a safe space for group members to participate and contribute to the discussion. The group’s conversations and interactions are directed by the counselor who guides the group as they make their contributions.

Each group has a specific area of focus, such as anxiety or depression, and that focus is sustained through the conversations and therapeutic techniques that the counselor applies to help the group overcome their symptoms.

Groups gather to address different issues, and this can make group goals vary. For instance, a group that gathers to address issues of anger will likely have different goals from a group that’s meeting to address anxiety issues. However, the key goal the groups have in common is to provide the group members with a better understanding of the issues, and effective tools for addressing the issue.

Other goals that Christian group counseling may include are:

• Connecting with yourself, God, and others
• Building a sense of community through meaningful connection with others
• Creating a safe place to be honest with yourself and to grow in being honest in other areas of your life
• Practicing vulnerability and sharing yourself with others
• Overcoming the symptoms related to the focus area of the group
• Learning to experience and express genuine empathy for others
• Being intentional about building accountability
• Receiving authentic and compassionate feedback from others who share your struggles
• Learning skills for coping with and managing negative emotions and behaviors

There is a wide variety of groups with specific focus areas that you can take part in. Some of the groups and their areas of focus that are available at Los Angeles Christian Counseling include the following:

• Trauma
• Chemical dependency and addiction
• Substance abuse
• Anger management
• Anxiety and anxiety disorders
• Couples issues
• Family issues
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Divorce
• Weight loss

These groups are available to help you address any concerns you are facing. If you don’t see your particular concerns listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Los Angeles Christian Counseling to enquire about the group you’re looking for.

Group counseling differs from individual counseling in a few key respects. The most obvious is that in group counseling you will be with others. Part of the therapeutic process is to interact with others and learn to articulate your opinions, concerns, and wisdom to others.

Each group functions a little differently because the personalities involved change the dynamic. The counselor(s) will nurture a safe environment for all group members to share their experiences and contribute to the healing journey.

Groups vary. Some are closed. Once members join, for the duration of the time together until the completion of the allotted sessions, no new members will join the group. Alternatively, an open group is more fluid, and people can join at different stages of the journey.

Confidentiality is valued in all groups. All group members receive guidelines to treat one another respectfully, not to share anything discussed in the group, or to share the identity of group members with people outside the group.

While you’ll meet great people in group counseling, and your confidentiality will be respected, it’s wise to avoid sharing details, such as where you live or the names of your underage children, for instance. Group counseling is a space in which every group member can share their experience and wisdom in dealing with the group’s area of focus.

Group therapy at Los Angeles Christian Counseling, as with other organization, create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can receive support, compassion, and effective tools to help you in your recovery.

The teacher in the book of Ecclesiastes wrote these words several thousand years ago:

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken – Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, NIV

Christian group counseling in Los Angeles can be very effective in addressing your concerns. Some of the benefits include:

• Learning new perspectives. Group counseling provides space to hear other people’s stories and how they have dealt with their struggles. You can pick up good ideas and resources from your groupmates, and possibly build lifelong friendships.
• Camaraderie and fellowship.It’s good to know that you’re not struggling alone. That alone can provide you with strength to keep pursuing healing and wholeness.
• Building relationship skills. Group counseling can provide you with tools to build better relationships with others and yourself. You can find your own voice, learn how to handle conflict better, cultivate your relationship with the Lord, and learn how to communicate your feelings and thoughts with compassion and empathy.

Reach Out

To learn more about Christian group counseling in Los Angeles, California or to schedule an appointment, reach out to the team at Los Angeles Christian Counseling. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward hope and healing offered in Christian group counseling, get started today and contact a counselor at Los Angeles Christian Counseling.