my Group Therapy Mantra
“Keep Coming Back”
Marcus Sullivan, B.A.
Professional Psychology Program, George Washing University
I am a first-year Psy.D. student at George Washington University, with a keen interest in group psychotherapy, rooted in my personal experiences as a participant in groups for individuals dealing with alcohol and substance use disorders. I have engaged in various group settings, both as a participant and as a non-expert facilitator. Additionally, I am an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). This paper aims to elucidate my experiences within group psychotherapy while highlighting its inherent challenges and potential for growth.
My First Experience (Questions in Belongingness and Universality)
My first encounter with group psychotherapy was over ten years ago. I remember showing up to the session and feeling out of place. As I walked into the room, I saw people chatting with one another and I felt alone. Unsure if I would come again, nervous and anxious I sat down on a chair in the group circle. Most of the first meeting is a blur in my memory but at the end of the group session I recall thinking to myself “keep coming back.” In Alcoholics Anonymous there is a mantra “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.” So, I did just that. I went back.
The first challenge I identified was in belonging. During my first few sessions questions such as “Do I belong here?” and “Is this group for me?” were rather persisting. Having a sense of belonging is a crucial mechanism for change in group therapy (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020). The therapeutic factor of belonging can be understood as feeling like one is part of a community and where one is welcomed and accepted (Marmarosh et al. 2022). More than belonging, I wanted to find others that had similar thoughts, feelings and struggles as I did. Universality embodies the experience of recognizing that a person’s experiences are shared by others. According to Yalom and Leszcz (2020) identified universality as the most effective factor of treatment offering a sense of hope and safety. When I was in group sessions, I wanted to feel seen. I wanted my thoughts, feelings, and struggles to be relatable and validated. It became clear to me after not so many sessions that I did, in fact, belong in the group. Having found a sense of belonging and universality I again decided I would keep coming back.
Real World Practice and Support
Initially, I did not know how group therapy would help me, nor did I know if I would find it to be as helpful as individual therapy. In individual therapy it was me and the therapist. The only support or feedback I received was from the therapist. In group therapy members responses were diverse, there were many of us. We helped one another and we learned from one another. Group therapy cultivates an environment where members provide mutual support, moving beyond mere advice-giving. In individual therapy, I would have time to process the session and then later figure out how to apply my learnings in the real world. It was highlighted by Burlingame and Stauss (2004) the idea that group therapy can become a place where the participants learn and practice interpersonal skills with both the therapist and fellow members in real time. This immediacy adds a layer of richness to the therapeutic process that individual therapy may lack.
Moreover, Kivlighan and Miles (2011) further emphasize the significance of observational learning in group contexts; witnessing others navigate their challenges can enhance empathy and facilitate deeper self-understanding. By witnessing others confront and navigate their challenges, I found my own capacity for empathy growing. This shared experience not only fostered a sense of community but also imbued my participation with a renewed sense of purpose. In addition, Yalom and Leszcz (2020) poignantly highlight that group therapy not only alleviates symptoms but also engenders a profound sense of hope, purpose, and belonging. Ultimately, my experiences in group therapy enriched my therapeutic journey in ways that individual therapy may not have fully facilitated, highlighting the transformative power of shared healing and connection.
Group is a Journey
Ten years and many group therapy sessions later, I look back with appreciation for all the uncomfortable feelings I felt walking into that first group. In that first session, I was overwhelmed by a mix of uncertainty and trepidation, unsure of how I would fit into this new environment. As I reflect on the years since that moment, I recognize the significant and transformative impact that group therapy has had on my life. The once-strong sense of isolation I felt has notably diminished as I participated in various groups. For me, the group experience cultivated a sense of community that has significantly contributed to my feelings of belonging and connection.
Research conducted by Kivlighan and Shaughnessy (2000) strongly indicates that group therapy can lead to sustained improvements in psychological health and well-being, often maintaining the gains achieved during treatment. This is particularly relevant to my experience, as I have witnessed firsthand how the collective support of group members can facilitate long-lasting change. Furthermore, Burlingame and Strauss (2021) demonstrate that group therapy can be as effective as individual therapy for numerous psychological disorders.
Engaging in personal growth is an ongoing journey, one that can often feel daunting and complex. However, I have discovered that this process becomes far more enriching when shared with others who are navigating their own similar struggles. The insights and encouragement I gain from my peers in the group create an environment where I can explore my vulnerabilities with a sense of safety and understanding.
Nevertheless, mere attendance at these sessions is only part of the journey for I approach each meeting with an open mind and a willingness to engage fully. I have learned the importance of being receptive to the myriad challenges and possibilities that arise within the dynamics of the group. While some challenges may not be immediately apparent, I have come to recognize over time how these obstacles can transform into valuable opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Through this process, I have cultivated not only a deeper understanding of myself but also a greater appreciation for the shared human experience. The connections formed in the group have become vital to my ongoing development. So, for now, I will “keep coming back.”
References
Burlingame, G. M., Mackenzie, K. R., & Strauss, B. (2004). Small Group and Social Network Interventions for Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Burlingame G.M., Strauss B. (2021). Efficacy of small group treatments. In Castonguay L. G., Barkham M., Lutz W. (Eds.), Bergin and Garfield’s handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change (7th ed.). New York: Wiley.
Kivlighan, D. M., & Miles, J. (2011). A meta-analysis of the relationship between group cohesion and group therapy outcomes. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 48(2), 196-207.
Kivlighan, D. M., & Shaughnessy, P. (2000). The Impact of Group Cohesion on Group Therapy Outcomes. Small Group Research.
Marmarosh, C. L., Sandage, S., Wade, N., Captari, L. E., & Crabtree, S. (2022). New horizons in group psychotherapy research and practice from third wave positive psychology: a practice-friendly review. Research in psychotherapy (Milano), 25(3), 643. https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2022.643
Yalom I. D., Leszcz M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.