GROUPS: STRENGTH TOGETHER
WHY JOIN GROUP COUNSELING?
Do you feel that you’re alone in your abuse experience?
Do you sometimes think that being an abuse survivor makes you different from other people?
Do you sometimes feel that if people learned about what you’ve gone through, they wouldn’t accept you?
Have you ever felt ashamed that you experienced abuse?
Do you long for a community of supportive people who can relate to you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions…
GROUP COUNSELING CAN HELP
Most abuse survivors shy away from group counseling. Some of their fears include being exposed and vulnerable, or they’re concerned it would be too difficult, awkward, or embarrassing to talk to other people about the traumatic incidents. And there’s the fear that what you say will be repeated to others outside the group, or people will gossip about you outside of sessions.
These are all valid concerns, so let’s tackle them.
“But I’ll be exposed” Yes, there is a certain degree of vulnerability involved in group counseling. There’s vulnerability in individual counseling, of course, but most people feel that it’s acceptable because only one person (the professional listener) will hear their stories.
But vulnerability in a group leads to learning about shared experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Without vulnerability and commonalities, we can’t build relationships. We can’t build community. And group counseling is fantastic with building community. When it comes to taking that leap to vulnerability, group counseling has a huge payoff. Many group members continue to be in touch with other members informally after group counseling has ended because as they say,“It feels like I found family”.
“It’s too hard to talk about it with other people” For sure, it could feel difficult at first to share your experiences with others. In fact, most people in your group will feel the same way. They share your concern – and learning this is often the first step toward understanding that you’re really not alone. In fact, you’re in good company. This is only the first of many steps you’ll take together.
“What happens in group stays in group?” To answer concerns about confidentiality: Before group starts, everyone will sign a confidentiality agreement. And when the group meets for the first session, everyone in the group will share their expectations about how group members should hold each other in respect and confidentiality. By making this commitment verbally and in writing, you’ll assure each other of privacy and hold each other accountable for keeping what’s said in the room private.
One of the truly powerful things about group counseling is sharing in other people’s journeys. You’ll not only learn each other’s fears, but you’ll be happy for each other when you take baby steps; when you’ve accomplished something you never thought you could do. When you learn the truth about who you are and who should really carry shame over the abuse. You’ll give each other feedback. You’ll encourage each other when someone feels down. There will be high fiving. There will be shared tears and laughter. There will be mountains and valleys to walk through together. And through it all, your group therapist will be there to make sure the rough edges can be smoothed out, the stumbles could lead to learning experiences, and that the seemingly winding road leads to a destination of healing.
Being in group is often an experience of healing and growth. And it can be yours.
If you’d like to learn more about group counseling, please schedule your free 30-minute online consultation: