Consider These Factors When You're Seeking A Therapy Group

If you've recently decided that you want to seek therapy, one of the first decisions that you'll need to make is whether you want individual or group therapy. There are benefits to each style, but working with a therapist in a group may especially be appealing if you're the type of person who feels more relaxed in a group setting. A bit of online research, as well as some recommendations from your family physician or other health practitioners in your community, can give you a list of different therapists to consider. Here are some factors to think about before you choose one.

Group Size

One of the biggest factors that can influence your decision about which group therapist to choose is the size of the group. As you evaluate different groups, you'll find that each has a rule about size. For example, one group might be open to no more than five participants, while another may have more than a dozen. Either option may appeal to you. For example, you might favor the intimate feel of a smaller group, or you might feel more at ease with more people around you.

Meeting Frequency

The frequency at which the therapy group meets is another factor that you'll want to think about before you decide which group will be best for you. Different therapy groups meet at different intervals. Some will meet once a week, while others might meet more frequently or less frequently. Think about why you need therapy, as well as your personal and professional schedules. You might like the idea of working on your issue as quickly as possible, but if your schedule doesn't provide you with a lot of spare time, it may be best to choose a group that meets on the less-frequent side.

Session Format

When you're evaluating different therapy groups, it's a good idea to ascertain the format for each session. You'll find that there can be some degree of discrepancy between groups. For example, in some therapy groups, the therapist will ask each participant to speak briefly at the beginning of the get-together. In others, participants are free to sit and listen without necessarily having to say anything until they're ready. The nature of your issue and how you feel about speaking in front of others can help you to choose the best type of group for you.

You can learn the answers to most questions about therapy groups online or by speaking to one or more local therapists. Contact a therapist like Donald McEachran, PHD to learn more about your options.

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