When to Consider Group Therapy: A Guide for Patients Exploring Their Options

Many people are familiar with individual therapy, but fewer realize that group therapy can sometimes be the more powerful choice—especially when your struggles involve relationships, communication, or feeling disconnected. If you're wondering whether a therapy group might be right for you, this guide highlights the key signs and benefits.

Why Group Therapy Works

Group therapy isn’t simply individual therapy in a group setting. It’s a unique relational environment where healing happens through interaction. In the words of Yalom, the group becomes a “social microcosm”—a live, supportive space where your relational patterns naturally emerge and can be understood and transformed.

Group therapy offers something individual therapy cannot fully replicate: real-time interpersonal feedback, connection, and practice.

When to Consider Joining Group Therapy

1. You feel isolated or believe “no one else gets me.”

Group therapy is powerful for people who feel alone in their struggles. Hearing others share similar experiences reduces shame, builds connection, and offers a sense of belonging that individual therapy can’t always provide.

2. You want to improve how you relate to others.

If your challenges involve boundaries, communication, people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, or difficulty trusting, a group offers a safe, structured place to practice. You discover how your patterns show up with others—and how to shift them.

3. You’d benefit from diverse perspectives and honest feedback.

Instead of relying solely on a therapist’s viewpoint, you receive reflections from multiple group members. This mirrors “real life” more closely and helps you understand how you come across, what’s working, and what isn’t.

4. You repeat the same relational patterns in many areas of life.

Whether it’s shutting down, taking care of everyone else, feeling invisible, or becoming anxious in groups, these patterns tend to surface in group therapy too. With skilled facilitation, the group becomes a powerful lab for trying new behaviors and seeing what changes.

5. You’re seeking deeper emotional work and authentic connection.

Many people are surprised by how emotionally open they become in group therapy. When others resonate with your experience, the group can feel healing, supportive, and deeply human. This shared vulnerability accelerates growth.

6. You’ve gained insight in individual therapy but want to apply it interpersonally.

It’s common to understand your patterns intellectually but struggle to behave differently in relationships. Group therapy helps bridge that gap. It allows you to practice new relational skills—not just talk about them.

7. You value community and want support beyond one-on-one sessions.

A therapy group offers ongoing accountability, connection, and a sense of shared progress. Members often describe group therapy as the place they feel the most seen and supported.

How to Know If a Group Is a Good Fit

Consider these questions:

• Do I want to understand how I show up in relationships?

• Am I open to giving and receiving respectful feedback?

• Does being part of a supportive community appeal to me?

• Am I willing to show up consistently and engage authentically?

If you’re curious—even if a bit nervous—that usually means you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Group therapy is one of the most effective—and most underutilized—treatment options available. When your goals involve connection, boundaries, communication, or patterns that show up in relationships, group therapy offers something uniquely transformative.

If you’re considering joining a group or wondering if an interpersonal process group might be right for you, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you decide what fits your needs.