Introduction
When most people think about therapy, they often imagine meeting one-on-one with a counsellor or psychologist. While individual counselling is a valuable form of support, many people are surprised to learn that some of the most powerful therapeutic work can occur within a group setting.
Group psychotherapy, commonly referred to as group therapy, involves one or more trained therapists working with several individuals who share similar concerns, challenges, or treatment goals. Group therapy provides participants with opportunities to learn from one another, receive support, develop insight, and gain new perspectives within a safe and professionally facilitated environment.
Group-based interventions are utilised in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, mental health services, correctional environments, rehabilitation programs, schools, and community organisations.
This article explores what group psychotherapy is, how it works, and the benefits and challenges associated with this therapeutic approach.
What Is Group Psychotherapy?
Group psychotherapy is a form of treatment where multiple individuals participate in a therapeutic group led by one or more qualified mental health professionals.
Cartwright and Zander (1968) describe a group as a collection of individuals who share relationships that create interdependence. In other words, what affects one member can influence the group as a whole.
Unlike a social gathering, therapeutic groups are intentionally structured and have clear treatment goals. Participants are encouraged to explore thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviours while learning from both the therapist and fellow group members.
Group therapy can address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma recovery
- Substance use concerns
- Anger management
- Social skills development
- Relationship difficulties
- Mental health recovery
- Offence-specific intervention programs
- Personal growth and wellbeing
Open and Closed Therapy Groups
Group therapy is generally delivered in one of two formats.
Open (Rolling) Groups
Open groups allow individuals to join the program as places become available. New members may enter the group as others complete treatment and leave.
Manor (1994) explains that this approach results in group members being at different stages of their therapeutic journey.
Open groups can provide valuable opportunities for newer participants to learn from members who have progressed further in treatment.
Closed Groups
Closed groups involve all participants commencing and completing the program together.
Members generally work through the same modules, topics, or treatment goals at the same pace. This structure often facilitates stronger group cohesion and shared experiences.
Why Does Group Therapy Work?
One of the most influential contributions to group psychotherapy comes from psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, whose work identified several therapeutic factors that help explain why group therapy can be effective.
Instillation of Hope
Groups often include participants who are at different stages of recovery or personal growth.
Seeing others successfully manage challenges can provide encouragement and hope for individuals who are earlier in their therapeutic journey.
Universality
Many people entering therapy feel isolated in their struggles.
Discovering that others have experienced similar thoughts, emotions, or challenges can reduce shame, loneliness, and the sense of being alone.
Often the most powerful realisation is:
“I thought I was the only one who felt this way.”
Imparting Information
Participants frequently share practical coping strategies, resources, insights, and experiences that may assist others in the group.
Therapists also provide psychoeducation and evidence-based information to support recovery and growth.
Interpersonal Learning
Group interactions provide valuable opportunities to explore relationship patterns, communication styles, and emotional responses.
Constructive feedback from both the therapist and other group members can increase self-awareness and promote personal development.
Group Cohesion
Research consistently demonstrates that a sense of belonging and connection contributes significantly to positive therapeutic outcomes.
Many participants describe the supportive relationships formed within a group as one of the most valuable aspects of treatment.
Additional Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy offers several practical advantages.
Cost Effectiveness
Because therapists work with multiple participants simultaneously, group therapy is often a more affordable option than individual therapy.
Social Connection
Participants can develop meaningful connections and feel less isolated in their experiences.
Real-Life Practice
Groups provide opportunities to practise communication, emotional expression, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills within a supportive environment.
Diverse Perspectives
Listening to different viewpoints can broaden understanding and help individuals explore alternative ways of thinking and responding.
Challenges and Limitations of Group Therapy
While group therapy can be highly effective, it is not suitable for everyone and may present challenges.
Concerns About Privacy
Some individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing personal matters in a group setting.
Although confidentiality expectations are established, participants cannot guarantee the behaviour of other group members outside of sessions.
Fear of Judgement
Joining a group can feel daunting, particularly for individuals experiencing social anxiety, low self-esteem, or trust difficulties.
Personality Differences
As in any group setting, differences in personality, communication styles, and opinions may occasionally create tension or discomfort.
When appropriately managed by a skilled facilitator, these interactions can also become valuable learning opportunities.
Reduced Individual Attention
Unlike individual therapy, the therapist’s time is shared among all group members.
While many participants benefit from the collective learning experience, others may require individual support alongside group treatment.
What Does Contemporary Research Tell Us?
Group psychotherapy continues to be recognised as an effective treatment approach for a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, grief, and interpersonal difficulties.
Contemporary research suggests that group therapy can yield outcomes comparable to individual therapy for many psychological concerns while offering additional benefits, including peer support, social learning, reduced isolation, and opportunities for interpersonal growth.
Research also highlights the importance of group cohesion, therapeutic alliance, psychological safety, and skilled facilitation in achieving positive outcomes. Participants who experience a strong sense of belonging and connection within the group are generally more likely to report meaningful therapeutic change.
The growing use of telehealth and online group therapy following the COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated that group-based interventions can be delivered effectively in both face-to-face and virtual environments, increasing accessibility for individuals who may otherwise experience barriers to treatment.
Is Group Therapy Right for Everyone?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.
For some people, individual counselling may be the most appropriate starting point. For others, group therapy may provide unique opportunities for growth and connection that cannot be achieved through individual sessions alone.
Many treatment programs successfully combine both individual and group-based interventions to maximise therapeutic outcomes.
The decision should always consider an individual’s needs, goals, preferences, and readiness to participate within a group environment.
Group Therapy and Trauma
Many trauma-informed programs now incorporate group therapy because participants often benefit from connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges. However, facilitators must create psychologically safe environments that support choice, empowerment, and emotional safety.
Group Therapy and Grief
Grief groups continue to demonstrate positive outcomes through reducing isolation, normalising grief responses, and increasing social connection. This would link beautifully to your Stages of Grief and Disenfranchised Grief articles.
Group Therapy in Correctional and Forensic Settings
Group-based interventions remain widely used in correctional and forensic environments because they provide opportunities to address criminogenic needs, develop interpersonal skills, challenge cognitive distortions, and promote personal accountability. Contemporary evidence suggests that group interventions grounded in evidence-based frameworks such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model are associated with positive treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
While individual therapy remains an important form of treatment, group psychotherapy offers unique opportunities for healing, learning, and personal growth through shared experiences. Contemporary research continues to support the effectiveness of group interventions across a broad range of mental health, grief, trauma, and rehabilitation settings.
At its core, group therapy reminds us that healing does not always occur in isolation. For many individuals, some of the most meaningful therapeutic gains emerge through connection, shared understanding, and the realisation that they are not alone in their experiences.
About the Author
Tanya Jordan is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Forensic Social Worker with T n J’s Assessment and Counselling Services. Tanya has experience facilitating therapeutic interventions across individual, group, forensic, and community settings. Her practice is informed by evidence-based approaches that support mental health, wellbeing, resilience, and meaningful personal growth.