Group Therapy in Washington
Group therapy is proven to be one of the most effective forms of addiction treatment. Even in the best of circumstances, it can be difficult for family and friends to understand the pain and challenges of addiction and recovery. A group therapy program can reliably provide the kind of support that the person in recovery requires.
Group therapy is an effective therapy within our Washington rehab center that helps our clients connect with others going through recovery. If you or a loved one may be interested in group therapy in Washington, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of addiction treatment that allows clients to share and listen to personal experiences about recovery. The use of professional therapists is necessary to guide the direction of the conversation and interpret people’s thoughts. Group therapy is beneficial for anyone recovering from substance use and addiction.
Taking on substance use and addiction by yourself is an extreme challenge. Group therapy is designed to surround you with others who are trying to achieve the same goals. Professional therapists lead the sessions so they can provide medical advice and plans of action for clients.
Does Group Therapy Work For Substance Abuse?
Group therapy is an effective form of treatment for those struggling with substance use and addiction. Substance use disorder is a complex condition that must be treated comprehensively. Those who struggle with substance use experience severe symptoms of withdrawal from drug or alcohol abuse.
Battling the temptation of substance use is a difficult challenge to face by yourself. Group therapy allows clients to connect with others who may have the same urges and temptations. Communicating with others who have similar conditions can help clients develop the tools necessary for sober living in Washington.
It is also a good idea to have an accountability partner during the recovery process. Finding an accountability partner may be difficult for some people, which is why group therapy is so helpful. It is easy to slip back into the cycle of addiction if no one is making sure you are meeting your goals and expectations.
Types of Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions vary based on what the goal of the group is. For example, one group may focus on building healthy habits, while another may focus on providing emotional support. Many groups combine different approaches to cater to the specific needs of a group.
Clients build and develop communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that can be applied to their lives. Recovery is a rigorous process, so clients must be armed with the tools necessary to achieve sobriety. Skill development groups also allow clients to practice with one another during the sessions.
During cognitive-behavioral group sessions, therapists work with clients to understand problems that underlie their substance use disorder. As a person continues to abuse substances, they become dependent on drugs and alcohol to feel normal. Clients must know their relapse triggers to avoid them in the future.
Support groups are less structured forms of group therapy that allow recovering clients to hold each other accountable and encourage others. An example of a support group is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Support groups aim to reinforce your defense against the temptations of substance use. Receiving feedback and insight from others can help you identify and resolve other issues that may come up during recovery.
During interpersonal process groups, therapists use psychodynamics, which is how a client’s brain functions, to figure out the root cause of substance use. Therapists determine what has caused a client’s substance use disorder by examining things such as medical records, childhood trauma, abuse, etc.
Psychoeducational groups take a classroom-style approach to group therapy. Clients learn about their substance use disorder and are introduced to new coping mechanisms. Therapists encourage participation from all members to engage in discussion.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy provides an environment for people in recovery to build healthy social connections. Healthy social connections can promote better mental health, provide appropriate support when needed, and help others in recovery. This can be a tremendous boost to a person’s self-confidence and further their own recovery goals. When led by competent and qualified professionals, group therapy can be a positive, life-changing experience for those in recovery.
The more a client participates and engages in group therapy, the more likely they will be to navigate social situations, manage stress, and avoid relapse. Some benefits of group therapy include
- A sense of belonging to a group of people
- Shared support from others in recovery
- Healthy coping mechanisms
- Accountability
- Improved habits
- Understanding of feelings and emotions
- Relapse prevention
The main goal of therapy in general is to break the cycle of addiction and build healthy coping skills to avoid relapse. This is much easier to do when surrounded by a group of people working towards the same goal. Sharing and listening to the stories of others in recovery can help you gain a new perspective on your life.
Isolation is one of the most common relapse triggers for people in recovery. Shutting yourself off from social interaction can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, sometimes requiring anxiety treatment. This may cause a person to revert to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. Group therapy is a great way to avoid isolation by engaging in healthy interactions with others.
How Does Group Therapy Work?
Group therapy addresses two key elements — support and accountability. Support enables recovering individuals to work on critical areas of improvement, while accountability stresses the consequences of leaving problems unaddressed. While therapists and family members can positively contribute to both of these necessary attributes for the recovery process, it is often the relationships with their peers that mean the most and provide the greatest benefit.
Clients often feel more comfortable sharing with their peers than with therapists or family members since there is less risk of judgment, and this can lead to greater trust, self-confidence, and breakthroughs. They often feel more comfortable asking for help from their peers when they need it as well. This helps ensure they can continue on the path to recovery without relapse.
Following group therapy, your therapist may encourage you to look into other programs or addiction treatments depending on your situation. You may also be provided with a plan of sober living to help you on your road to recovery.
Group therapy can be a way for many individuals to regain their confidence and self-esteem. It can also ease their transition back to everyday life. One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is returning to your job and home life after treatment. Individuals may find it incredibly difficult to communicate or socialize, even with people with whom they are very familiar. Support groups are a great way to stay on your path toward sober living.
What is the Difference Between Group Therapy and Support Groups?
The difference between group therapy and support groups is that group therapy is led by a professional therapist such as a psychologist or mental health specialist. A support group is a less structured form of group therapy that is not necessarily led by a professional. Support groups are designed to help people stay accountable and encourage others in recovery.
Both group therapy and support groups are beneficial forms of addiction treatment. Group therapy may be more effective at first because a medical professional can give you medical advice and recommend a plan of action. Support groups are especially helpful for those that have received treatment and would like to have continued motivation and encouragement during recovery.
You may feel nervous or anxious about sharing your story at group therapy, but it will help build connections with those around you. Sharing your story with a group helps others gain a better understanding of what you are going through. If you feel like group therapy may be the right decision for you, look into treatment facilities that offer group therapy.
Alternatives to Group Therapy
Group therapy may be a great option for many who are struggling with substance use and addiction, but it is not the only option. It may be too difficult or overwhelming for some people to be surrounded by other people, especially at the beginning of the recovery process.
Alternative forms of therapy include
At first, a person may want to do individual counseling and can progress to group or family therapy over time. It is important for clients to challenge themselves during therapy. It may feel uncomfortable to share your story at first, but it will help others better understand you.
Looking for Treatment in Tacoma, WA?
Bayview Recovery, located in Tacoma, Washington, specializes in addiction recovery and has helped thousands of adult men and women safely navigate their way through addiction and back to sobriety. We are an addiction treatment and recovery center that treats substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Group Therapy in Washington
Here at Bayview Recovery, we strive to make group therapy as comfortable as possible for our clients. Our comprehensive group therapy program provides positive feedback and affirmation so clients can grow from every session. Our highly trained team of medical professionals is excited to welcome you into the care of our treatment facility.
We work with each client individually to decide what form of therapy is most effective for their condition. The recovery process is different for everyone, so we want to make sure that your needs are met.
It is never easy to accept that you have a problem, but there is no shame or embarrassment in seeking help. If you believe group therapy is right for you or a loved one, contact us today to learn more!
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Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.
