Dedicated to Excellence

Dedicated to Excellence

Addiction can be isolating. Those who are struggling with addiction need someone to confide in or talk to when experiencing symptoms of a substance use disorder. As such, our addiction treatment therapy programs at Midwest Recovery Center are useful in managing addictions. In our outpatient rehab center, clients participate in group therapy as they work to recover from addiction.

What Is Group Therapy?

therapist and group member comforting woman in Group Therapy Program

Usually, one or two trained therapists lead a group therapy session in drug rehab.

Although group sessions can have as few as two participants, most meetings have six to twelve people. Therapists prefer working with small groups that are easy to manage to offer each participant personalized attention to their issues.

Group members meet weekly for one or two hours to address particular topics. Therapists recommend a minimum of six sessions, but you can attend group therapy sessions for a whole year. A typical meeting involves arranging chairs in a quiet room so that each participant can see and hear everyone else.

Sessions usually begin with an introduction of the members, then a discussion of why everyone is in the group, and each member’s progress or challenges. Individuals can share as much as they feel comfortable during these guided sessions.

Some group therapy sessions are open, while others are closed. An open group permits new members to join, but it takes longer for new participants to be familiar with all alumni. In closed group therapy, both old and new members participate at the same time. There are many other forms of group therapies.

Psycho-Educational Group Therapy Program

A psycho-educational group therapy session adopts the teacher-learner model, meaning participants learn excellent coping skills from mental health experts.

In this program, the therapists will direct group meetings and set goals. Since the therapist provides most of the content via tutoring, bonding among participants is less significant.

Psycho-educational sessions are helpful for people who aim to gain specific skills, such as management or parenting.

Process-Oriented Group Therapy

The center of attention in process-oriented group therapy is the participants; the sessions focus on the group’s experience.

Therapists take the role of facilitators rather than tutors. Therefore, they avoid becoming the center of attention and allow members to engage in a group activity or discussion. They will promote certain methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy, for solving issues.

Process-oriented sessions usually lead to increased self-confidence, a sense of belonging, and the creation of long-lasting bonds among participants. It is most helpful for participants seeking personal growth to handle significant life changes, for example, retirement, divorce, and aging.

The common topics in a group therapy program include:

  • Substance abuse education
  • Anger, anxiety, and stress management
  • Substance abuse triggers and coping skills
  • Managing withdrawal symptoms
  • Maintaining healthy relationships
  • Relapse prevention

Group Therapy Activities

The main activities in group therapies aim to help participants develop self-confidence. The members get to know each other formally and build confidence in persons outside of rehabilitation, promoting personal growth, trust, and free communication.

Activities like cooking demand teamwork. The group therapist can also engage participants in various team-building games, such as wilderness ventures and role-playing. Other activities, such as painting and dancing, aim to promote creative expression.

Apart from a group therapy program, your therapists might recommend other treatments for your condition. Other conventional mental health treatment therapies include:

  • Family therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational enhancement therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Interpersonal therapy

Heal with Group Therapy at Midwest Recovery Center

Are you struggling with a mental health condition like addiction? Professional intervention by licensed therapists in rehab is among the most critical steps you can take when dealing with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

Contact Midwest Recovery Center by calling 833.627.0039 for more information on the benefits of a group therapy program. Start the road to recovery today.