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WHY DOES GROUP THERAPY WORK?
When people come into a group and interact freely with other group members, they usually recreate those difficulties that brought them to group therapy in the first place. Many of the reasons people seek help with personal problems stem from relationships with others. Interpersonal patterns learned from an early age may not have provided models for effective communication with others, for problem solving strategies and/or for skills in self-acceptance and self-support. Under the skilled direction of a group therapist, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, and point out troublesome patterns. In this way alternative behaviors are learned, and the person can develop new ways of relating to people. During group therapy, people begin to see that they are not alone. Many people feel they are unique because of their problems, and it is encouraging to hear that other people have similar difficulties. In the climate of trust provided by the group, people feel free to care about and help each other. Group members gain as much from each other as from the therapists.
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About Groups
Why does group therapy work?
What do I talk about in group?
Common group misperceptions
Group expectations
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