Group therapy is a form of therapy that a Social Worker and Psychotherapist work with a number of clients simultaneously.
The goal of group therapy is to relieve distress by discussing and expressing feelings, aiding in changing behaviour, habits, and attitudes that may be adding to the distress, and promoting more effective ways of coping.
How does group therapy work?
The group normally consists of a minimum of five members to a maximum of fifteen, and meets once per week over a number of weeks, depending on the group
- The group and the therapist sit in a circle where all members are able to see each other, and the therapist leads/guides the discussion and process in order to provide structure.
- Groups are often created around a shared issue or the same goal, this can include:
- Mental health concerns; Anxiety, Depression, Low Mood, Emotion Regulation, Self-Esteem.
- Grief.
- Parenting challenges.
- Etc.
Group therapy is confidential, and all members of the group are expected to respect other participants’ privacy in not discussing or reviling identity outside of the group.
Who can benefit from Group Therapy?
Those that feel alone in their struggles may feel more confident in sharing with those that have the same feelings or are going through the same situations.
- It can help you to gain encouragement from peers as the group dynamic allows members to feel supported and accepted.
- Group therapy can provide a sense of community rather than feelings of isolation.
- The group provides a safe environment and provides new ways of interacting.
- For a Social Worker or Psychotherapist being able to observe members in a group setting can allow for more valuable feedback.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a behavioural-oriented mental health treatment program consisting of group skills training sessions and individual therapy. DBT focuses on a systematic and comprehensive psychotherapeutic approach when treating emotional dysregulation and the various behavioural difficulties associated with emotion dysregulation. It is designed to provide participants with the skills necessary to cope with everyday stressors and maintain personal relationships.
Participants learn skills related to mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Additionally, participants engage in a variety of structured activities meant to help them consolidate their learning and practice the skills daily. DBT was designed to enhance an individual’s capability by increasing skillful behavior and assisting participants in restructuring or changing their environment to achieve their goals.
Source: DBT Skills Training Manual, Second Edition, by Marsha M. Linehan. Copyright 2015 by Marsha Linehan
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills Group
8-Week Group
Who: 18 +
What: A skills group led by a trained DBT therapist Brandy Weaver and Katarina Guillen where you will learn about the four core skills; mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
When: September 2023
Where: Zoom Pro
Why: Do you struggle with managing intense emotions, getting through distressing situations, or maintaining relationships? If so, the DBT Skills Group may be right for you.
**8 Participants Per Group**
To register please email info@mindfulpathcounselling.ca
