Group Counseling Services faqs
1. What is group counseling?
Group counseling is a the use of two or more group members, led by a counselor, to enact personal growth through therapeutic changes gained by participating in the group. There are different types of groups but generally group counseling involves a specific focus, common characteristics shared by group members, is growth oriented, provides a safe and supportive environment, and allows group members to practice new behaviors and receive feedback. Group members will each determine what changes they want to make from their participation in group. The group counselor uses verbal and nonverbal techniques and exercises to "facilitate interactions among the group members, help them learn from one another, assist them in establishing personal goals, and encourage them to translate their insights into concrete plans that invoke taking action outside of the group" (Corey, 2004, p. 5). Groups can be time limited or ongoing in format and closed or open with new participants joining. The content of the group session is confidential with participants agreeing to not disclose information outside of the group about what was discussed in group or disclose information about the participants in the group.
2. What are the benefits of group counseling?
Group counseling provides benefits over individual counseling including the following:
3. What are the challenges of group counseling?
Similar to individual counseling, participants in group counseling may experience feelings of sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, guilt, or distress as they talk about their presenting problems in group. Distress may be experienced as participants remember traumatic experiences and confront distressing thoughts and/or beliefs. Unique to a group experience, participants may feel uncomfortable in group at times due to the following situations:
4. How does group counseling differ from other types of groups?
5. What types of groups are offered at Sojourners Rest Counseling?
Currently Sojourners Rest Counseling offers the following group:
Recovery Group for Spouses
This group is designed for wives/partners of men who are in recovery for their sexually addictive behaviors. This group provides a safe space to share personal struggles, gain support from others, and celebrate successes. Participants will also learn, discuss, and process information about various topics relevant to group members. Additionally, different skills may be learned that focus on ways to effectively cope with the distress of learning about their spouse's/partner's sexual issues. Christian ideas and beliefs will be integrated into the group counseling sessions and group members are comfortable with the Christian influence, but don't necessarily have to be a Christian to participate. This group meets biweekly and may be time limited in nature (time limited groups meet for a specific number of sessions before ending).
6. I am interested in group counseling. How do I get started?
Getting started in group counseling at Sojourners Rest Counseling requires a few simple steps.
Current or former clients
Talk to your counselor and discuss if group will be a helpful component of your treatment process. After this screening process, complete the Group Counseling Policies and Procedures/Consent Form in the online secure client website, and schedule your group sessions.
New clients
Please contact Sojourners Rest Counseling via phone or email and we will schedule a time to answer questions and determine if you will benefit from being involved in a group. After this screening process, you will complete intake paperwork on the secure client website and schedule your group sessions.
7. How much does a group counseling session cost?
Please see the Scheduling and Fees section of the website for current rates.
Do you have other questions that were not answered on this page? Feel free to call us at 317-471-3527 or email us at phillips@sorestcounseling.com
References
Corey, G. (2004). Theory and practice of group counseling (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Group counseling is a the use of two or more group members, led by a counselor, to enact personal growth through therapeutic changes gained by participating in the group. There are different types of groups but generally group counseling involves a specific focus, common characteristics shared by group members, is growth oriented, provides a safe and supportive environment, and allows group members to practice new behaviors and receive feedback. Group members will each determine what changes they want to make from their participation in group. The group counselor uses verbal and nonverbal techniques and exercises to "facilitate interactions among the group members, help them learn from one another, assist them in establishing personal goals, and encourage them to translate their insights into concrete plans that invoke taking action outside of the group" (Corey, 2004, p. 5). Groups can be time limited or ongoing in format and closed or open with new participants joining. The content of the group session is confidential with participants agreeing to not disclose information outside of the group about what was discussed in group or disclose information about the participants in the group.
2. What are the benefits of group counseling?
Group counseling provides benefits over individual counseling including the following:
- participants can learn to identify with other group members and feel less isolated or alone
- participants can feel supported in a fellowship of other people
- participants can learn more about themselves as they interact with others and experiment with new behaviors in a safe environment
- participants can obtain accountability and encouragement from others
- participants can learn new insights about self
3. What are the challenges of group counseling?
Similar to individual counseling, participants in group counseling may experience feelings of sadness, fear, anger, anxiety, guilt, or distress as they talk about their presenting problems in group. Distress may be experienced as participants remember traumatic experiences and confront distressing thoughts and/or beliefs. Unique to a group experience, participants may feel uncomfortable in group at times due to the following situations:
- hearing about a group member's experience that causes you personal distress
- feeling uncomfortable with new or unfamiliar dynamics or experiences
- being challenged by other group members or the group counselor at times
4. How does group counseling differ from other types of groups?
- 12 Step groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and Celebrate Recovery) and support groups are often led by a peer, a lay counselor, or someone who is in recovery as a result of their participation in the group. These groups may be available in your community and are often low or no cost. 12 step groups typically have a specific structure, are peer led, and follow the tenants of the 12 steps (or variations of the 12 steps). Support groups are often be based on a common issue shared by participants such as working through grief or coping with a mental health illness.
- Counseling/therapy groups are led by a licensed professional with specialized knowledge in the topic and training in conducting groups. Counseling groups may include process groups where group dynamics and interactions are used to further a person's growth while psychoeducational groups may teach skills or concepts to help participants cope with or understand a specific issue.
5. What types of groups are offered at Sojourners Rest Counseling?
Currently Sojourners Rest Counseling offers the following group:
Recovery Group for Spouses
This group is designed for wives/partners of men who are in recovery for their sexually addictive behaviors. This group provides a safe space to share personal struggles, gain support from others, and celebrate successes. Participants will also learn, discuss, and process information about various topics relevant to group members. Additionally, different skills may be learned that focus on ways to effectively cope with the distress of learning about their spouse's/partner's sexual issues. Christian ideas and beliefs will be integrated into the group counseling sessions and group members are comfortable with the Christian influence, but don't necessarily have to be a Christian to participate. This group meets biweekly and may be time limited in nature (time limited groups meet for a specific number of sessions before ending).
6. I am interested in group counseling. How do I get started?
Getting started in group counseling at Sojourners Rest Counseling requires a few simple steps.
Current or former clients
Talk to your counselor and discuss if group will be a helpful component of your treatment process. After this screening process, complete the Group Counseling Policies and Procedures/Consent Form in the online secure client website, and schedule your group sessions.
New clients
Please contact Sojourners Rest Counseling via phone or email and we will schedule a time to answer questions and determine if you will benefit from being involved in a group. After this screening process, you will complete intake paperwork on the secure client website and schedule your group sessions.
7. How much does a group counseling session cost?
Please see the Scheduling and Fees section of the website for current rates.
Do you have other questions that were not answered on this page? Feel free to call us at 317-471-3527 or email us at phillips@sorestcounseling.com
References
Corey, G. (2004). Theory and practice of group counseling (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Sojourners Rest Counseling, LLC