Group Therapy - Ooh Me Too!

Have you ever considered group therapy but then found yourself thinking ...  

“No one honestly cares about what’s going on with ME - especially not a room full of strangers.”  

“What can people struggling with the same things I am, tell me that I don’t already know?” 

Well, you’re not alone. Although you may be apprehensive initially, group counseling is a powerful venue for growth and change and can actually be fun!

The group format is one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among individuals with similar challenges. There are many kinds of groups, offered to many people, structured in many ways:

• Groups for women, men, and mixed groups.
• Groups for specific populations: teens, care-givers, LGBTQ, widows, adult children of alcoholics, etc.
• Groups focused on offering skills to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief/loss, mental illness, etc. 
• Open Groups: no set number of groups and anyone can attend, anytime. 
• Closed Groups: structured, set number of groups, must register to attend. 
• Groups are typically small (6-8 participants) to keep the environment safe, comfortable and easily engaging. 

Most people, though somewhat uncertain at first, report that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations. What are some of the benefits for group therapy, you ask? 

1. People participating in the group can see that there are others going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone. (I can’t tell you how many times I hear “Ooh me too!”)
2. By seeing someone who is successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that hope & change are possible.
3. Group therapy is very cost effective - instead of focusing on just one client at a time, the therapist can devote his or her time to a much larger group of people.
4. The setting allows people to practice behaviors and actions within the safety and security of the group.

Now, let’s be honest - it’s a little daunting to think about walking into a room, full of strangers and talking about our most intimate problems, secrets, struggles, and even failures. There’s nothing easy about joining a group of random people, who are going to talk about themselves in ways that may be uncomfortable or surprising. As human beings we will do ANYTHING to shield ourselves from the discomfort of the unknown - I get that. But I also know that it takes more courage to ask for help, to be vulnerable with others and to share honestly about personal struggles than it does to put on that facade day in and day out, HOPING and PRAYING that something will magically shift. (BTW: it won’t without a little effort.)

So the next time you find yourself considering group therapy, I challenge you to shift your focus. I challenge you to think:

“I'm not alone and I'm ready for that "Oooh me too!" kind of experience.”

“I have value to bring to a group full of people, struggling just like me.”

“I am eager to learn from, listen to and receive guidance from others, in a way that I’ve never tried.”

If you’re tired of getting advice from friends via text and Facebook posts - flex your bravery muscle and call me today – I’d like to help: 714-390-1652. 
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Current Group at OC Therapy Group 

Healthy Relationships - Women's Group 

3 Corporate Park, Suite 235  Irvine, CA  92606
Meets Tuesdays from 6-7pm; $50/person

Healthy Relationships, a therapy group for women, focuses on empowerment in relationships with others and self. The goal of this group is to provide women with the opportunity to bring attention to that which is and is not working in their lives. There are times for learning and practicing new life and communication skills and to try on new behaviors. Each woman is encouraged to work at her own pace toward her personal goals. There is no pressure to reveal private information until you feel ready to do so.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, laugh, and experience the wisdom, camaraderie, and compassion of other women.


Please join me in the journey of self-discovery - call today to sign up! 714-390-1652 
Visit my website for more information TherapywithRobyn.com