At R&R Recovery, one of the evidence-based approaches to treatment used as part of the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient treatment programs is group therapy. Throughout recovery, clients will engage in multiple group sessions to build the knowledge and skills necessary to support a substance-free lifestyle.
Group therapy may seem intimidating to some clients at first because they’re expected to talk about their personal challenges and successes in front of others. However, building this trust and strength is beneficial to addiction recovery. Clients learn that they are not alone and that others share similar struggles.
Benefits of Group Therapy
- Sessions are led by a trained professional or therapist in a safe, structured environment. The therapist guides the overall discussion and can provide valuable insight and feedback.
- Clients learn from one another. Everyone’s situation is different, and each person brings their own life experiences to the table. Listening to others can encourage clients to see issues from a new perspective.
- It generates new ideas. Clients may approach problems in a way they had not previously thought of and work together to develop effective solutions (with guidance from the therapist).
- There is no judgment. The other members of the group are also working to overcome addiction and understand firsthand the challenges that it can bring. Everyone wants to see each other succeed and reduce risk of relapse.
- It builds communication skills. Clients learn how to express themselves in an effective way and improve their listening skills. They learn how to manage feedback from others, have difficult conversations, ask for help, and support their peers.
- Many of the evidence-based approaches used in individual therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing can be used in group therapy as well.
- It is a valuable way to continue developing and refining coping skills, relapse prevention efforts, relationship building, communication, and other key strategies. Clients can continue to attend group therapy as part of outpatient care even after they have completed a residential, PHP, or IOP program.
Getting Involved in Group Therapy
Group therapy is another aspect of the comprehensive care provided by R&R Recovery. Clients engage in an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs, but group therapy can play an integral role. Exploring a wide array of topics in a safe, structured environment equips clients with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to continue building a healthy lifestyle in recovery. Group therapy at R&R Recovery is another step in the recovery journey and breaking the grasp of addiction.
