The Rundown: What to Expect in Group Therapy

We LOVE our group therapy offerings at The Center for Modern Relationships and believe they can be a uniquely transformative therapeutic experience. Unlike individual or relationship therapy, group therapy sessions run for a specific number of weeks and are capped at a certain number of participants to facilitate a safe and connective environment for everyone. In preparation for the Spring 2023 session of our signature group, The Pursuit of Pleasure, we wanted to explain what you can expect from a group therapy experience and how you can get the most out of it.

c/o giphy: group meeting

Firstly, there are two types of therapy groups: psychoeducation groups and process groups. Psychoeducation groups involve structured sessions led by specialists who aim to educate group members on a specific topic. The curriculum of psychoeducation groups is curated to equip group members with evidence-based information and create a safe space for group members to share their own experiences with each other. As an example, our signature group, The Pursuit of Pleasure, is a psychoeducation group focused on women understanding their sexual selves. This group is led by two relationship & sexuality specialists and aims to educate and empower women on their journeys to understand their bodies, their desires, identify their sexual values, dispel sexual myths, and deepen their own relationships with pleasure. Group members have the benefit of learning alongside community members who have similar lived experiences and gain information about tangible tools for how they can help create positive change for themselves outside of these sessions.

Process groups involve intentionally unstructured sessions to help individual group members gain a deeper insight into their own lived experiences and current behaviors. There is a strong focus on the “here-and-now” which calls attention to how the group dynamic is unfolding week-to-week and how group members are feeling about being a participant in this intimate space. Group members have the unique opportunity to reflect on the type of role they seem to be falling into in the group and learn about the way that their presence and participation has impacted their fellow group members.

Regardless of the specific group format (psychoeducation or process), group therapy spaces have much to offer their participants. Here are a few benefits that are unique to the group therapy experience:

Universality

Group members often remark that prior to joining the specific group therapy space, they thought they were the only person struggling with these specific concerns, which of course is far from the truth. To be seen and understood by fellow community members who are experiencing similar feelings, thoughts, and problems is a deeply connective and validating experience.

Gaining Insight & Information

Group therapy provides great opportunities to learn from specialists in the field and reflect on how these teachings apply to your own individual circumstances. Our psychoeducation groups are rich with evidence-based information about sexuality and relationships - you will learn (and unlearn) so much about your mind, body, and sexual values. As group facilitators, we encourage you to come prepared to group sessions with questions and feedback related to the weekly education material so that we can support you best.

Cohesiveness, Safety, Trust

Showing up to your first group therapy session is understandably intimidating, exciting, and nerve-wracking! The group facilitators understand this and prepare activities that build safety and trust amongst group members so that each member will eventually feel comfortable sharing parts of themselves throughout the group process. The relationships that group members build with each other is often one of the main highlights of each group and we feel privileged to be a part of it.

Self-Understanding

As we said earlier, group therapy is truly a transformative experience! The increased insight and awareness that individuals take away from the group experience helps them feel empowered to make decisions that serve their most authentic selves and feel more connected to their own desires and values.

We are excited about our 2023 group therapy offerings. You can review our upcoming group offerings by reviewing our Groups page on our website.