“Nobody understands me”, “nobody knows what it’s like to be me”, “I feel so alone.” Depression and anxiety can make us feel isolated. Individual therapy may help, but some individuals need more. Perhaps they need a community of other people around them to help. This is where group counseling comes into play.

A Different Kind of Therapy
Group counseling is when more than one client receives therapeutic services at once. What does a typical session look like? A typical group session looks like this:
● Size: A group, on average, will have around six to eight members. There will be one, sometimes two, counselors sitting in with the group.
● Am I a Good Fit: You will complete a screening form to determine whether the group is a good fit for you.
● Culture: The group discusses and creates its own rules. Everyone will have the opportunity to shape their group experience.

Universality
While no two people will have exactly the same issue, there is a good chance of commonalities. Group helps instill a sense of universality, or the feeling that we are more similar than different. Other members will be there to help you on your journey. In turn, you can help the other members with theirs. After all, we feel better about ourselves when we help others.

Instillation of Hope
It can be easy to lose hope when you are feeling down. It can also be hard to convince ourselves when we might not be able to see the changes that are happening. This is where the instillation of hope comes in. When we are with a group in counseling, we can literally see people change before our eyes. Another goal of group counseling is to help others recognize that change is possible. If we can see other people change, they themselves can also change.

Takeaways
• Group counseling is when more than one person receives therapeutic services at once.
• One of the main focuses on group is to let everyone know that they are not alone in their struggles.
• Hope is what makes us keep going when times are tough. If we can see it in others, they can also see it in us. We want the clients to see it in themselves too.

Chris Burgenson is a licensed counselor in Maryland who is based in Frederick. Chris specializes in overcoming performance anxiety, improving confidence in athletes, and dealing with the pressures of being an athlete. Besides working with athletes, he also works with teen and adult clients who struggle with ADHD and anxiety. Need help with your mental health? Book a consultation here.