Therapy is a major component of effective addiction and mental health treatment. Group therapy will have individuals working with and supporting each other, with a licensed counselor present and guiding the discussion to work through the issues they have been struggling with. Group therapy shows people that they are not alone and surrounds them with compassionate and understanding peers that know exactly what they are going through. This can be very beneficial to recovery.
Arkview Recovery is a leading addiction treatment center in Mechanicsburg, PA, which is conveniently located near Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Pittsburgh. Our addiction treatment programs are designed for people who are seeking genuine, long-lasting recovery. If you are looking for group therapy in Mechanicsburg, PA, please contact us today at 717.744.0756. We can help assess whether a group therapy program could benefit your recovery journey.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a type of therapy that puts you in a group of peers who understand exactly what you are going through, with a counselor leading the discussions in a supportive and open environment. Together, all of you will discuss and work through any issues you’ve been having with addiction, past trauma, or mental health while showing each other care and support, keeping each other accountable, and building communication skills.
Group therapy can help treat substance abuse and addiction, anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral issues. An effective group therapy program can help you cope better with addiction triggers and impulses, prevent relapse, improve mental health, and help you improve communication with those around you.
When Should I Consider Group Therapy Near Me?
If your addiction and mental health symptoms negatively impact your life, it is time for professional help. Group therapy, when used in collaboration with standard addiction and mental health treatment protocols, can be helpful in effectively breaking the cycle of addiction, preventing relapse, and improving mental health.
Is your addiction straining your most meaningful relationships? Is your mental health getting in the way of daily life responsibilities or worsening your dependence on alcohol or drugs? If so, help is available. You just need to take the first step.
What to Expect from Group Therapy
In group therapy, you learn you’re not alone in your struggles. Many individuals understand exactly what you’re going through and have had similar experiences; you can learn a lot from each other. In this comfortable and vulnerably open setting, you will be able to open up freely, and you will be able to get a lot from participating in the experience. Your counselor will offer advice, education, resources, and support, and your group will become a sort of safety net.
Some of the most common types of therapy include:
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy) – Realizations are made through guided discussions in an effort to get to the root causes of addiction and mental health disorders.
- Holistic therapy – Holistic therapy aims to treat all aspects of the individual, not just their addiction or mental health disorder, and may include music therapy, yoga or meditation therapy, and art therapy, among other things.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of therapy includes learning and implementing new and healthier coping skills, setting short- and long-term goals, and developing problem-solving and communication skills.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – This form of talk therapy is based on CBT but intended for individuals who feel emotions very deeply and intensely and need help with regulating them in a healthier way.
- EMDR therapy – Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy was designed to relieve the stress associated with traumatic events and memories and helps treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The therapies that are included in your treatment plan will be decided upon with your counselor as you customize your programs to your unique needs. You will have access to individual, group, and likely even family therapy while in treatment.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy can be very beneficial to the recovery process, with some of the most significant benefits being:
- Building a support system of peers who understand what you’re going through
- Access to educational and support resources
- Having a sense of accountability to your sober community and friends
- Learning to relate to others while finding your own voice
- You have a safety net to fall back on should you need to
Group therapy can continue even after you have finished treatment. There are many peer support groups, aftercare programs, and relapse prevention programs available to help with maintaining long-term sobriety.
Learn More About Group Therapy Programs at Arkview Recovery
Is a group therapy program right for you? Arkview Recovery offers several therapy programs to help support addiction and mental health treatment, including group therapy. Call 717.744.0756 or fill out our online contact form for more information and to learn how group therapy could help you on your recovery journey alongside standard treatment protocols and professional support.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
