Are you interested in group therapy but not sure if it is right for you? Do you believe the support from a group could be a great opportunity to learn and share experiences with others? Maybe you’re just looking for a place where you feel heard, understood, and validated. Well, if that’s the case, group therapy might just be for you.
If you’ve been feeling more detached or socially isolated since the pandemic, know that you are not the only one. Studies show that 56% of U.S. adults feel more isolated since COVID-19 and 59% find it harder to form relationships. This can be easily understandable if we think about the amount of time we had to physically distance ourselves from others to be safe and how that time affected the way most of us work and live now.
A lot has changed…
Many companies switched to fully remote, while others adopted the flexibility of hybrid work, giving their employees the choice to work from home. While there are definitely advantages to these work models, there are also downsides to consider — a major one being a decrease in our social interaction.
As a result, many of us may have fewer opportunities to meet new people or even to run into old friends and catch up or make plans. Our homes have become the center of our lives, the place where we spend most of our time, our literal comfort zones. And leaving our comfort zones is getting more and more daunting, especially if it can lead to the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing what to say or the chance of embarrassing ourselves.
This is where group therapy comes in — as a way to connect through shared experiences and step out of our comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment.
Find the Therapy Group That Is Right for You
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Reclaiming Your Body: Trauma Informed Yoga for Survivors
Facilitated by our therapist Pamela Altemos, LCSW-C, RYT
This six-week yoga series offers a body-centered healing program for survivors of trauma. Our goal is to provide a compassionate, safe space, where survivors may reclaim their bodies through gentle movement and a connection to the breath.
Six-week yoga series on Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Where? In-person at 3600 Roland Ave, 3rd floor, Baltimore, MD 21211 (upstairs from New Connections Counseling Center).
Cost? $240 for the 6-week series.
For whom? Survivors who identify as women, trans women, and nonbinary. Previous yoga experience is not necessary.
How does this help you? (1) Foster a sense of curiosity toward inner experiences; (2) Develop a sense of safety within the body; (3) Improve a tolerance of the present moment; (4) Form a compassionate relationship with the body; (5) Cultivate a tolerance of sensory and emotional experiences.
COMING SOON
Grief Work Group: Healing From Loss
Facilitated by our therapist Emily Scheer
Share your story, remember loved ones, and gain support for significant losses while safely expressing your emotions, identifying symptoms of grief, and learning strategies for healing and growth.
For whom? For anyone who wants to heal from the death of a loved one.
How does this help you? This is a space to engage with those who grieve and encourage them to identify, internalize, and/or verbalize personal feelings while working through the grieving process.
COMING SOON
Anxiety and Stress Management Group
Facilitated by our therapist Ro Nicolosi
Learn how to take control of your stress and anxiety and appreciate its benefits.
For whom? All folks (18+) who experience anxiety and stress due to work, school, family, friends, life, ….. stuff!
How does this help you? Develop life-long skills to defuse your worry, including mindfulness, relaxation, deep breathing techniques, and more.
COMING SOON
LGBTQ+ People Support Group
Led by our therapist Ro Nicolosi
Meet people in a safe space who may share similar experiences as you. Build your own LGBTQ+ community — help them and receive their help!
For whom? All LGBTQ+ folks (18+).
How does this help you? Discussion topics are raised by you and the group. They might include: coming out to family, friends, employer, and others; establishing and navigating your relationships, both platonic and romantic; dealing with prejudice and discrimination due to your LGBTQ+ identity; whatever is on your mind!
COMING SOON
Women’s Support Group
Led by our therapist Ro Nicolosi
Are you a mother, daughter, wife, student, artist, girlfriend, sister, caretaker, employee, musician, cook, launderer, house-cleaner, organizer, social planner, athlete, ……? Are you overwhelmed, confused, frustrated by the many hats you wear as a woman? Join us and find the support you’ve been longing for!
For whom? All woman-identified people (18+).
How does this help you? Sit and speak with other women who may be experiencing or can relate to the complexity of womanhood. Help other group members navigate their challenges and get help for yourself.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where individuals come together in a supportive, confidential setting to share their struggles and experiences. Led by a trained therapist, it provides a unique opportunity for participants to understand their own situation better, and to learn from and with each other.
Groups can act as a built-in support system and a sounding board. Members learn new ways to deal with their issues, celebrate successes, provide encouragement during setbacks, and hold each other accountable along the way.
Many groups are designed to address a specific issue, such as stress and anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, loneliness, or grief. While others focus on common challenges that a group of people or community might face, like groups dedicated to women’s issues, the LGBTQ community, or single moms.
How Group Therapy Can Help You?
By now you might be thinking: “It’s intimidating enough to open up to just one person, let alone a group of strangers…” Well, experience tells us that most people are surprised by how rewarding the group experience can be.
Yes, you will start out in a room of strangers, but soon enough, these strangers will become a valuable source of support — perhaps you will even form connections that surpass those room walls.
Our Baltimore-based experts have many years of experience running groups. Our goal is to provide a safe space for participants to share their struggles, find encouragement and support, and walk together toward change and personal growth.
Benefits of Group Therapy
Shared Understanding
Group therapy offers a sense of validation as individuals realize they are not alone in their struggles. Sharing experiences with others who are living through similar experiences creates a powerful sense of understanding and empathy.
Affordability
A group therapy session is significantly less expensive than an individual therapy session, as the total budget is diluted between all participants.
Skill Development
Participants can test out new coping skills and get useful feedback and insight from other members. They will also have the opportunity to observe how others are dealing with their own situations and learn from those experiences.
Diverse Perspectives
We all come from different backgrounds, have different personalities, and perceive situations in different ways. This is one more reason why group therapy is so valuable — participants benefit from a diversity of points of view and ways to tackle a common struggle.
Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy
Studies show that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy in helping reduce symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and panic disorders, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, substance use, chronic pain, and more.
Groups can be even more effective than individual therapy, as participants tend to experience a stigma reduction and a sense of relief for being in the “same boat” as the other members who are seeking support for the same issues.
While group therapy can be an incredibly valuable experience, there are times when it may not be the best fit. If you have a serious clinical diagnosis or are dealing with a severe situation, individual therapy might be a more suitable option. So, if you’re not sure if group therapy would be right for you, we can help you figure that out. Reach out to us to know more.
In many cases, people can benefit from combining both forms of therapy, and get the “best of both worlds”. You may find that you have a lot to gain from a group setting where you can learn from others and also share your accomplishments. And, at the same time, continue to delve deeper into your issues and get that one-on-one time with your therapist.
Begin Group Therapy in Baltimore, MD
Are you interested in one (or more) of our therapy groups?
Fill out this form if you want to know more about dates, intake process, group format, and more.
Still on the fence? That’s okay too. We are here to help! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or doubts. We can help you find a therapy group or other therapy option that is right for you!
How to Get Started?
1. Fill out the form or contact us to learn more about our therapy groups and how you can join.
2. Start with a therapy group that fits your needs.
3. Get the support and understanding you’ve been searching for from others who are struggling with similar issues.
Common Questions about Group Therapy
How much does group therapy cost?
Group therapy can be a much more affordable option if you’re looking to cultivate your mental health and well-being. While it is not a substitute for individual therapy — in case you have a significant clinical diagnosis or are dealing with a severe situation — it can be a powerful complement.
It can also be greatly beneficial on its own if you are seeking a place to learn new skills and find support from others who are struggling with similar challenges. Talk to us to find out the prices of our therapy groups.
What does a typical group therapy session look like?
The structure of a group therapy session can vary depending on the issues we are focusing on, the overall goals, the therapist’s style, and the group dynamic itself.
Some sessions might be conducted in a less structured way, where the therapist promotes free-form style participation from the group, while others have specific plans that can include group activities to practice new skills and tools.
Is online group therapy effective?
Research shows that group therapy conducted virtually can be as effective as in-person. When comparing online vs in-person, both groups reported similar outcomes and levels of participant satisfaction.
If you want to know more about the benefits of online therapy, check out our blog.
Other Services at New Connections Counseling Center
The therapists at our therapy practice located in Baltimore, MD are passionate about helping you meet your mental health goals. Whether you are interested in men’s therapy, counseling for women, or more issue-specific help, like anxiety treatment or therapy for depression, we can help.
Furthermore, we provide online therapy for marriage counseling as well, so everyone can access it regardless of where they are. Whether you’re looking for online therapy from Howard County, Montgomery County, Columbia, Ellicott City, Silver Spring, Olney, or Easton, our therapists are ready to meet you and provide support.