Group Therapy in West Palm Beach, FL
During the pandemic, 12% of the population reported increased alcohol and drug use. Yet not everyone gets the help they deserve when suffering from a substance use disorder in West Palm Beach, FL.
But, talking can be a therapeutic tool to help you feel more in control of your life and find other people who suffer from the same problems. Together, you can find healing in group therapy in West Palm Beach, FL.
Now, if you’re wondering if group therapy is similar to other treatments like a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), this article will help clear up any questions you have.
What Is Group Therapy in West Palm Beach?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves several people coming together in the presence of a therapist. This therapy aims to provide a safe place for discussing the trauma and personal issues.
Even though group therapy is often offered separately from other programs, it can also be used in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in FL as part of a larger addiction treatment plan.
So, what are the different forms of group therapy?
Here are the most common types of group therapy:
- Cognitive behavioral groups
- Interpersonal groups
- Psychoeducational groups
- Skills development groups
- Support groups
These groups are great for helping people work through substance use disorder and build robust support systems to help them through other parts of life.
The groups can be small with only three or four people or larger with eight to twelve people. Usually, you attend group therapy once or twice a week and stay for about one hour.
How Group Therapy in West Palm Beach, FL, Works
It can be daunting showing up to a room of strangers and being expected to speak, so it’s important to know what to expect when attending group therapy.
Most people find it hard and feel anxious before their first meeting, but that’s perfectly normal. The main thing is showing up and giving it a go. Then, you will see that it’s not as bad as it seems.
Group therapy often takes place in a room in a facility like a treatment center or mental health institute, and there are several chairs placed around the space.
The sessions begin with people introducing themselves; new members are free to speak, tell the group their names, etc. Each therapist has a personal session plan, but participation is never forced.
You can take part as soon as you feel comfortable and safe.
The most common activities in group therapy are icebreaker conversations, gratitude statements, and creative writing workshops. Group therapy aims to give you the skills to cope with substance use disorder and heal.
And, at the same time, make friends with people who know what you’re going through.
The Key Benefits of Group Therapy in West Palm Beach, FL
Compared to other forms of therapy, working together in groups with a trained mental health professional has its unique benefits. The majority of sufferers find it the most beneficial form of treatment.
Firstly, it makes you realize you’re not alone.
You Feel Less Alone
Dealing with a substance use disorder can make you feel alone and alienated from the rest of the world. Typically, sufferers are used to hiding their problems from the people around them.
In group therapy, you don’t need to hide anything.
For some, addiction to a substance begins with a traumatic event in childhood or early adulthood, which has been suppressed for years.
In therapy, you get a space to share what you’ve been through without judgment. Everyone in the room has something they struggle with and want to work through.
Group Therapy Gives You a Feeling of Connection
Another reason that group therapy is essential is that it makes you feel connected to other people. A network of caring and supportive people is vital to overcoming substance use disorder.
Developing friendships and connections in group therapy can help make you feel accountable and show up to the meetings. You want to see everyone thrive and overcome their problems.
Plus, it can help with other mental health issues like anxiety and depression commonly associated with sufferers. Having a regular meeting and people waiting for you to show up and boost your mood.
So, if you’re ever feeling low, you can go to group therapy and talk it through with people you can trust.
Skills for a Brighter Future
Although talking about substance use disorder is essential for raising awareness and getting people the proper treatment, group therapy is also great for building new skills.
If you find it hard to communicate with people in your everyday life, group therapy sessions are the best place to practice your conversational skills and feel more confident speaking.
At first, it can feel daunting to put yourself in a new situation and talk out loud, but gradually you will recognize your patterns and deal with troubling emotions.
That way, you’ll be less likely to fall back on unhealthy habits that lead you to develop a substance use disorder. Instead, you can focus on working toward a brighter future where you can live your best life.
Get To Know Yourself
Lastly, group therapy is about getting to know yourself above all else. Many of us have things or experiences we hold back or try to ignore, which can lead to dangerous behavioral patterns.
Getting feedback and advice from a support group will give you more information about handling your emotions and going out into the world after therapy.
The hardest part is showing up and getting started. Then, the rest will take care of itself.
Talking Is the Best Form of Healing
At Olympic Behavioral Health in West Palm Beach, FL, we believe everyone deserves to heal from substance use disorder in a safe and supportive environment. To us, group therapy is not just a form of addiction treatment.
It can change lives and give people a new perspective on their lives. Attending group therapy in West Palm Beach, FL, is the most important investment in yourself you could ever make.
We offer a range of addiction treatment options for people struggling with alcohol or drug use in Boynton Beach, FL. If you’re interested in finding out more, let us know.
You can ask us anything here. We’re here to help.
OLYMPIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY WITH GROUP THERAPY IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL
At Olympic Behavioral Health, we provide clients with comprehensive treatment through a combination of medication, support, and therapy. Our group therapy program in West Palm Beach, FL, can help you discard old, unhelpful beliefs and realize your worth so you stay motivated and focused on achieving the clean, healthy lifestyle you desire. Give us a call today at (561) 272-0800 to start shedding the layers of your addiction.