If you’re thinking about entering drug rehab in L.A. or know someone who is, you might have heard about group therapy. It’s a pretty important part of the recovery process, and in this blog post, Transformations Care breaks down what group therapy is exactly, how it benefits people in rehab, and why it’s an essential component alongside the individual therapy we offer at Transformations Care.
What is Group Therapy in Rehab?
In the context of a drug rehab setting, group therapy involves regular meetings where patients come together to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions related to substance abuse and recovery. Led by a trained professional, who is usually a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) or therapist, these sessions provide a supportive environment for people to hash things out.
Sure, some people may use group therapy to vent, especially early on in the drug rehab experience, but that’s part of what it’s for. Having a mental health professional there to moderate keeps things from going off the rails and ensures that there’s a goal and an end game. The moderator serves to not only keep things copacetic, they also help everyone focus on what really matters and understand the theme of the day’s discussion.
Yeah, But I Don’t Like Group Therapy
Now, we know some people don’t love the idea of group therapy. We’ve heard it all before. “It doesn’t work for me” or “It’s a waste of time” or “I don’t want to hear about other people’s problems, I wanna talk about my problems”. Believe it or not, these are all reasons why you should do group therapy while you’re in rehab. We’ll explain.
“It doesn’t work for me.”
Really? How do you know? Have you tried it? What did you do the last time you were in group therapy? Did you listen to others or just wait for people to stop talking so you could say your part? Did you share anything? Were you honest? Ask yourself those questions and really think about the answers. Are you sure group therapy doesn’t work for you? Or is it possible you didn’t work for it?
“It’s a waste of time”
So is using drugs, but we didn’t let that stop us from ripping and running, did we? Unlike getting high, this is something that not only can’t hurt you but it’s actually designed to help. What do you have to lose except some of your misery? Give it a try.
“I don’t want to hear about other people’s problems”
Well, that’s part of your problem right there. Selfishness. Self-centeredness. Try listening and getting inside someone else’s head for a moment. If nothing else, you will find it a welcome distraction from dwelling on your own worries. You might just hear some things you can relate to and identify with. Hell, you might even think of something to say that could help someone else. That’s what recovery looks like.
“ I wanna talk about my problems”
And you will get to talk about your problems. Just remember that what you’re actually here for is solutions. Answers to problems. You can vent, in fact, you should if you really need to and you should be prepared to tolerate it when others need to get something off their chest too.
Key Benefits of Group Therapy for Rehab Patients
Look, we don’t use group therapy because we like making socially anxious people uncomfortable. We use it because it works and it does things that individual therapy can’t. Group therapy in rehab has a whole bunch of advantages.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- Recovery support: Being surrounded by others going through similar struggles can be incredibly powerful. Group therapy provides a network of support that can make the recovery journey feel less daunting.
- Social skills development: Substance abuse can often lead to social isolation. In group therapy, you learn how to communicate effectively, build trust, and develop healthy relationships – all essential skills for long-term recovery.
- Reduced isolation: Addiction can make people feel alone in their struggles. Group therapy helps patients realize they’re not alone and that others share their challenges and emotions.
- Emotional healing: Sharing personal stories and listening to others can promote emotional healing, as patients validate each other’s feelings and experiences.
Overcoming Hesitations About Group Therapy
We get it – group therapy might sound intimidating if you’re not used to opening up in front of others. But trust us, it can be a game-changer even for those who are hesitant. By taking small steps, like listening first and gradually sharing more about yourself, you’ll soon feel comfortable and start reaping the benefits of this powerful therapeutic approach. We’re not just blowing smoke here and you will get plenty of individual therapy too. We’re willing to bet that by the end of treatment at Transformation Care’s L.A. rehab center you won’t have any doubt of the power of group therapy.
Individual Therapy vs. Group Therapy at Transformations Care
At Transformations Care, we believe in a comprehensive approach to substance abuse treatment. That’s why we offer both individual and group therapy. While individual therapy focuses on one-on-one sessions with a therapist to address personal issues and develop coping strategies, group therapy provides the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Both approaches have their unique benefits, and together, they create a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses all aspects of recovery. So, whether you’re working through deep-seated personal issues or building connections with others in recovery, Transformations Care has your back.
The Last Word in Los Angeles Drug Treatment is Transformations Care
Ok, that’s two words, but you know what we meant. Listen, group therapy is an essential component of drug rehab that offers numerous benefits for patients on their road to recovery. At Transformations Care, we’re committed to providing the best possible care, including both individual and group therapy, to support you or your loved one on the journey towards a healthier, happier life.
If you have questions about MAT, addiction treatment or mental health treatment, we wanna talk to you! Give us a call right now at (424) 339-0965