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Different Types of Group Therapy: Understanding the Main Approaches
Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting at first. Having to talk about your struggles and life experiences in front of them can be a little scary at first, too. However, the science behind group therapy is strong, and it shows that it’s effective in helping with a range of mental health conditions. It has become one of the most widely used approaches in mental health care, used everywhere from inpatient hospital programs to addiction recovery centers and even in private therapy practice offices.
So, what is group therapy exactly? It’s basically multiple people all meeting with one therapist for a session. There are many different types of group therapy sessions. Each one is designed for a specific purpose. That might be to teach some coping skills or help the group work through trauma and emotions. You might find a group that’s more structured and has homework for you, or one that’s a little more relaxed like a guided conversation.
In this article, we’ll cover the main types of group therapy so you can decide which one might be the best fit for you and your situation. With so many kinds of group therapy, there is likely one out there for you, whether it’s for anxiety, grief, addiction, trauma, or a simple desire to build better coping skills.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a mental health treatment led by a trained facilitator, often a licensed mental health professional like a counselor or psychologist. You’ll find about 5 to 15 people in the group meeting regularly, usually weekly, to work on specific mental health concerns. You may also work on coping skills and support others in the group through shared experiences. The facilitator is there to make sure things stay safe, to help guide discussions, teach skills, and make sure everyone feels heard and supported.
Research shows that group therapy works, even though it can be a bit intimidating, especially when first going to a session. Studies have found it effective for treating substance abuse disorder1, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)2, and many other conditions. Group therapy sessions can be just as successful as individual therapy, and for some issues, group sessions may be even better.
Why Consider Group Therapy?
Group therapy offers some benefits you usually can’t get in one-in-one sessions.
You realize you’re not alone
Therapists call this “universality”3. You meet with others who understand what you’re going through, and it reduces that awful feeling of being the only person facing your struggles. When someone else says exactly what you’re thinking or feeling, it can resonate differently than a therapist validating you.
You can learn from others’ experiences
You can broaden your perspective by hearing and watching how other people handle similar situations and problems. For example, someone might share a coping strategy that worked well for them that maybe you’ve never thought of. You can listen to what works and doesn’t work for others and feel less alone when you experience similar outcomes.
It comes with automatic accountability
You know you’ll see the same people next week and they’ll ask you how things went. That can make you more likely to actually try new skills and behaviors or complete a homework assignment. Group therapy’s accountability is naturally built in because you won’t want to let the group down.
It can be more accessible
Group therapy usually costs less than traditional private therapy since the therapist’s time is split among more than one person. This can make it easier and more accessible for a lot of people. Online / virtual groups are also available, which can increase accessibility for people even more.
Support is structured and consistent
Meeting regularly with the same group of people can offer safety and familiarity with relationships you build over time, which is called group cohesion.
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Common Concerns About Group Therapy
You might have some concerns about group therapy. A common one is others talking about your problems to people outside the group. While you can’t totally guarantee that everything will be kept confidential, your group will establish those rules from the start. Many respect those rules because they want and expect the same privacy.
Another concern is being nervous of speaking in front of strangers. But groups don’t require you to share everything right away. The facilitator will give everyone time to get comfortable. You might start by just listening and sharing more as you get more comfortable. A good group facilitator will make sure everyone feels comfortable, and won’t force anyone to speak before they’re ready.
You might also wonder if group therapy will even help. It’s a fair question since one-on-one therapy is the standard. But research shows that it does work. Still, like anything, it depends on your situation and goals. What works for one person may not work for another. But the right type of group therapy with a skilled facilitator can be very powerful.
The Most Common Types of Group Therapy
These are the main types of group therapy4 you’re likely to find.
Psychoeducational Groups
These groups teach you about a specific condition, situation, or set of skills. It’s like a class with lots of discussion and support tailored for a particular group — such as patients, people experiencing grief or loss, or those who want to improve coping skills in stressful environments. The facilitator presents information, gives handouts or worksheets, and then guides a discussion about how it applies to your life. You may be asked to practice skills in between sessions.
This type of group might be a good fit for you if you want information on anxiety, depression, or another condition. If you’re a caregiver of someone with a condition5, they can also help. Usually, psychoeducational group therapy has a set number of weeks and follows a curriculum.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups
CBT groups help you to identify unhelpful thought patterns and behavior and then make changes through specific coping strategies and practice. They’re beneficial for those with depression6, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia.
These groups are often highly structured as CBT follows a particular format and progression over the course of 6-16 weeks. You’ll usually learn concepts, be assigned “homework” (tasks to complete between sessions), track your progress, and then practice skills. A facilitator teaches specific techniques like thought challenging, behavioral activation, or exposure exercises.
Support Groups (Including Self-Help Groups)
While support groups focus more on connection and validation, you can still learn skills from others in the group. They can be led by peers with lived experience (and usually some training) or a professional facilitator. Support groups are often used for grief, addiction recovery, chronic illness, parenting challenges, caregiver stress, or specific health diagnosis.
They’re great for emotional support, shared understanding, and learning from others who have experienced something similar to what you’re going through. Their structure and duration can vary, some have different topics each week while others just open the conversation up to whatever people want to discuss. Support groups usually aren’t time-limited, they’re ongoing and members can attend as long or as often as they need.
Skills Development Groups
Individuals who want to build a specific emotional or life skill through practice and feedback may benefit from a skills development group. They can help with developing emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, problem-solving, mindfulness, and communication. Skills are taught through highly structured sessions that educate group members on a topic, have them practice, and then assign homework to apply the skills in real life.
Skills development groups are typically a part of a bigger treatment program, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), anger management, or social skills training.
Interpersonal Process (Process-Oriented) Groups
These groups are good for understanding relationship patterns4, how you interact with others, and what emotions may come up in certain situations. Some benefits of this type of group therapy are a deeper self-awareness, learning how to express emotions, working on attachment issues, and working through relationship concerns. For example, if you always agree with what others say even when you disagree. A facilitator can help you explore this pattern, where it comes from, and practice being more authentic to yourself.
These groups are generally less structured than other types, are on-going, and open-ended. Instead of a class, the group is more like a laboratory where you notice your reactions to others or situations, explore patterns, and get real-time feedback. Interpersonal process groups can be a little daunting because they require emotional risk and a willingness to be vulnerable. This can be quite powerful, but they’re not for everyone, especially individuals in crisis or who are looking for more concrete skills first.
12-Step and Recovery-Oriented Groups
These are some of the most widely available group therapy options; they’re also often free. You may be familiar with some of them, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon (for families) or SMART Recovery7. Substance use recovery-oriented groups support addiction recovery and relapse prevention8 through peer accountability and a structured framework. They can be more spiritual (like 12-step groups) or use a science-based approach (like SMART Recovery). They can also offer broader support for family members of those affected by addiction through peer programs.
They’re peer-led, based on specific steps or principles, and have a strong emphasis on consistent participation and accountability. While the format can vary, most meetings follow a general structure. People share their stories, a particular topic or step is discussed, and support is offered for challenges group members are facing.
This group type may not technically be considered therapy, instead more of mutual support, but they’re still a key component of recovery for many individuals.
Trauma Recovery Groups
Alternatively, trauma recovery groups require skilled facilitation and usually screen participants carefully to ensure they’re stable enough for group work. They’re focused on safety and stabilization, helping individuals process trauma9 while building coping skills. Trauma recovery groups can benefit those experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, or childhood trauma, assault survivors, and veterans.
Many trauma groups are quite structured and have clear boundaries. They prioritize safety and choice for participants and offer psychoeducation about trauma responses and skill-building before deeper processing. Trauma-trained professionals lead these groups, as untrained facilitation could be harmful.
Family Therapy Groups
Family or caregivers or even multiple families can meet together with a therapist in family therapy groups. The therapist guides conversations, teaches skills like communication or boundary setting, and helps everyone understand both how they affect each other and how to support one another. These groups can be beneficial10 for anyone with a loved-one experiencing mental health issues, chronic illness, eating disorder recovery, or addiction treatment.
Family groups can be really effective as they address the entire support system, not just the individual. This way everyone can learn and change together.
Mindfulness and Meditation Groups
Group meditation and mindfulness experiences can foster a sense of calm and relaxation. Mindfulness and meditation groups can complement clinical treatment11 by providing guided meditation practices, discussions about mindfulness concepts, and the opportunity to practice awareness techniques. They’re often used alongside other types of therapy to teach skills for calming your nervous system, staying grounded, and observing your thoughts without getting caught up in them.
They focus on present-moment awareness12, acceptance, emotional regulation, and stress reduction, which can all be beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety, burnout, emotional reactivity, or chronic pain.
How to Choose the Right Group Therapy for You
Picking the right approach and type of group can make a huge difference. Here’s what to consider:
What are your goals?
Being clear on what you’re trying to accomplish can help determine which type of group therapy setting is right for you. You may want concrete skills instead of a peer support group. Or perhaps you want to better understand your relationship patterns. Each group has a specific purpose.
What are you experiencing?
Some types of counseling are designed for specific conditions and in some cases, your specific diagnosis can help lead you to the appropriate group. While some groups are more general, others, like trauma groups, require a certain condition.
Do you prefer structure or a more casual setting?
Some people feel more content with worksheets and clear lesson plans while others are just looking for general discussions and support. Knowing what style works for you can help you find a group you feel comfortable in.
Who is leading the group?
While there can be many different types of facilitators, it’s still important to understand your leaders credentials. Licensed therapists are trained and adhere to ethical guidelines while peer facilitators bring lived experience but may not be held to the same standards. Both can be valuable, but for serious mental health conditions, professional, licensed facilitation matters.
Other things to consider include:
- Group size, as smaller groups allow more individual attention while larger groups can offer more perspectives.
- The ground rules, including confidentiality policies, attendance expectations, and behavioral guidelines. Ensuring they align with your goals and comfort level.
- How a group feels. You can try a group and decide it’s not a good fit. That’s okay. Sometimes it takes trying different group therapy approaches to find what clicks.
- Some therapy groups are time-limited over a number of sessions13 with fixed membership, so it’s important to consider if you are available for all of the meetings.
- Groups can also be revolving or ongoing — where people can join and leave as they feel. There may be expectations that as a new member you will introduce yourself to the group.
What to Expect in a Group Therapy Session
If you’ve never been to group therapy, knowing what generally happens can make your first time a little less scary.
Most groups have anywhere from 5 to 15 people and meet for at least an hour, though some, like an intensive day program, can run longer. The first session is usually used for getting to know one another and setting expectations, like confidentiality agreements, treating one another with respect, and logistics such as attendance and lateness.
Typical activities4 going forward might include:
- Sharing what’s been happening since the last session
- Introduction of a skill or topic by the facilitator
- Exercises or role-playing to practice techniques or skills
- Group discussion and feedback
- Setting intentions or goals for the upcoming week
If it’s your first time, remember:
- You don’t have to share right away, you can just listen to others or start small if you would like to share;
- Listen to others; you can learn a lot from hearing their perspective and experiences;
- Be honest when sharing;
- Respect others stories and don’t offer unsolicited advice unless encouraged by your group’s culture;
- It may take a few sessions before you decide whether it’s a good fit.
Beyond Group Therapy, You Can Try Individual Sessions
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Evidence-Based Benefits of Group Therapy
Research shows14 that what people experience in groups can be beneficial for their mental health and well-being.
Improved social functioning. Group therapy requires you to interact with others, which can be excellent practice if you want to improve your social skills and reduce isolation15. It also offers an opportunity to get feedback and build relationships. In fact, therapy groups for individuals with social anxiety disorder have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to help relieve symptoms, build social confidence and practice skills in a safe environment.
Reduced symptoms. Group therapy can be effective for many mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety with outcomes that are comparable to individual therapy3.
Long-term skill development. The skills you learn in group therapy tend to stick around. Research shows16 that people feel self-confident in their skills after group therapy and generally keep using the coping strategies and making improvements months or years after the group concludes.
Cost-effective. Professional mental health treatment found in group therapy is usually offered at a fraction of the cost of individual therapy, making ongoing care more accessible and sustainable.
Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy
Group therapy offers peer support, varying perspectives, and the chance to learn from and help others while receiving help yourself. Individual therapy gives you personalized attention, complete privacy, and the ability to progress at your own pace regarding sensitive topics.
When group therapy may be more effective:
- You have feelings of isolation and desire to connect with others facing something similar
- You want to learn or practice social skills and get feedback
- Learning from others experiences could benefit you
- You want accountability and motivation from peers
- Cost is a significant barrier to you getting help
When individual therapy may be preferable:
- You’re in acute crisis
- You need intensive work on specific issues or trauma
- You’re dealing with a very personal issue that you’re not ready to share in a group
- You have severe mental health symptoms that make group participation challenging
- You need medication management along with therapy
Many people do both individual and group therapy. A combined approach can help give you concrete tools and peer support while also allowing you to process personal issues and receive medication management (if needed).
Different types of group therapy have different purposes and approaches. From structured skill building to emotional processing, there’s no single “best” type. The variety of group therapy modalities out there means that there’s probably something that works for you.
Being honest with yourself and mental health professionals about what you’re hoping to get out of group therapy can help in determining why types of group therapy sessions might fit. It’s okay to trial-and-error a group until you find one that fits your needs, goals, and comfort level.
If you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to a licensed mental health professional, check what’s available through your insurance company or community mental health center, or look into peer-led support groups in your area. The right group could be just the support system you’ve been looking for.
FAQ
Expert Board Member
Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for individuals facing similar challenges to connect, learn, and grow within a supportive community of peers, led by a trained therapist facilitator. Major approaches to group therapy can range from structured cognitive-behavioral and skills-based groups to process-oriented and recovery-focused formats. This guide also addresses common questions about confidentiality, participation, and expectations, and provides practical guidance for selecting a group that aligns with a person’s goals, needs, and personal preferences.
