Treatment Near You
Our Locations
LightHeart Mental Health has convenient clinics located throughout the Seattle metro area.
Many of our LightHeart clinics offer dedicated therapy groups on a variety of topics, from grief and loss support to depression coping skills. We believe in the transformative power of group spaces to facilitate building meaningful connections, exploring diverse experiences, and developing healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Call 425.800.5688 today to learn about our group therapy options and our other comprehensive mental health services for our neighbors across Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas. Note that our therapy groups are often run on specific timelines and may not always be available at the clinic closest to you. Our intake team can help you find options that are a good fit for your needs.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people simultaneously. Usually, everyone in the group is connected by some shared experience, such as dealing with anxiety or needing parenting support. In a group therapy setting, participants have the chance to explore their thoughts and feelings within a safe, supportive environment, gaining insights from both the therapists and fellow group members.
Often, people going through mental health issues feel isolated and alone. Group therapy provides a sense of belonging, normalizing experiences and giving people the opportunity to open up about their struggles without fear of judgment. By sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, clients can learn from each other, develop new coping strategies, and build a sense of community that extends beyond the therapy space.
Examples of Past Counseling Groups at LightHeart
Here are a few examples of therapy groups we have previously hosted at LightHeart Mental Health:
- Nature walking groups in the Redwood Forest
- Depression coping skills groups
- Nature-based group therapy
- A Dungeons & Dragons social skill building group
- Perinatal support groups
Follow us on social media for new group announcements, or reach out to our intake team to see if a clinic near you is offering group therapy.
What Happens During a Group Therapy Session?
Each therapy group will operate somewhat differently, but usually, there will be a few minutes to get everyone settled in, and the session might start with some kind of ice breaker question, like how your week has been, before jumping in to more structured sharing time. Sessions are typically an hour or two in length, and the therapist facilitating the group will ensure everyone gets a chance to feel heard.
Depending on the nature of the group, you may split off into pairs or trios to practice a specific skill, or you might go in a circle, each sharing a specific challenge you’re facing or a recent win you’ve experienced.
Some potential activities you might encounter in group therapy could include:
- Icebreakers
- Sharing gratitude
- Practicing one-on-one skills & giving feedback
- Asking each other questions about handling certain situations
- Expressive writing around a shared challenge, skill, or goal
- Visualizing goals, potentially using creative arts or other tools
Benefits of Group Therapy
One of the key benefits of group therapy for mental health is the realization that you are not alone. Many people experience a sense of relief and validation when they discover that others share their feelings and experiences, especially when it comes to mental health concerns. This communal aspect of group therapy helps to diminish feelings of isolation, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Group counseling can also:
- Provide diverse perspectives: Each person in the group brings their own unique lived experience, including what has worked for them.
- Encourage self-expression in a safe, supportive environment: Everyone has the same goal, offering a space to share with others whom you know will understand.
- Role modeling: The therapist may model certain behaviors or coping skills to try, then you can all practice together.
- Promote empathy and compassion: Seeing others deal with difficult challenges can remind you that we’re all working together, and that we all deserve support.
- Foster accountability and responsibility for personal growth: Knowing you’ll regularly attend group and have people checking in can be incredibly motivating.
- Tends to be more affordable: As there are typically just one or two therapists for the whole group, out-of-pocket session costs are usually lower. Therapy groups are often covered by insurance, as well.
Mental Health Issues Often Covered in Group Therapy
Group therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns and life situations, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Behavioral issues
- Eating disorders
- ADHD
- Substance use disorders
- Anger management
- Chronic pain or illness
- Divorce and relationship concerns
- Grief and loss
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Parenting support
At LightHeart Mental Health, group counseling is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of its participants, whether they are seeking support for personal struggles or looking to enhance their overall mental well-being.
Group Therapy Could Be Part of Your Comprehensive Mental Health Care Plan
For some people, especially those dealing with a specific life change, a therapy group on its own could be all the support you need to get back on track. However, for those dealing with a serious mental health concern, we often recommend that therapy groups be added to a care plan that also includes individual therapy, and potentially medication.
Our dedicated care teams work collaboratively, ensuring each of our clients’ needs get met from every angle, and nothing slips through the cracks. If you’re facing a serious mental health concern, consider looking into our other services along with group therapy.
Getting Started with a LightHeart Group
If you’re interested in group therapy, contact our intake team by calling 425.800.5688 and ask one of our specialists about current group therapy offerings in your area. They can give you more information on which groups are taking new members, how often they meet, and tell you a bit more about the facilitating therapist.
From there, you might ask the lead therapist a few more questions about how the group is operated, such as:
- How many people attend this group on average?
- Is everyone dealing with a similar concern?
- Does everyone get to share every week, or is it more skills-based?
- Is this group ongoing, or is it a set length of time?
Contact LightHeart Mental Health to Discover the Power of Connection
At LightHeart Mental Health, we believe in the healing power of connection. Our group therapy offerings in the greater Seattle area are thoughtfully designed to offer a space where people can come together to share, learn, and grow in the company of others who understand what it means to navigate similar concerns.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey through group therapy, individual therapy, or psychiatric services, reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts by calling 425.800.5688 or schedule your first appointment now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Therapy
What is group therapy?
Group therapy involves gathering in a room or online with others facing similar mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or a substance use disorders. Therapy groups can also be utilized for processing grief, parenting concerns, or another difficult life situation with others in the same boat. Group therapy sessions often involve everyone sharing their struggles and wins for the week, along with practicing new skills or role playing.
Is group therapy good for social anxiety?
Yes, group therapy can be incredibly helpful for people with social anxiety. It provides a supportive but honest space for opening up and sharing your struggles with others who understand where you’re coming from, plus the help of an experienced therapist who knows when to push you a bit outside your comfort zone within the safety of the group.
What are the downsides of group therapy?
While group therapy can be incredibly beneficial, one downside is that there’s inherently less privacy compared to one-on-one therapy. Additionally, there’s less of an individual focus, and you may not get more than a few minutes to share what’s on your mind.
Do you have to talk during group therapy?
That depends on the group. Some groups might let you come and sit in on sessions without talking, especially if you’ve spoken with the therapist in advance about not being ready to share. Others might have the expectation that everyone will participate.
How long does group therapy usually last?
Group therapy sessions are sometimes a bit longer than individual therapy sessions and can run anywhere from one to two hours. As far as the timeline, each group will vary. Some run for a set schedule, such as eight weeks or for a semester, while others are ongoing.
Group Therapy Insights
Read these blogs to learn more about group therapy and counseling.