One of the advantages of group therapy is the opportunity to learn from other members’ experiences. It is comforting and healing to know that others have had similar emotional experiences; clients discover they are not as alone or as different as they thought. The group can be a tremendous source of strength and support.

Since group therapy focuses so heavily on interpersonal interactions, it is most effective for people with relationship difficulties, such as intimacy, trust and self-esteem. It is the facilitator’s job to moderate the discussion, highlight patterns of behavior and create a safe environment. Much of the healing, however, comes between group members.

Group members are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and reactions to one another. In that way, clients not only learn new coping skills and behavioral strategies but they also get a chance to practice new behaviors, such as assertiveness and trust-building. The group can become a laboratory of sorts.

A few guidelines: The more you participate the more likely you are to benefit, but it is up to each member to decide how much he/she wants to disclose; it is inappropriate for members to disclose the events of the group to family, friends or co-workers; consistency is important, so decide prior to starting if you are able to attend all sessions.

Some clients attend only group therapy, while others are in individual and group therapy at the same time. That decision is based on the specific needs of the client.

David Sternberg, LICSW, serves the online community, as well as communities in and around Washington, D.C., including Woodley Park Cleveland Park Adams Morgan Dupont Circle Columbia Heights Mount Pleasant Van Ness Glover Park Foggy Bottom Tenleytown Georgetown Bethesda Chevy Chase Takoma Park Rockville Arlington Alexandria McLean and Fairfax.
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David Sternberg, LICSW, provides individual counseling, group therapy, marriage counseling, relationship therapy, as well as help with depression, anxiety and communication.