Group therapy creates an image of several strangers seated in a circle who confess their fears and failings to each other. But real life group therapy is far more professional and structured. It offers unique opportunities for connection, growth and healing as an approach in psychiatry. This is what you may not experience from one-on-one therapy sometimes.
This post will explore the various types of group therapy and the techniques therapists use to maximise effectiveness. Keep reading to learn why group therapy has become a powerful therapy option in psychiatric day care India.
Group therapy for psychiatric patients
Group therapy is a mental health treatment. It involves a therapist working with several people at the same time. It is unlike individual therapy which focuses on one person. Group therapy focuses on shared experiences. It encourages participants to gain insight into their issues by seeing how others face similar problems.
It is also about support knowing that others understand and empathise. They can offer guidance which helps to comfort the participants. This therapy benefits people who might feel isolated in their struggles.
Types of Group Therapy
There is not just one solution for every individual in group therapy. Different approaches help to provide the right treatment to the participant. These approaches depend on the following.
- Issues of the individual
- Personalities
- Goals
Each type of group therapy helps to address specific challenges. It includes learning social skills and managing intense emotions or simply finding comfort in shared experiences. The therapy style has its strengths. It could focus on cognitive techniques, building interpersonal skills or creating a safe space for self-reflection. Here is a look at the primary types of group therapy and how each serves as a pathway to healing and growth.
The different types of support groups offered by mental health day care services are as follows.
Support Groups
Support groups bring people together who share a common issue. It may include the following.
- Addiction recovery
- Grief
- Chronic illness
- Trauma
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorder
The idea is simple yet powerful. Shared experience equals shared support in psychiatric day care in Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, Delhi NCR, India. There is a sense of satisfaction in knowing that others understand exactly what you are going through. It is because they are facing the same thing.
Cognitive Behavioural Groups
Therapists apply cognitive behavioural approaches within groups. Members learn how they can recognise unhealthier thought patterns and behaviours. It helps to replace these thoughts with healthier ones. The benefit doubles in a group setting. Patients get to learn skills from the therapist while observing and practising with their peers.
Interpersonal Therapy Groups
Interpersonal therapy groups target issues related to relationships. These groups are structured around understanding how interpersonal conflicts or a lack of social skills might affect mental health. IPT groups are especially effective for mood disorders and social anxiety, where learning relational skills is essential to healing.
Psychoeducational Therapy Groups
This technique offered by mental health day care services explores unconscious processes and understanding how past experiences impact current behaviour in group therapy. Participants uncover hidden feelings and conflicts through group discussions. It helps them to process unresolved issues and better understand themselves.
Skill-Building Groups
These groups are often educational and practical, aimed at teaching participants specific skills for managing symptoms. Skill-building groups are highly structured and are common in treatments for conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD) or ADHD, where emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance are crucial.
Techniques Used in Group Therapy
Techniques go beyond simple conversation in group therapy. Therapists use a range of strategies to foster trust and encourage self-reflection. It helps the participants build valuable skills. Group therapy offers a dynamic environment where participants can learn from each other while gaining new insights. It aids in making meaningful progress. Here is a look at the core techniques that shape the group therapy experience.
Role Playing
Role playing is a powerful tool in group therapy in a psychiatric day care. It gives members a chance to try out new ways of acting and communicating in a safe zone without getting judged. Imagine someone with social anxiety practising a job interview or a difficult conversation. They can make mistakes, try again and get feedback without real-world consequences.
By stepping into different scenarios, members not only get to see things from fresh perspectives but also begin to understand how others might see or react to them. But there’s a delicate balance; role-playing can stir up intense emotions, so the therapist makes sure everyone feels supported and comfortable before diving in. It’s about creating a space where growth feels safe.
Experiential Activities
Experiential activities, whether journaling or art therapy, add a unique, creative layer to group therapy in a psychiatric day care, inviting members to express themselves beyond words. Such hands-on exercises allow people to go into their inner world-thoughts, emotions, memories in ways that are always personal and sometimes therapeutic.
For many, sketching, paintings or journals opens up parts of themselves they did not know existed or understand how to say. Engaged in such activities, the members gain a better sense of their emotional patterns and start building healthier ways to handle stress, sadness, or anxiety. It is a journey of powerful self-discovery that instils real, practical coping tools.
Group Discussions
Among the members of group therapy, discussion is an indispensable factor, which allows such members to be open to one another about the shared experiences and mutual support between the members of the group. Such discussions allow members to express their experience as well as their feelings in a safe and supportive atmosphere. They develop trust and a sense of togetherness when with the other members.
These discussions come in different forms: support groups, skills development groups, and cognitive behavioural groups. Each has its purpose, yet they all yield something of importance. They get a deeper understanding of the challenges they are facing and that they are not alone in this fight. As people share freely, they often remember the insights and lessons long after the session has ended.
Efficacy of Group Therapy: Does It Really Work?
A Sense of Belonging
One of the strongest reasons for group therapy’s success is the sense of community it builds. For those with mental health issues, isolation can be as much of a problem as the issue itself. In a group setting, the message is clear: You’re not alone. The power of shared understanding can reduce feelings of isolation and build confidence.
Multiple Perspectives on the Same Problem
Unlike individual therapy, where the best psychologist Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, Delhi, India is the only source of feedback, group therapy provides multiple viewpoints. When several people share their thoughts, members get diverse insights that can help them tackle issues from different angles. This variety can lead to deeper realisations and a broader understanding of how to approach problems.
Improved Social Skills and Confidence
Social anxiety, depression, or trauma can erode social skills over time. In group therapy, patients get the chance to “practice” social interactions in a structured, safe setting. This repeated practice and reinforcement can help them build confidence and feel more at ease in their everyday relationships.
Accountability
Group therapy has a built-in accountability factor. When members commit to doing something—whether practising a technique or completing homework—they know that other people expect them to follow through. This expectation can be a strong motivator and often helps individuals stay consistent in their therapeutic journey.
Group therapy in psychiatry is more than just sitting in a circle and talking. It’s a dynamic, engaging, and often transformative process that leverages the power of connection. From skill-building in DBT groups to deep emotional processing in psychodynamic groups, there’s a wide range of approaches to fit varying needs.
In a world where we’re increasingly isolated despite our digital “connectedness,” group therapy offers something truly human. It provides a chance to be seen, understood, and supported. For many, it’s the first step toward healing and self-acceptance.
Now, you can seek help by participating in group therapy sessions at Muskan Wellness. They have the best psychologist India who offers comprehensive group therapy within a safe environment.
About Author
The author- Preeti Maharaj, is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist with years of experience in mental health care. Specializing in group therapy and cognitive-behavioural techniques, she is dedicated to helping people find resilience through shared experiences and empathetic, evidence-based care. She also takes pride in offering care support within a safe environment for everyone seeking help.