What Are Group Counselling Therapies?
Group counselling therapies are methods of delivering effective treatment for those undergoing substance abuse treatment.
Therapy in groups is usually led by a facilitator who is trained in group dynamics and has sound knowledge of the subject matter being discussed.
We offer this at Abbeycare, among other treatment options, to assist residents on the path to long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs.
Group Therapy Sessions: How Do They Work?
Therapy in a group setting is designed to work with psychological or emotional disorders in a small groups.
This type of therapy is evidence-based and effective for those going through addiction treatment.
A Few Facts About Group Therapy;
The Therapy Should Have A Group Facilitator
The Group Facilitator will have specialist knowledge on the roots and symptoms of addiction and how to discuss these in a specific manner.
The Abbeycare facilitator usually uses different therapy types within the group setting and ensure confidentiality within the talk therapy setting.
The Therapy Session Should Last Between 45 And 60 minutes
The duration of the therapy sessions is between 45 and 60 minutes to ensure the members of the group retain information and stay involved.
Any type of therapy longer than 60 minutes will make attending therapy boring, and the group members may become disinterested.
Comfort breaks are offered in between sessions to retain information, go to the bathroom, or get fresh air as needed.
The Individual Therapy Participants Must Have A Common Goal
Participants within Abbeycare’s therapy in groups have a common goal to achieve long-term abstinence from alcohol or drugs, develop coping skills, increase self-awareness.
Socialising techniques used in group sessions ensure that the support groups and individual therapy participants should share similar experiences in addiction.
Abbeycare Therapies
Abbeycare group counselling create a non-judgmental or confrontational safe space.
Types Of Counselling Therapies
Group Psychotherapy
Group Psychotherapy is a type of group counselling used for the treatment of mental health or emotional disorders.
In psychological therapy, the facilitator uses empathy to uncover thinking patterns, belief systems, and negative behaviours.
Understanding the mental health conditions of the members makes the therapeutic process easier.
At Abbeycare, we have one or more psychologists in the group dynamic to provide extra support.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT Groups
Cognitive behavioral groups within Abbeycare, are designed to look at negative thinking, social anxiety, and behavior patterns surrounding the use of alcohol and drugs.
Thoughts that are negative in nature can be triggered by certain situations known as "activating events," such as:
- I saw my ex-partner, which made me feel sad, angry, and unlovable
- To deal with these negative feelings, I bought and consumed alcohol
The CBT group therapist will consider a more positive framework.
- I saw my ex-partner, and now I have considered the relationship truthfully, I feel relieved
- To celebrate I went for a walk and phoned a good friend
Motivational Enhancement Therapy MET Groups
This group environment is designed to elicit behavioural change in those undecided about long-term sobriety.
MET uses techniques to self-motivate members to make positive lifestyle changes.
According to the theory, decisions must be ‘made by’ and ‘come from’ the self. This style of group work requires active participation.
12 Step Groups
12-Step Group Work considers ‘abstinence’ from alcohol and drugs as a source of recovery.
The philosophy that the use of alcohol and drugs cannot be controlled in safety is discussed in group analysis.
The participants consider:
- Consequences that have occurred due to addiction
- Question different outcomes without alcohol and drugs
- The support system that maintains recovery
The main objective is to encourage members and promote long-term ‘abstinence’ from problematic alcohol and drug use.
At Abbeycare, our therapy offices provide one or more therapists at the medical centers to ensure that your personal growth and interpersonal relationships are handled by a qualified therapist (1).
Understanding Group Therapy Dynamics
Each group should include an eclectic mix of people from different walks of life and ages. This is psychoeducational group counselling that helps with social skills.
Not everybody in the therapy group will present with similar dependencies, which creates interesting, dynamic, and thought-provoking discussions.
Group Roles
A trained therapist will work with group roles to bring cohesion to the group. Here are some of the Group Roles:
- The Fixer - takes responsibility for anyone struggling in the group
- The Harmoniser - tries to stop any animosity or tension in the group
- The Clown - tries to bring humour to the group
- The Antagoniser - is generally not happy about being in the group and is confrontational
- The monopoliser - will interject conversations with an opinion or identification with the speaker
To avoid being one of these group roles:
- Be open-minded
- Be considerate with time
- Be compassionate
- Be honest
- Be respectful of others' views
- Be an active listener
Group Counselling Therapy and Group Cohesion
The processes of group cohesion work in the following ways:
Forming – the group counselling session is new, and all the roles adopted are displayed. During this time, the group members and the facilitator work to bring everybody together.
Storming – where the participants start to take risks to identify if they can trust the other group members. This stage can bring about disagreements. In this stage individuals can make a bid for supremacy. The facilitator and participants work to bring harmony.
Norming/Performing- group counselling members now know each other, and initial disagreements have been rectified. Effective change can be accomplished when the group works to reach mutual goals.
Adjourning – the end of the group counselling journey together. The group celebrates the achievements they have secured and prepares to move on and leave rehab (2).
Frequently Asked Questions
At time of assessment the assessor will ask if you have any trouble with writing etc. If there is writing included in any of the programme a member of staff will support you.
Abbeycare are aware that people present in various stages and hope this does not deter anybody from applying to attend.
Clients are encouraged to talk in group therapy in order to get the best results from their time at rehab. However, if you struggle to talk you will be supported in this area by all the members of the team.
The family therapy groups are more relaxed and engaging. They are also in a group setting and the specialist facilitator will ensure group members feel safe and supported.
Group Counselling Therapy at Abbeycare is delivered by specialist recovery workers versed in the art of group facilitation. Abbeycare only uses the transformative and researched models of treatment designed to deliver the best results for their residents.
Group Therapy has been proven to be an enjoyable component of rehab as well as beneficial in helping to change negative thinking and behaviour patterns. In a safe, constructive and confidential manner.
Those attending Group Therapy have went on to live drug and alcohol-free lives. Armed with a battery of tools designed for living this new life.
Call our free 24/7 Helpline on 01603 513 091 or fill out the form below to speak to a trained addiction counsellor.
