When people think of therapy, they often picture sitting one-on-one with a counselor in a private office. While individual therapy is powerful, there’s another approach that can be just as healing—sometimes even more so: group therapy. In a supportive circle of peers, something unique happens. People realize they are not alone, and the collective experience creates opportunities for growth that individual therapy cannot always replicate.

How Group Therapy Differs from Individual Therapy

Individual therapy offers privacy, deep personal focus, and a safe space to unpack sensitive issues. The therapeutic relationship is between one client and one therapist, which allows for tailored guidance and insight.

Group therapy, however, introduces community. It’s not just about a therapist and a client—it’s about the dynamic exchange between multiple people walking similar paths. In groups, individuals often experience:

Normalization: Hearing others share struggles makes challenges feel less isolating.

Perspective: Members offer feedback and reflections that expand beyond the therapist’s input.

Connection: Bonds form when people discover shared experiences.

Practice: Groups provide a safe space to try new communication and coping skills.

Rather than being better or worse, group therapy simply offers a different healing experience—one grounded in community and shared wisdom.

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Reduces Isolation
Many people living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or grief feel like they’re carrying their burdens alone. In group therapy, participants quickly realize they’re not the only ones facing these challenges. This sense of belonging is healing in itself.

Builds Social and Coping Skills
In a group setting, clients can practice boundary setting, communication, and emotional expression with others who understand. It’s a safe environment to rehearse healthier interactions before bringing them into everyday life.

Increases Self-Awareness
Listening to others’ stories often sparks new insights. Participants might recognize patterns in themselves they hadn’t noticed, or feel validated when others mirror their emotions.

Fosters Hope and Resilience
Witnessing the progress of other group members can inspire hope. When one person makes a breakthrough, it encourages others to keep going.

Cost-Effective Care
Group therapy often costs less than individual sessions, making mental health support more accessible.

Examples of Group Therapy Types

Group therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are some common types and what they can look like:

Support Groups
Focused on shared challenges like grief, addiction recovery, or chronic illness. Members come together to share experiences and provide mutual support.

Process-Oriented Therapy Groups
Led by a trained therapist, these groups explore underlying emotions and relationship patterns. They often center on issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma healing.

Skills-Based Groups
Structured around teaching coping strategies—such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups, mindfulness groups, or stress management workshops.

Expressive & Experiential Groups
Incorporating practices like movement therapy, art, breathwork, or meditation, these groups allow participants to access healing through creativity and body-based practices.

Specialized Groups
Tailored for specific needs such as men’s groups, women’s circles, LGBTQ+ support groups, or groups for professionals experiencing burnout.

What Group Therapy Feels Like

Imagine walking into a room where others share a piece of your journey—whether it’s recovering from trauma, navigating relationship struggles, or simply searching for balance. There’s often a mix of vulnerability and relief as members begin to speak. Over time, the group becomes a trusted circle where people can:

Share personal stories and receive empathetic feedback.

Listen to others’ experiences and discover parallels in their own.

Participate in exercises that encourage reflection, communication, and healing.

Celebrate progress together—both big breakthroughs and small steps forward.

Many participants describe group therapy as life-changing, not only for the support they receive but also for the empowerment of helping others along the way.

Closing Thoughts

Healing doesn’t always happen in isolation. Sometimes, the most profound transformation occurs when we allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and supported by others. Group therapy provides that unique opportunity—where community becomes medicine, and shared experience paves the way for collective healing.

​At Blue Lotus Wellness, we offer a variety of therapeutic groups designed to meet people where they are, from skills-based workshops to immersive retreats. Whether you’re seeking connection, growth, or a safe place to share your story, group therapy may be the path that helps you heal in ways you never expected