Is Group Therapy Right for Me?
The Benefits of Group Therapy for Grief and Trauma Recovery
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma refers to the cognitive, emotional, physical and interpersonal impact of living through a traumatic experience (e.g., natural disaster, military combat, physical or sexual assault, etc.). Research shows that those who’ve experienced a traumatic event often have trauma symptoms such as: flashbacks of the event, depression, anxiety, irritability, drug and/or alcohol abuse, fear, avoidance, hypervigilance, guilt, and loneliness (Van der Kolk, 2014).
What is Grief?
Grief is an emotional response that occurs after experiencing a significant loss. While most of us tend to associate grief with the death of a loved one and the bereavement that follows, it’s not uncommon to experience grief in response to other meaningful losses (e.g., being fired, ending a significant romantic relationship, etc.). Though the grief process is not linear and is unique to the individual, it often unfolds in stages such as: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (Kübler-Ross, 1969). More recently, there has been a sixth stage of grief that has been proposed—finding meaning (Kessler, 2019). This is groundbreaking in the field of grief and loss as it gives us an additional tool to not only accept what has happened, but to truly heal.
Grief and Trauma During COVID-19
“A global pandemic in my lifetime? No way!” Many of us have experienced significant and sudden loss(es), in one form or another, as a result of COVID-19, and are experiencing grief right now. Some of us have already lost someone we care about to the virus, while others live in fear that we will get the virus and possibly transmit it to someone we love. Some of us live alone and have barely had any human contact in over five months. Some of us live with multiple family members and haven’t had a chance to breathe. Some of us might be college students and we’re spending it alone in our rooms on Zoom. Some of us can’t be with those we love the most because of travel restrictions, pre-existing conditions, and high infection rates. Some of us have experienced traumatic events in our past and are re-experiencing our trauma due to the unpredictability and uncertainty of today. The rug has been swept out from under us and it does not feel good. Does any of this sound familiar?
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a treatment modality wherein clients receive and provide support to one another, while at the same time developing insight into patterns of relating to others that may be impacting our well-being. Group therapy is facilitated by a professional who is trained in specific therapeutic interventions and topics. Among the most important aspects of group therapy is its capacity to help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation that so often accompany psychological suffering. This specific grief and trauma group offered at Spilove Psychotherapy will be a six-week closed group. It will involve psychoeducation, group process, and coping skills related to grief and trauma. The main purpose of the group is to use one another as a resource.
We can’t do this alone!
Is Group Therapy Right for me?
The prospect of entering into group therapy can be intimidating. I know it can feel scary, and, perhaps it could be an important step in your recovery. Important steps are often scary. So, if you can relate to the above content, maybe group therapy is right for you!
Sign up today for our online Grief and Trauma Group starting Friday, September 11.
Only a few spots left, so make sure to reserve your spot today!
About the Author:
I am patient and work well with clients who have experienced trauma, addiction, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, emotional dysregulation, and impulsive behaviors. I view the treatment process as a partnership and enjoy using an eclectic toolbox of evidenced based practices such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I consider it a privilege to bear witness to the healing process and use mindfulness principles to help clients notice the importance of the present moment, self-love, and kindness. I strongly believe that all people have the ability to heal, forgive, and make meaning out of tough life experiences. I’m aware that the healing process is intimidating and I think it is brave to seek out help. My hope is that we can walk through the fog, peel back the layers and find the best version of yourself. I look forward to meeting you!