Group counselling is a form of therapy that involves a small group of people who meet together to discuss their issues and concerns with the help of a trained professional. Group counselling sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and can take place once a week or more frequently. If you are considering group counselling, you may be wondering what to expect from a session. In this article, we’ll explore what typically happens in a group counselling session.
Introductions and icebreakers
At the beginning of the session, the therapist will typically introduce everyone in the group and provide an overview of what will happen during the session. The therapist may also lead an icebreaker activity to help the group members feel more comfortable with one another.
Sharing and discussion
After the introductions and icebreakers, the therapist will typically invite the group members to share their thoughts and feelings about the issue or concern they are dealing with. Group members may take turns sharing their experiences, and the therapist may ask questions or provide feedback to help the group members explore their emotions and behaviors.
Support and feedback
One of the main benefits of group counselling is the support and feedback provided by other group members. Group members may share their own experiences or offer advice and feedback to other members. This can help group members to feel less alone and to gain new perspectives on their issues and concerns.
Skills and strategies
The therapist may also teach the group members skills and strategies to help them manage their issues and concerns. For example, the therapist may teach relaxation techniques or coping skills to help the group members manage stress or anxiety.
Wrap-up and feedback
At the end of the session, the therapist will typically ask the group members to share their thoughts and feelings about the session. The therapist may also provide feedback or suggestions for future sessions. This feedback can help the therapist to tailor future sessions to better meet the needs of the group members.
Benefits of group counselling
Group counselling offers a number of benefits for individuals dealing with a wide range of issues. Group counselling can provide:
- Support and feedback from other group members
- The opportunity to learn from others who are going through similar experiences
- A sense of community and belonging
- A safe and supportive environment to explore emotions and behaviors
- The opportunity to learn new skills and strategies for managing issues and concerns.
In conclusion, group counselling sessions typically involve introductions and icebreakers, sharing and discussion, support and feedback, skills and strategies, and a wrap-up and feedback session. Group counselling can provide many benefits for individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, and can offer a sense of community and support that may not be available through individual counselling. If you are considering group counselling, speak to a qualified therapist to learn more about the options available to you.