A main benefit of group psychotherapy is experiencing and understanding that there are others with similar problems. The group sessions are moderated by a professional therapist who may also provide one-on-one counseling to members. Other benefits of group psychotherapy are that it's usually covered by medical insurance and available in local areas.
Many towns and cities have self-help groups led by a therapist that are either disease-specific, such as schizophrenia psychotherapy support, or more general, such as for people living with stress. A group psychotherapy setting can have the benefit of the individual not only getting help and support for his or her issues or problems, but also being able to learn from other people. Group members not only share painful experiences, but also may give tips on how they cope, which can be helpful to other participants.
Personal counseling offers extra help to each group member which can be very beneficial because it allows individuals to bring up specific issues to the therapist. This private aspect of most group psychotherapy programs allows participants to share thoughts or ask questions of the therapist that they may not feel comfortable doing in the group setting. Many psychotherapy groups are covered by medical insurance plans; this is especially beneficial to people on a low income. Most communities also have at least several types of self-help groups, 12-step programs or crisis counseling that are free.
Having the option of attending more than one psychotherapy group is beneficial. It gives the individual more than one opportunity to find a group that he or she finds helpful and supportive. Also, since many psychotherapy groups meet on a certain day of the week, having several options makes it more likely that a person can find meeting dates and times that fit in with his or her work or family schedule.
Participating in group settings doesn't only help participates be more able to cope with problems, but in many cases helps them learn to be more effective communicators. The therapist moderator of a psychotherapy group typically guides the members into forming their comments into clear statements as well as sets rules for addressing others respectfully. In this way, members of psychotherapy groups often learn beneficial skills such as how to disagree civilly and give negative feedback to someone in an appropriate manner.
Groups may also give participants a richer social life. Friendships may form between people with similar interests. Since a psychotherapy group is local, members may go out for a movie together or other social activities in the community.