As a licensed therapist in the mental health field for years, various types of patients no longer surprise me. There are always the skeptics, who aren’t confident that another human being can pull them out of their desolation. The believers are the easiest to work with naturally since they absorb everything the health professional says and follows through. Among the most challenging folks, meanwhile, are the ones who are afraid of getting seen by their colleagues as they join a support group.
It baffled me the first few times I noticed such hesitance. Some would try it while looking very discreet; others would plainly say that they just want one-on-one therapy. But later I deduced that it’s because of the stigma that support groups are where people who lost hope seek refuge.
Being a single body, I can’t get rid of that kind of impression that a few individuals have toward these circles. What I can tell you about, however, are the perks of being in a support group that may still be unknown to you.
- The Sessions Aren’t Costly
Interpersonal counseling can clock in from 100 to 200 dollars per session, depending on the therapist’s location and expertise. That rate goes down notably when you obtain help as a cluster. Hence, it is advisable for folks who may or may not have mental health insurance to cover the fees.
Group therapy is an ideal way to improve interpersonal skills, which can offset stigma associated with social isolation or shame. Fellow group members provide support, feedback, and positive modeling while also challenging you. Additionally, groups also promote excellent coping skills. — Sean Grover L.C.S.W.
- It’s Hard To Feel Singled Out
The ideal atmosphere inside a room for support group therapy is very light. The returnees greet the newbies warmly and offer them a chair and sometimes refreshments off the bat. You won’t feel as if they’re only playing nice since they mean every word they utter. These individuals may be strangers to you, yet they are glad nonetheless that you decided to get the psychological assistance you need.
- You Meet Patients With Similar Problems
A counselor typically places you in a group consisting of people who have the same issues. If you’re a drug dependent, for instance, you’ll go to that circle. In case you have depression, they’ll direct you to a location where all the ones who are – or were – in a depressive state commune. The objective behind it is for you to realize that you are not the only person in the world going through this dark phase.
I acknowledge that counseling, therapy, and “treatment” can be a scary concept, let alone a reality. It’s important to remedy any archaic assumptions and to tread carefully with topics that elicit fear. — Mandy Beth Rubin, LPC
- Practicing Your Freedom Of Expression Is Effortless
The most significant problem that mental disorder patients deal with is the fear that their family, friends, and acquaintances will shun them after knowing that they carry such a disease. Although we can’t guarantee 100% that it happens to each gal or pal who seeks to counsel, being in a support group may give them the confidence to finally speak up about their dilemma sans the anxiety of becoming judged by anyone.
- Your Fellow Members Will Motivate You
Like I said earlier, therapy groups not only have troubled individuals in them. There are also former patients who continue going to sessions even after feeling better. Their purpose is to encourage others to keep on working on improving their health mentally, emotionally, and physically. After all, they are living proof that it isn’t impossible to get out of the nightmare the others may be experiencing.
- You Can Be Optimistic Once More
A support group lets you share your knowledge about the problem to people too. Considering it isn’t a closed cluster, time will come that you will become a returnee as well, and the new patients will look up to you. The sensation of having your word valued by your colleagues may rebuild your confidence and fill your life with optimism.
You need to view life in a positive light. With that, BetterHelp can assist you and provide mental or emotional support. with BetterHelp, you might just get to a better place sooner than you think. With their pool of therapists and counselors who are ready to help you with just a single click. Get the help you deserve, better days will come.
Therapy is an investment of your time and financial resources. For those who have experienced good therapy, it is usually worth the investment. — Louis Hoffman, PhD