Residential rehab is a valuable time to use all the resources at a treatment center. These can include medically-assisted detox, mental health counseling, and group therapy. Many people consider various kinds of therapy, but how do you choose from the different types? For example, if you work one-on-one with a therapist, does it mean you no longer need to be in group therapy? But, on the other hand, is group therapy a substitute for individual sessions?

Some Pros and Cons of Individual Therapy

Individual therapy, whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or another form, allows maximum personalized attention and care from a trained therapist. Through one-on-one therapy, you will gain emotional support and affirmation from a mental health expert who can coach you through skills like stress management and emotional regulation.

Individual therapy also provides the maximum level of privacy. Find a therapist who you can trust and feel comfortable working with. Everything you discuss in this setting is confidential so that you can be honest and forthcoming about any concerns.

One main disadvantage of individual therapy is the cost. It may also be less effective when it comes to developing interpersonal skills. You may find it difficult to trust some therapists because it can seem like they minimize your experience. After all, they have seen many cases like yours. Finding a compassionate, skilled, and trustworthy therapist can be challenging. However, in most cases, finding a therapist who is the right fit is worth the trouble.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Group therapy is designed to be a safe space for people to share similar experiences and support each other. Usually, one or more therapists will lead the group to discuss specific issues. These may include mental health challenges, social skills, or relapse prevention. The trained and experienced therapist is also there to guide the group in sharing effective strategies. Because everyone might be at different places in their learning curve or recovery journey, sharing can offer new perspectives.

Although group therapy is based on a straightforward concept, much research has solidified the effectiveness of this treatment method. One of the primary benefits of group therapy is that it alleviates isolation. When you are experiencing mental health challenges during recovery, it may feel like you are alone. However, when you participate in a group therapy session, you may hear from peers who deal with these same emotions.

Because of this connection and solidarity, you can feel a sense of belonging, which is critical for a holistic recovery. It can help you open up to the world and begin believing in yourself. Even better, your peers in group therapy can provide advice, accountability, and support.

Some Disadvantages of Group Therapy

Before joining and committing to a particular group, ensure you feel comfortable with a few potential drawbacks. First of all, you must speak in front of a group. This might be challenging if you struggle with anxiety or social phobia. Similarly, if you are also recovering from traumatic events, you may find it overwhelming to open up. Sitting and hearing others share details of similar past experiences may become triggering.

There can be personality clashes among participants in a large group therapy setting. Some individuals may want to dominate the conversation. Others might never say much at all. Therefore, being an experienced therapist is essential to motivate equal participation. As part of a therapy group, you must be equally prepared to speak, listen, provide, and receive.

Another challenge of group therapy is confidentiality. Although group therapy sessions are intended to be safe spaces, things discussed may leak due to one individual’s breach of that agreement. Compared with individual therapy, where confidentiality is strictly protected, group therapy involves more people and, therefore, more risk.

To get the most out of group therapy, you must be functioning with a certain degree of stability in sobriety. If you are in crisis mode or have recently experienced traumatic events, you may not be ready for this environment yet.

How Do You Get the Most out of Both Approaches?

Individual and group therapies can be complementary. During residential rehab, you can work with recovery experts to make a plan that includes a mix of both approaches. For example, in the early months of recovery, you might focus on working with a therapist one-on-one until you feel more stable and prepared for group settings.

The same rule applies if you have completed residential rehab or are undergoing outpatient treatment. Work with an individual therapist if you need more personalized and targeted therapy. When you’re ready for more peer support, explore group therapy options. The most common group therapies include couples counseling, family therapy, and 12-Step programs.

Laguna Shores offers both individual and group therapy. You may want to understand more about the different benefits of each therapeutic approach before committing to one form. To start, work closely with a team of recovery experts who understand your conditions and customize a treatment plan to include individual and group therapies. At Laguna Shores Recovery, you will find the most competent team. Our staff has been through addiction recovery, so we know the value of individual and group therapy. We use evidence-based treatments and adopt an integrated approach to recovery. We will walk alongside you and your loved ones to offer support and guidance to the entire family. Our alumni programs include aftercare and connect you with a supportive community of recovering individuals. It is never too late to seek treatment. Call 954-688-5806 for more information on our programs.