Whenever you face a challenge, you typically have a few options for how to address it. When you are facing mental, emotional, or physical health challenges, Christian Counselors advise that it is best to address them sooner than later. When these issues are allowed to continue unaddressed, they tend to get worse rather than improve. This is not a case of live and let live; it’s best to tackle these challenges head-on. In these situations group counseling could be an option.
Depending on the issues you’re facing, there are different interventions you can make or seek out. Some things require a change in lifestyle or gaining certain skills. For example, if you’re feeling stressed out and you learn to simplify your life and learn better time management as well as techniques to avoid procrastination.
If you’re feeling anxious, there are natural remedies you can try such as consistent exercise, good sleep, and avoiding caffeine.
In other circumstances, it may be helpful to get the help of a professional such as a counselor. To understand what lies behind your persistent anger issues or the constant conflict you have with your spouse, a counselor will guide you on that journey of self-discovery. If you’re grieving and are struggling to cope, a professional can help you process your emotions and provide you with tools to cope.
If your issue requires the help of a counselor, you’ve got a choice to make. Do you go for individual counseling, or should you opt for group counseling? Either choice is a good one, but it’s important to find what will work best for you.
Group counseling: What it is and how it works
Group counseling entails a group of 5 to 12 individuals meeting to work through a particular concern. The group is led by a trained and licensed counselor who guides the group as they discuss their concerns and move toward healing together. The group will meet once or more per week for an hour or two. The total number of sessions the group has will depend on what they are focusing on and how they are progressing.
In group counseling, each member of the group can contribute to the conversation, sharing their insights and experiences with other members. As part of the group, you are contributing to the healing of others in the group, and you are learning from others for your own journey. You share what you’re comfortable sharing, and the counselor helps the group to develop a healthy culture of give and take.
Why you should choose group counseling.
If you need counseling, you can’t go wrong with either group or individual counseling. That being said, there are some advantages to group counseling, including the following:
It’s cost effective.
Group counseling tends to be cheaper than individual counseling. The costs are being spread between a few people, so your individual cost is lower. Yes, the format is a little different compared to individual counseling, but you’re getting the same quality effective treatment from a trained professional.
Group counseling addresses the same issues as individual counseling, like depression, grief, divorce, anger, eating disorders, substance abuse, couples’ issues, and much more. So, you’re getting access to the help you need, but you don’t have to break the bank to do so.
It’s more interpersonal.
Group counseling draws on dynamics between group members to function effectively. You learn to express your opinions, feelings, and experiences with others, and learn to listen to others with empathy and compassion. These Christian brothers and sisters may be further along the journey and can serve as an inspiration. Or you may be further along and can serve as a role model for others.
It normalizes your struggle.
It helps to know that other people are going through what you are. That normalizes your experiences, and interacting with peers undergoing similar struggles provides you with moral support that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It’s a space to grow.
Apart from promoting your social skills, group therapy allows you to develop and learn how to deploy your voice. You’re doing this amid people from different walks of life who have perspectives that may differ from yours. That provides you with a unique opportunity to grow as a person as you pursue your healing.
Accountability.
Walking alongside others who know your struggle in and out provides you with a sounding board, as well as with accountability. Your peers in the group likely have enough life experience to know the different ways to cut corners or sabotage and deceive yourself, and they can call you out on it.
Is group therapy right for you?
Whatever your situation or the challenge you’re facing, you don’t have to struggle alone. San Diego Christian Counseling can help you begin addressing your concerns, providing you with deeper insight into your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Whether in group or individual counseling, you can learn effective ways to cope with difficulties and turn your life around. Reach out to a Counselor at San Diego Christian Counseling today to find out about the groups available and begin your journey toward healing and wholeness.
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