Group+Therapy+and+Treating+Depression

Group therapy can be defined as a mutual aid system that allows individuals struggling with a common problem to help each other, often using the facilitation of a group leader who may or may not be a professional. Group therapy can be an effective, affordable and efficient addition or alternative to one-on-one psychotherapy. Many clients feel they benefit from a group therapy environment because they can relate to the group members in such a way that they cannot with a counsellor. Group members often benefit from the universality and cohesiveness of the group as well as the sharing ideas about effective coping mechanisms and self-esteem building (Tiuraniemi & Korhola, 2009, p. 133-144). Group therapy is becoming more and more popular in the helping profession as peer support groups continue to be researched and found to be beneficial to both the clients and to the community (Pfeiffer et al., 2011). 

 Group therapy has been found to be effective in lessening depressive symptoms when treating depression. Cognitive behavioural group therapy has been found to be especially effective in treating depression as it allows clients to develop problem-solving skills, lessen the occurrence of negative automatic thoughts and develop a more positive self-image through cognitive restructuring (Tiuraniemi & Korhola, 2009, p. 133-144). Cognitive restructuring is crucial to the treatment of depression as it allows clients to learn how to master their negative thought processes and turn them in to less destructive and ultimately more positive thought processes. Mindfulness based group the rapy is also considered to be an effective means of treating mild to moderate depression. Mindfulness based group therapy involves teaching clients meditation techniques that are based on some of the teachings of Buddhism (BBC News, 2008). Mindfulness based group therapy aims to help clients learn to recognize, manage and eventually to rise above their depressive symptoms. Clients who have tried mindfulness based techniques find them beneficial because it allows them to learn how to acknowledge that their depressive symptoms exist, but then ultimately be able to move forward past the depression.



As a psychotherapist it is important to be aware of the benefits of group therapy for clients, as it can be a beneficial addition to a treatment plan. Clients are likely to benefit from the mutual support they receive in group as well as the tips and tricks they receive from other members on how to cope with and overcome depression. Group therapy is also a great alternative for clients who are reluctant to try one-to-one psychotherapy and instead feel more comfortable in a group setting where they are surrounded by individuals who are in similar situations. Group therapy can be especially beneficial to those suffering with depression as it can help clients to build a support network within the community and can also provide clients with access to other beneficial community resources. Finally, it is important to understand that there is not just one type of group therapy for a person and some clients may benefit from attending more than on type of group therapy. For example, someone who attends a cognitive behavioural depression group may also benefit from a self-esteem building group, or a stress management group.