Group Therapy Works

[mindful+]

Hi,
Since I first logged on here last year,
I've got myself on a number of group therapy courses
at my local secondary care treatment centre.

Gone through REG 1 ( 8 weeks ) then REG 2 ( 14 Weeks )
Learnt an enormous amount about how
thoughts effect emotions effect the body;
and how this all inter-relates vis-a-vis our mental states ( rhymes :D )

I wrote this earlier in response to a post but thought I'd paste
it here ,as if anyone reads who is thinking about group work and uncertain
want to say to you - enter into it , you will not look back:

What happens in the group are many unexpected things
e.g relating to others who have issues, opens your mind
understanding that at the core: anxiety/depression / compulsion
all require mindful approaches in order to cope better
make choices that give you the best chances in life.

The courses are structured to intoduce topics like WRAP plans
and go into an analysis of the mind body emotions physiology
when we are stressed / depressed/ anxious and so on.
The tools you learn from these groups are of high value.

And the icing on the cake is , its possible to complete a whole course
without ever once referring to your particular personal issues in the group
That you do do on a 1 to 1 with your key worker

group work is like going on a journey with strangers and learning|
how to be a human being again, esp if you've lost touch with yourself.

I highly recommend groups , even as research shows we learn better
together, sharing experiences and understanding benefits tremendously.

Clearly it isn't for everyone, however that needs
to be discovered after group work is attempted and not before

[Davit]

For many forums is the closest to group if a moderator leads it. not like chat where it can go off on a tangent. No one does group forum.

I recommend group too.

[MyNameIsTerry]

I've seen others say how group work has helped them a lot. My therapist encouraged me to join a local charity that had walk-in groups as well as free CBT based courses.

They can bring different challenges but they also bring different rewards so for some they work really well whereas others can find it a bit harder due to the issues that are holding them back.

Mindfulness is often performed in groups as is meditation in general. There have even been studies that have shown how just sitting in a group of meditators brings positivity & calm to a person not actually participating. I'm sure similiar benefits are derived by just being around others.

I remember talking to you, was it late last year? You were getting messed around by the system back then. But look at the difference now which can clearly be seen!

Well done and keep going with it.

[mindful+]

Thanks Terry,
we touched base a while back

Learnt alot and a lot to practice !

Top of the list would be the language learnt in groups
and the sharing of those, often "new" concepts
its like doing an art class in still life ( acute observation /pychology )
the exploration, the effects, on our individual journeys through recovery

But you're right too
group work requires a minimum stability
ie: to be well enough to attend, comprehend, interact.

For trauma, initial breakdown, psychosis it wouldn't be offered in the short term
this is where we do need more hospital beds , for when at most vulnerable.

Hi Davit , :yesyes:

[sial72]

Mindful+
I'm pleased it was so helpful. I like group therapy very much, I think it can be helpul and interesting on so many levels. I have done two group therapies. One was an Emotional Intelligence group and the other was Art Therapy, both very interesting and enjoyable x