The Power of Group Therapy

By Ryan Patel DO, OSU-CCS Psychiatrist

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For OSU students, Individual or one on one counseling and therapy can be helpful for a variety of emotional concerns. However, group therapy is also an important option for many concerns (1-3), including but not limited to:

  • Certain types of anxiety and depression
  • Relationship problems
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Alcohol and or substance use
  • Many other concerns
  • These findings are supported by several studies as summarized in the review articles referenced below.

Other benefits of group therapy include:

  • Reduced stress
  • Better coping with relationship difficulties
  • Emotional support for identity and self-esteem concerns
  • Knowing that you are not alone
  • Helping each other solve problems
  • Support from others

How can group therapy help you? Are you ready to give it a try?

 

Group therapy structure at OSU-Counseling and Consultation Service (OSU-CCS):

At OSU-CCS, groups are free and open to all university enrolled students. A screening is typically required for participation. Most groups are 90 minutes long, meet weekly and consist of 5 to 8 members.

Groups offered to OSU students

At OSU-CCS (Counseling and Consultation Service), groups are offered for a wide variety of concerns.

What OSU students say about group:

  • “Group is just a safe place for me to come every week to unwind and get my mind straight.”
  • “It is just nice to be in an environment where other people are struggling with similar things.”
  • “Group has helped me a lot and I enjoy coming to group.”
  • “I always thought that group counseling is like what you see on T.V., all cold and calculated, but my group experience at CCS has felt warm and collaborative and also fun.”

  References:

  1. Dobson, KS. A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Cognitive Therapy for Depression. Journal of Consulting and Qinical Psychology 1989, Vol. 57, No. 3,414-419.
  2. Robert J. DeRubeis and Paul Crits-Christoph. Empirically Supported Individual and Group Psychological Treatments for Adult Mental Disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1998, Vol. 66, No. 1, 37-52
  3. American group psychotherapy association. Evidence on the Effectiveness of Group Therapy. http://www.agpa.org/home/practice-resources/evidence-based-group-practice Accessed 1/21/2015.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be informative only. It is advised that you check with your own physician/mental health provider before implementing any changes. With this article, the author is not rendering medical advice, nor diagnosing, prescribing, or treating any condition, or injury; and therefore claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or injury caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the material presented.