The dysfunction, tension, or stress we feel often comes from relationships – how we relate to others or how others relate to us. Group therapy helps you understand how you are perceived by others and improve your communication.
In group therapy, you will feel supported by relationships with other group members who understand your story because they share your experience. Connecting with a group with people who share your story and understand where you’re coming from is incredibly unique and special. Groups can either be centered around a certain issue, like sex and love addiction or trauma, or they can be a broader group focused on communication and social dynamics.
You might consider group therapy if:
You’re a sex and love addict and you’re looking for extra accountability and support
Your partner is a sex addict and you don’t know who you can talk to about your pain
You’re feeling isolated and alone in your struggles
You’re dealing with relationship difficulties of any kind
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
I lead both process groups for relationship issues and content-focused groups for female sex and love addicts as well as partners of sex and love addicts. I'm currently putting together a waitlist for groups to open up.
What is the intake process?
When you are interested in a group, you will come in for three individual sessions in order to see if you’re a good fit for the group. At the end of those sessions, I’ll recommend you join the group or pursue a different option such as individual therapy, a 12 Step group rather than a therapy group, a different style of therapy group, inpatient treatment, or another personalized recommendation. This allows me to create the best group possible and the best treatment option for your specific needs.
What are different kinds of group therapy?
In topical groups, such as those for sex and love addiction, we’ll do focused activities that relate to issues of addiction. We’ll discuss homework assignments and maintain accountability.
Process groups, on the other hand, are unique and different. In process groups, you discuss group dynamics and converse about how the group is relating and how group members might be able to grow. Have you ever wished you could tell someone something that bugs you about them? Or do you wish someone would have the guts to tell you how they feel about you? There’s so much that goes unspoken in everyday conversation: it’s not “polite” to talk about how we’re experiencing one another.
What groups do you offer?
I offer topical groups for female sex and love addicts and partners of male sex and love addicts. I also offer process groups to help clients get unstuck from problematic patterns of communication and relationships.
What type of group is best for me?
Maybe you struggle with multiple issues for which I have groups and you don’t know which is the right fit. This is why I have the 3-session individual intake process! We’ll be able to talk through which group is the best fit and what it takes to get you involved in the right group for you.
Can I be in individual and group therapy at the same time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I encourage concurrent individual and group therapy, because there is a different dynamic to each style. In individual counseling, you’re getting one-on-one attention that you can’t always experience in a group setting. In group therapy, it’s easier to find support or someone to connect with outside of group. Hearing others’ stories helps you know you’re not alone and you can relate to their stories in a practical way.
What’s the difference between a therapy group and a 12 Step or church support group?
12 Step or church support groups are an awesome add-on to therapy. Therapy groups differ in that they are facilitated by a licensed therapist trained in whatever issue on which the group is focusing. Support groups and 12 Step groups are usually led by fellow recovering addicts or a church facilitator. Often these individuals don’t have the training and expertise of a licensed therapist to manage complex group dynamics. What makes a therapy group stand apart is the therapeutic activities completed in the groups with the added safety of therapeutic boundaries and training on group dynamics. Because of this, there is cost associated to therapy groups.
How much does a group cost?
Individual sessions for the intake evaluation are my fee for the individual session. Groups are offered at a reduced fee.