Imagine entering a room of strangers who, over time, begin to reflect your feelings, provide feedback, and even become partners in your healing process. That’s the essence of group therapy (also called group counselling). Unlike individual therapy, you’re surrounded by people with different but relatable struggles, helping you feel less isolated and more connected to a shared journey.

At its heart, group counselling uses connection as a tool for healing. Human beings are wired for community, and emotional well-being grows when we can share our fears, challenges, and progress with others. The main goal of group therapy is to create a safe environment where participants can talk, listen, reflect, and practice new coping skills in real-time.


What Is Group Therapy?

In psychology, group therapy is a structured type of psychotherapy where one or more therapists guide a small group of participants. Unlike informal support circles, it is based on evidence-driven approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), psychodynamic therapy, or experiential practices.

It goes beyond simple conversation. Group therapy provides a therapeutic setting where people explore emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, role-play healthier behaviors, and learn new ways of relating to others. Benefits include reduced isolation, practical skill-building, and opportunities for social learning that are harder to achieve in one-on-one sessions.


Types of Group Therapy

There isn’t just one style of group therapy. The format often depends on participants’ needs and goals. Common types include:

  • Educational Groups – Focus on practical learning such as stress control, relapse prevention, and managing substance use.
  • Process-Oriented Groups – Conversations where members explore emotions and relationship patterns under the therapist’s guidance.
  • Support Groups – Provide empathy, encouragement, and shared strength during grief, trauma healing, or chronic illness.
  • Skills groups: Typically CBT- or DBT-based, helping participants strengthen emotional regulation, problem-solving, and communication.


So if you’ve ever asked, “What’s an example of group therapy?”—it could be a CBT anxiety group, a DBT skills class, or a trauma-focused program where storytelling itself becomes therapeutic.


Stages of Group Therapy

Like individuals, groups evolve. Therapists often describe the following stages:

  • Introduction Stage – Participants may feel cautious, reserved, and unsure.
  • Conflict Stage – Differences or disagreements surface as trust is tested.
  • Trust-Building Stage – Members feel safer, openness increases, and a supportive environment emerges.
  • Growth Stage – Honest sharing and deeper therapeutic breakthroughs take place.


This progression explains why transformation in group therapy takes time, it’s a journey of adjustment, conflict, trust, and ultimately growth.


Techniques Used in Group Therapy

Therapists rely on structured methods to ensure group sessions are effective:

  • Behavior Practice – Role-play to try out healthier responses in real-life scenarios.
  • Thought Restructuring – Challenge and replace negative thought patterns collectively.
  • Mindfulness Tools – Breathing, grounding, and relaxation to calm stress and regulate emotions.
  • Peer Feedback – Constructive insights from group members to boost empathy and self-awareness.


And for those wondering, “Is group therapy a type of CBT?”—the answer is yes, it can be. Many CBT programs are designed for groups, making them cost-effective while still impactful.


Why Choose Group Therapy?

Unlike traditional behavior therapy, which is often one-on-one and symptom-focused, group therapy offers both learning and practice within a social microcosm. It provides unique benefits for people experiencing shame, loneliness, or difficulties in relationships, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Some even describe it as “exposure therapy for the soul”—facing vulnerability in front of others, being accepted despite imperfections, and gradually replacing feelings of unworthiness with connection and hope.