Question
Can group therapy be used to address early life experiences?
Answer
Group therapy provides a rich opportunity for individuals to heal from early life experiences, akin to the positive impact of an individual therapeutic relationship. However, participating in a group can bring forth discomfort, a natural response as past experiences with various groups, such as family, school, peer groups, and religious institutions, may resurface. This discomfort is not inherently negative but rather an integral part of the healing process. Participants often bring unresolved and unexpressed aspects of their history, shaped by groups they didn't choose during childhood. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial in fostering a supportive and therapeutic group environment.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Group Work in Behavioral Health: The Art of Group Facilitation, Part I, presented by Shira Sameroff, MA, LPC
