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Can Group Therapy be Used to Address Early Life Experiences?

Shira Sameroff, MSW, LCSW

January 15, 2024

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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


shira sameroff

Shira Sameroff, MSW, LCSW

Shira Sameroff’s expertise is rooted in over 25 years of practice with individuals and groups of diverse identities, ages, and life stories in a wide array of settings. Shira’s formal education includes an MSW from Hunter College, a BA in Social Thought and Political Economy from the University of Massachusetts, and an internship in Nicaragua. She has training in IFS (Internal Family Systems), nature-based healing, somatic healing practices, and more. Her professional roles have included directing programs in community-based organizations, personal and professional coaching, therapy, group work, and workshop design, and facilitation. She has engaged in an abundance of other work, including coordination for events and projects large and small, board leadership, community building projects, and canvassing around the US. Her approach is collaborative, wildly creative, and full of heart.


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