Are There Group Therapy Programs in South Florida?

Addiction treatment often begins with the full-body detoxification process, but it continues with a combination of medication, therapy, and making the necessary lifestyle, behavioral, and habitual changes in one’s life. Once treatment is completed, the aftercare process generally begins.

Therapy plays an important role in all three areas of addiction treatment – detox, rehab, and aftercare. There are dozens of unique types of therapy, each designed to help individuals heal in different ways. Most people recovering from addiction will take part in several different types.

When most people hear the word ‘therapy,’ they immediately think of one-on-one therapy, also known as individual therapy. While that’s often one of the most popular types of therapy for addiction and other mental health issues, it’s not the only option for patients to choose from.

What is Addiction Group Therapy?

In addition to individual therapy options, patients often participate in group therapy – which has similar goals and plays a similar role in the recovery process. The main difference between individual and group therapy, as one might expect, is that group therapy is done with the support of one’s peers.

With group therapy, patients take part in therapy sessions with others recovering from addiction, and there are usually several therapists involved. Most patients can expect between 5 and 15 patients and between one and four therapists in each group therapy session.

What are the Benefits of Group Counseling for Drug Addiction?

Group counseling for drug addiction is a proven and effective form of treatment for anyone interested in overcoming their addiction. When combined with other treatment options, group therapy helps patients put their own issues into perspective while helping others with theirs.

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of addiction group therapy:

Allows for social interaction with other like-minded individuals
Puts your struggle into perspective
Opens the door to ideas on how you can better cope with your triggers
Improves the patient’s confidence and self-esteem
Learn more about what your triggers are and how to avoid them
Decreases your sense of guilt, shame, or anxiety
Teaches the patient how to make meaningful change in their life
Opens the door to new perspectives and puts patients in other people’s shoes
You’re not only helping yourself, but you’re helping others at the same time

Group therapy will help individuals accept themselves for who they are, but it also helps them accept others for who they are. Listening to other people’s stories and sharing your own struggle with addiction goes a long way in helping everyone heal – and they do it together.

What are the Different Types of Recovery Support Groups?

When exploring your therapy options, you first need to determine whether you want individual or group therapy. Once that’s narrowed down, you have to choose between the dozens of different types of therapy for each. A mental health professional can help you navigate your options.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular examples of treatment groups and group therapy programs in South Florida:

Psychotherapy Groups – patients work together to share their stories in a safe and supportive environment.
Cognitive Therapy Groups – a group therapy session that uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to enact a change in behavior.
Dynamic Group Therapy – this type of group therapy gives patients valuable insights and helps them explore the power of choice, accept their past, and improve relationships.
Relapse Prevention Groups – usually part of an aftercare program, these group therapy sessions are designed to help reduce the chance of relapse.
Network Therapy – a group therapy session that involves several or all members of the individual’s support system (family members, friends, etc.).
Mutual Self-Help Groups – one of the most common examples of treatment groups in this category are 12 Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Each patient will benefit from a different type of therapy, which is why it’s so important that your healthcare team understands your specific situation. Ensuring everyone is matched with a suitable form of therapy is essential and can kick start the recovery process off to an impeccable start.