Group Therapy

What is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a trained psychologist facilitates a therapeutic session with a small group of individuals who are dealing with similar issues or challenges. This approach provides a supportive and structured environment for participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while also offering feedback and support to one another.

Group therapy sessions can focus on a wide range of topics, including anxiety, OCD, depression, addiction, grief, relationship problems, and more. The group dynamic can be particularly beneficial because it allows participants to connect with others who are facing similar struggles, reducing feelings of isolation and providing a sense of belonging. It also offers opportunities for individuals to gain different perspectives, learn from the experiences of others, and practice interpersonal skills.

Group therapy can be a cost-effective and valuable complement to individual therapy. The specific format and goals of group therapy sessions may vary depending on the type of therapy and the needs of the participants, but they generally aim to promote personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing within a supportive and confidential group setting.

What To Expect During Your First Appointment

During the first 10 minutes of your initial appointment, you and your psychologist will review the informed consent and our practice’s policies and answer any questions you may have. Afterward, your psychologist will review with you the overall agenda for your initial evaluation which typically involves speaking about the length of your session and what the focus of the evaluation will cover.

01 | Paperwork Stuff

One of the most important steps in therapy is getting to know your psychologist and allowing them to get to know you. Your psychologist may start the session by asking what prompted you to seek therapy. Don't worry—your psychologist doesn't expect you to dive into the deepest corners of your mind just yet. This is their way of establishing a conversational foundation from which they can guide you into a more meaningful discussion.

02 | Introductions

During your first session, your psychologist will ask about a number of things, including your job, family, friends, and hobbies. By learning about your life, your psychologist begins to build an understanding of what has been affecting you, as well as what is important to you. All of this is important in therapy because it makes it possible to talk more deeply.

03 | Initial Evaluation

At the end of your first session, your psychologist will help you set up your follow-up session. During the follow-up session, your psychologist will discuss their clinical impressions with you, which will be used to facilitate a shared understanding between you and your psychologist. The remaining portion of the second session will focus on discussing the details of available group therapy options to determine the best fit for you and your needs, and then get you scheduled for your group therapy session!

04 | Wrapping Up

Our Group Option(s)

Group therapy

Presently, we are offering one type of group therapy option:

  • “Ending OCD Stigma.” This group is a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based group that focuses on having group members work collectively on identifing triggering obsessions and compulsions to then work on in a systematic, yet supportive environment. The CBT approach allows group members to develop unique and effective skills that emphasis improvements in one’s cognitions (i.e., rules, thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions), and resulting emotions and behaviors that have historically gotten in the way of living a life aligned with their values and passions.

Get Started Today!

Step 1:

  • Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Edwards.

Step 2:

  • New patient paperwork will be sent to you in advance for you to complete via our secure HIPAA-compliant platform. (Please complete and submit your paperwork no later than two days prior to your appointment).

Step 3:

  • Meet with Dr. Edwards over video using our HIPAA-compliant platform - a link will be emailed to you to access your appointment at least 72 hours in advance.