The Difference Between Support Groups and Group Therapy
/Have you ever wondered what the difference is between group therapy and support groups?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people think group therapy and support groups are the same, but in fact there are a few subtle, but key differences that are important to understand when trying to decide what type of group is best for you.
Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a small number of people meet under the leadership of a licensed or certified group psychotherapist to gain self-knowledge and skills, share problems and concerns, and improve interpersonal relationships (APGA.com). Within the setting of group therapy, the group leader is tasked with initiating group interventions to improve interpersonal group communication and resolve resistance within the relationships of group members. Therapy groups usually include clear goals and objectives, are typically closed to drop-ins, require regular attendance, and have a specific start and end date to enhance group progress (Jacobs et al., 2016). In the committed group membership model, therapy groups have the potential to be a transformative experience for people in ways that individual therapy is not privileged to addressing from an interpersonal relational perspective.
Support Groups, on the other hand, are focused on shared experience or identity among members (APGA.com). Support groups can be led by licensed therapists but are oftentimes not led by licensed or certified professionals (APGA.com). Within a support group, the facilitators are tasked with keeping the conversation on topic and providing resources, rather than initiating therapeutic interventions or applying a specific therapeutic orientation. Support groups are typically open to the drop-ins, do not require regular attendance, and do not have any specific start or end date. As a result, the make-up of the group often varies from week to week.
In both group therapy and support group settings, the relationships between group members serve as a tool to help participants increase self-awareness, improve relationships, and change unhealthy behaviors in a supportive setting. Both group therapy and support groups can be combined with individual psychotherapy. In contrast to individual work that can be limiting in a 1:1 setting, groups have the potential to be transformative among one’s interpersonal and relational experience. Finally, the price of group therapy is a fraction of the cost of individual therapy, while support groups are usually free of charge.
At Umbrella Collective, we offer a variety of group therapy and support groups options. Below are our current group offerings that are accepting new referrals:
Supporting Transgender Family and Friends (SOFFA) Support Group
SOFFA is a drop-in style support group for allies and people in relationship with transgender and gender expansive people. This group is designed to be a safe space for group members to share and process feelings, ask hard questions, and connect with others. The group meets online every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 7-8pm. This is an Out Boulder Group hosted in partnership with Umbrella Collective. Fill out this registration form to receive the Zoom link for our next group meeting. The SOFFA group is always accepting drop-ins.
Long-term Adult Online Therapy Group
*Only 2 spots remain. Referrals will be accepted until the group is full.
**Group begins Thursday March 31st, 5:15-6:30pm on March 31st.
This ongoing online adult psychotherapy group is designed as a “here and now” process experience. Members are invited to focus on how they function in the immediate moment and in relationship to others. This group is ideal for people who have a lot of psychotherapy experience or previous group psychotherapy experience and are interested in understanding themselves better and grow in a supportive group dynamic. Special attention will be given to members’ emotional communication, desires, and longings with an overall goal of having a progressive emotional experience. This psychodynamically-oriented therapy group will be led by Li Brookens, a certified group psychotherapist, via telehealth for people who reside anywhere in Colorado.To get more information on this group, ask your Umbrella Collective therapist or fill out a client eligibility form to get started. Applicants must complete a group consultation with Li to join the long-term group.
Gender Expansive Teen Therapy Group
*Now accepting referrals for a June start date.
**Days and times to be coordinated with those on the waitlist prior to start.
We are excited to announce that this June we’ll be launching a new online teleheath group for teens who have non-cisgender identity and/or are questioning and exploring their gender. Specific guidance and expertise will center around exploring gender identity and expression in affirming and evidence-based ways. While this group has membership with shared gender expansive identities, it otherwise functions as closed therapy group, where teens are asked to put thoughts and feelings they are having in the immediate moment into words, not actions, and facilitators are there to guide resourceful and skillful communication that promotes a progressive emotional experience for all. Please contact us to sign-up for the waiting list.
Gender Expansive Young Adult Therapy Group
*Now accepting referrals for a June start date.
**Days and times to be coordinated with those on the waitlist prior to start.
We are excited to announce that this June we’ll be launching a new group for young adults who have a non-cisgender identity and/or are questioning and exploring their gender. Specific guidance and expertise will center around exploring gender identity and expression in affirming and evidence-based ways. While this group has membership with shared gender expansive identities, it otherwise functions as closed therapy group, where the young adults are asked to put thoughts and feelings they are having in the immediate moment into words, not actions, and facilitators are there to guide resourceful and skillful communication that promotes a progressive emotional experience for all. Please contact us to sign-up for the waiting list.
References:
American Group Psychotherapy Association. (2002, February). AGPA and IBCGP Guidelines for Ethics, https://www.agpa.org/home/practice-resources/ethics-in-group-therapy
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
