by Charlotte Louise Nystrom

Created on: January 22, 2012

The decision to participate in therapy can be a very positive movement. Choosing therapy signifies that you are on the path to a better place. In therapy you will discover support, respect, and more importantly a safe place to share. Next you will need to decide which format is best for your personality. Individual and group therapies each have many benefits, and possibly a few negatives. Of course, each individual’s course is unique. Here you will read some of the attributes of each therapeutic platform. Consider these along with your own situation to determine which is preferable for you.

First you should know that no therapeutic modality is exclusively pleasant. There will be moments of challenge, discomfort, and even fear. A good therapist or group will support you through these moments so that you can find your way to truthful insight. This requires an environment in which you feel safe and accepted, though not entirely sheltered. The Mayo Clinic suggests that sometimes you will need to truly feel an emotion in order to effectively deal with it and move towards healing. Be prepared for hard work in order to reap the rewards.

Individual therapy will be entirely focused on you. The therapist may ask questions and make suggestions. However, do not expect anyone to tell you the answers. Expect a quiet, private environment with just and the therapist. You may share your most private and intimate thoughts. Trust is essential. One thing that is lacking in this forum is the connection to others going through a similar circumstance. However, this is traded for a more personal therapeutic path which can be modified to your personal needs. 

Group therapy is an open forum. Everyone will share their own thought and experiences. It can be quite comforting to hear that others are going through similar hardships. At the same time you will need courage to speak out and share your own stories. This may not always be easy, and the first few sessions you may say very little, however it is essential to moving forward in this therapeutic environment. Together the community acknowledges mistakes, discovers similarities, connects without judgment and works towards a better way of coping.

Now you have learned the ins and outs of both individual and group therapies. Likely you will find yourself leaning towards one or the other. Or, you  may be thinking that both sound invaluable. In this case, you do not necessarily need to choose as you are more than welcome to engage in both. The next step on your healing path will be to find a group that feel welcoming, or a therapist with whom you will be safe. Then you will be ready for a therapeutic experience which will hopefully bring you to the doorstep of serene wholeness. 

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