Group Therapy | Benefits and How it is Used

Fighting addiction can feel incredibly lonely, like you’re stuck in a battle with yourself while the world carries on without you. That sense of isolation can make things even harder, feeding into the very habits that you’re trying to break. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through this on your own. Group therapy offers the chance to connect with others who have firsthand experience of what you’re facing. It is a space where you can share, heal and grow alongside people who are walking the same path, creating a community that helps you rebuild your life, one step at a time.

What is group therapy?

Group therapy is where you join others in sharing your experiences and working through challenges under the guidance of a professional therapist. In group therapy sessions, the therapist leads meaningful conversations and encourages everyone to open up, reflect and grow. This allows everyone to share insights, listen to each other and find support within the group.

Group therapy for addiction is one of the cornerstones of Linwood House’s rehab treatment programmes. It offers you a unique opportunity to get to know other people who are facing the same struggles and challenges as you. Group therapy sessions are structured to allow for open, honest discussions about personal experiences with addiction, fears about the recovery process and both the victories and setbacks that come along the way.

One of the most powerful aspects of addiction group therapy is the diversity of recovery stages among participants. You will find people who are just beginning to face their addiction, those who are actively working through it and others who have overcome significant hurdles and are now focusing on long-term recovery. This mix of perspectives brings richness to the conversations, allowing everyone to learn from each other’s experiences and gain motivation from the progress of those ahead of them on their recovery journey.

Why is group therapy for addiction so beneficial?

Group therapy offers several unique benefits for those in addiction recovery. Here is what you can expect:

Fresh perspectives on recovery

One of the biggest advantages of group therapy is learning from others who are walking a similar path. You will hear different recovery stories, share in the triumphs of your peers and gain wisdom from their setbacks. This exchange of experiences helps broaden your understanding of addiction, making your own recovery journey feel more relatable and achievable.

Building better communication

In group therapy, you will learn to open up and share honestly about your thoughts and feelings, something that might have been difficult during active addiction. You will also develop the ability to listen to others and offer support in a positive way. These communication skills can spill over into other areas of your life, improving your relationships with family, friends and colleagues.

Support from your peers

The bond that forms in a group setting is unlike any other. Being surrounded by people who know how it feels to walk in your shoes can create a powerful support system. In fact, it is often easier for those in group therapy to understand each other’s struggles than it is for their closest friends and family.

These connections don’t just end when the session is over either and many find that the friendships made in group therapy continue to be a source of support long after rehab is finished. That is one reason why Linwood House offers a year of aftercare with weekly group therapy sessions to help keep these connections alive after you leave our rehab centre.

Practice makes progress

Group therapy offers a safe space to try out your new strategies for coping with stress and cravings. This may involve role-playing or discussing what has worked for others, but it also gives you the opportunity to practise in a supportive environment. Through this practice, you will then be able to stay strong in situations that might have previously triggered substance use.

A sense of belonging

Addiction can feel incredibly isolating, but group therapy helps remind you that you are not a bad person or the first who has ever struggled. Hearing others share similar thoughts, struggles, and victories normalises your own feelings and reduces the shame often tied to addiction. The shared experience of recovery helps take the weight off your shoulders, reminding you that what you are going through is part of the journey.

Motivation to keep going

Watching others make progress in their recovery can be a powerful source of motivation. Seeing someone further along in their journey can give you hope, while offering encouragement to those just starting out can remind you of how far you have come. This mutual support keeps the group moving forward together towards the same goal.

Group therapy vs individual therapy

At Linwood House, both group and individual therapy play vital roles in addiction recovery, with each offering unique benefits. Rather than viewing them as competing therapies, our rehab programmes offer both approaches, complementing each other in the healing process.

Group therapy provides camaraderie, empathy, and wisdom shared by others in a similar situation to yours. Individual therapy, on the other hand, offers a one-on-one space tailored specifically to you. It gives you the chance to dive deeper into personal issues that might be harder to address in a group setting.

With the undivided attention of your therapist, you can work through underlying emotions, traumas or mental health concerns that may have contributed to your addiction. This allows you to explore these things at your own pace and enables your therapist to develop a plan that is unique to you.

What can I expect from a group therapy session?

Walking into your first group therapy session can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease. Group therapy for addiction is structured in a way that encourages openness, support and personal growth without any pressure.

At Linwood House, our group therapy sessions are led by our experienced therapists who guide the conversation, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected. The session typically begins with a check-in, where each person has the chance to share how they’re feeling and what’s on their mind.

After that, the discussions usually revolve around shared experiences, challenges and victories in the recovery process. You will hear others’ stories, offer your own insights and exchange advice. There may also be guided topics, such as coping strategies, dealing with triggers or handling relationships during recovery. It is a safe, non-judgmental environment, so everyone can be honest about their struggles without fear of being misunderstood.

At the end of each session, there is often a wrap-up where everyone can reflect on what they have learned or share something they found particularly helpful. The goal is to leave the session feeling more supported and better equipped for the challenges ahead.

Start your group therapy journey at Linwood House

Curious about how group therapy can support your recovery? Whether you want to learn more about how it works or are ready to take that first step, our admissions team at Linwood House is here to guide you. Reach out today, and together, we will get you started on the path to sobriety and long-term wellness. Your new beginning is just a conversation away!

Frequently asked questions

How many people can I expect to be in my group therapy session?

Linwood House has beds for up to 51 clients but your group therapy sessions will usually include around 10 people. This ensures that everyone gets the chance to speak and be heard and also allows us to create a sense of camaraderie and community.

Is group therapy a key part of treatment?

Yes, group therapy is a key part of the treatment at Linwood House. You will experience it both during your rehab stay on a weekly basis as part of our free outpatient aftercare programme. Group therapy is a great way to keep connecting with others in recovery and to maintain the support you need after leaving rehab.

Can I avoid group therapy if I would prefer to do individual therapy?

At Linwood House, we believe in the balance of both group and individual therapy for the most effective recovery. While individual therapy provides personalised one-on-one support, group therapy offers the unique benefit of peer connection and shared experiences. Combining both helps you grow personally while benefiting from the insight and encouragement of others walking the same path.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.