Peer support is an essential part of recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and many co-occurring mental health disorders. Group therapy is one tool treatment programs use to facilitate peer support and engagement. Group therapy at Driftwood Recovery encourages mutual empowerment. Every program offers group therapy to clients struggling with SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a treatment used to help multiple people address mental health issues. Generally, groups consist of 6 to 12 people and are led by at least one trained therapist. Individuals are encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights with the rest of the group. The therapist often uses various forms of psychotherapy to help clients build skills and engage productively with peers.
Studies have shown that group therapy “can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Driftwood Recovery uses group therapy to help clients recover from chronic substance abuse, trauma, and other issues affecting emotional wellness.
The Benefits of Group Therapy at Driftwood Recovery
Group therapy at Driftwood Recovery offers clients a safe and comfortable space to explore and express emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. Clients learn to communicate their needs more effectively. Sharing with others also leads to critical insights and personal growth, allowing clients to learn from and support each other.
Some of the primary benefits of group therapy include:
- Building a supportive network of peers
- Learning from others in recovery
- Offering peer support to others
- Developing essential social skills
- Improving communication and interpersonal skills
Social skills are essential to long-term sobriety. People need a healthy support network to thrive in recovery, and communication and social skills impact how well they maintain their support networks.
Group Therapy at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery uses group therapy to encourage, uplift, and empower clients recovering from chronic substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. Many people in rehabilitation have underlying trauma or other issues affecting their mental wellness. Group therapy gives them space to identify and address these underlying factors.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Group Environment
A safe and supportive environment improves mental health, increases resilience, and gives people the space to improve themselves. Group therapy offers clients in rehabilitation a welcoming environment where they can engage with others who share similar life experiences. Healing together is an empowering and emotionally healing experience. Many people with SUD benefit from peer therapies and activities during treatment and ongoing recovery.
Tailored to Individual Needs and Treatment Goals
Group therapy must address each client’s individual needs and treatment goals. Driftwood Recovery tailors each group session to ensure every client has the opportunity to share and gain essential insights. Topics often include discussions of complex aspects of addiction recovery or mental health to help clients work together to find healthy solutions for managing their condition.
The Power of Peer Support
Peer support is a powerful tool for addiction recovery. According to Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, “Varying approaches that include a mixture of services such as peer support groups, individual counseling, and case management have emerged as a highly effective and empowering method to manage the social context of health issues and are particularly popular in the substance abuse and mental health fields.” Driftwood Recovery uses group therapy to encourage peer support and treat the mental health symptoms of SUD.
Learning From Others’ Experiences
People recovering from chronic substance abuse find healing and support by learning from others who share similar life experiences. Group therapy is a safe environment where people can feel comfortable sharing their pain, successes, thoughts, concerns, and fears. The therapist guides the conversation while allowing peers to share insights and advice, creating a collaborative and empowering dynamic within the group. Mutual support and understanding enable people to heal more quickly from the effects of chronic substance abuse.
Building a Strong Recovery Community
Driftwood Recovery has built a strong recovery community where everyone can participate and gain support. Group therapy is one aspect of that community, allowing clients to explore and express themselves without judgment. Individuals in aftercare can also continue participating in the community, gaining and offering support.
Finding Your Place in Group Therapy at Driftwood Recovery
Group therapy settings vary depending on the therapeutic approach used and the goal of each session. For example, group therapy may take place indoors or outdoors, have a strict or less formal structure, and vary significantly in size and content. Some people may worry about finding their place in the group. Therapists at Driftwood Recovery prioritize tailored interventions individualized to each client’s unique needs. Every group therapy session is carefully constructed to provide the most effective treatment to each participant.
Group Therapy at Driftwood Recovery and Long-Term Recovery
The ultimate goal of lasting sobriety requires time and determination to achieve. Clients benefit from taking advantage of group therapy and other treatment services designed to provide long-term support. Group therapy is helpful during every level of care, including aftercare. Driftwood Recovery offers referrals to outside resources for individuals transitioning out of structured treatment and into continuing care. Individuals in ongoing recovery continue to benefit from participating in self-help groups, group therapy, and other support services.
Peer support uplifts clients and encourages mutual empowerment. Group therapy is an excellent source of peer support. Driftwood Recovery offers group therapy as part of every treatment program. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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