You have been considering therapy for loneliness, isolation, or difficulty connecting with others. Your therapist suggests group therapy. Your first thought is “Absolutely not.” The idea of being vulnerable in front of strangers feels terrifying. You already struggle to connect with people. How would sitting in a room with them help?
But you also wonder if there might be something to it. Maybe being around people working on similar issues would help. Maybe you would not feel so alone if you heard others share their struggles.
If you have been searching group therapy, therapy groups Colorado, or group therapy for connection, you are recognizing something important. Group therapy is not for everyone, but for many people, it is the most effective way to heal issues around belonging and connection.
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, we offer therapy groups in Colorado designed to help people build genuine connection and work through relational challenges. This article explores what group therapy is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy involves a small group of people (typically 5 to 10) meeting regularly with one or two trained therapists to work on emotional and relational issues. Groups can focus on specific topics (anxiety, grief, relationships) or be more open ended process groups.
Unlike support groups, therapy groups are led by licensed therapists and use therapeutic techniques to facilitate growth and change.
How Group Therapy Is Different From Individual Therapy
Both individual and group therapy are valuable, but they work in different ways:
Individual Therapy
- One on one relationship with a therapist.
- Focuses on your specific issues and history.
- Provides privacy and individualized attention.
- Addresses patterns that might not show up in a group setting.
Group Therapy
- Multiple people working together with a therapist.
- Provides real time relational feedback.
- Reduces isolation by connecting you with others who understand.
- Allows you to practice new ways of relating in a safe environment.
- Shows you how you come across to others.
Many people benefit from doing both individual and group therapy simultaneously.
Why Group Therapy Works For Connection And Belonging
If you struggle with loneliness, isolation, or difficulty connecting, group therapy offers unique benefits:
You Are Not Alone
Hearing others share struggles similar to yours reduces shame and isolation. You realize you are not uniquely broken.
You Practice Connection In Real Time
The group itself becomes a place to practice being vulnerable, setting boundaries, and building relationships. You get immediate feedback on how you interact.
You Learn From Others
Watching others work through issues gives you insight into your own patterns. You might see yourself in someone else’s story.
You Give And Receive Support
Being helpful to others builds your sense of worth and purpose. Receiving support teaches you that you deserve care.
You Build Real Relationships
Group members often develop genuine connections. These relationships can extend beyond the group and become part of your support network.
What Happens In A Therapy Group?
Every group is different, but here is a general structure:
Check In
Members share how they are feeling or what has been happening in their lives since the last session.
Processing
The group explores themes that come up. This might involve discussing a specific issue, working through a conflict within the group, or exploring patterns.
Feedback And Support
Group members offer each other feedback, share their perspectives, and provide support. The therapist guides the conversation to keep it productive and safe.
Skills Building
Some groups include psychoeducation or skills training (communication, emotional regulation, boundary setting).
Closing
The group reflects on the session and prepares to re enter the outside world.
Common Fears About Group Therapy (And The Reality)
Many people have fears about group therapy. Here is what those fears look like versus the reality:
Fear: I Will Be Judged
Reality: Group members are there because they are struggling too. Most people feel compassion, not judgment, when you share.
Fear: I Will Have To Talk About Things I Am Not Ready To Share
Reality: You control what you share. You can participate by listening or sharing as little or as much as you want.
Fear: My Problems Are Not Bad Enough
Reality: There is no threshold for how bad things have to be. If you are struggling, you belong.
Fear: I Will Not Fit In
Reality: Most people feel this way at first. Over time, as you see the commonalities, connection builds.
Fear: What If I Cry Or Get Emotional?
Reality: Crying is normal and welcome in therapy groups. Vulnerability is the point.
Who Benefits From Group Therapy?
Group therapy is especially helpful for:
- Loneliness and isolation: If you feel disconnected or struggle to build relationships, group provides built in community.
- Social anxiety: Group provides a safe place to practice social interaction with support.
- Relationship struggles: Group helps you see your relational patterns and practice new ways of connecting.
- Shame: Sharing your struggles and being accepted reduces shame.
- Grief and loss: Being with others who understand the pain of loss reduces isolation.
- Identity issues: Group helps you explore who you are with the support of others on similar journeys.
Who Might Not Be Ready For Group Therapy?
Group therapy is not for everyone, or not for everyone at every stage:
- If you are in acute crisis and need intensive individual support.
- If you are actively suicidal or in immediate danger.
- If you have severe symptoms that would make it hard to be present for others.
- If you are not ready to hear others’ struggles (this can be triggering if you are too vulnerable).
Your therapist can help you decide if group is right for you right now.
How To Find The Right Therapy Group
Not all therapy groups are the same. Here is how to find one that fits:
Identify Your Needs
Do you want a group focused on a specific issue (grief, anxiety, relationships) or a more open ended process group?
Consider Format
Do you want virtual or in person? Open (new members can join anytime) or closed (same members for the duration)?
Ask About The Group Culture
What is the tone? Is it structured or flexible? Confrontational or supportive? Make sure it matches what you need.
Meet The Facilitator
The therapist’s approach matters. Do they feel like someone you can trust?
Try It Out
Most groups allow you to try a session or two before committing. See how it feels.
How Group Therapy Works At Better Lives, Building Tribes
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, our therapy groups are designed to help people build connection, work through relational challenges, and find belonging.
Our groups:
- Focus on connection and belonging: We prioritize creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Are trauma informed: We understand how past experiences affect your ability to trust and connect, and we create safety accordingly.
- Encourage authenticity: We value real connection over performance. You do not have to be perfect.
- Provide structure and flexibility: We offer enough structure to feel safe while allowing organic conversations to unfold.
We offer both virtual and in person groups for adults across Colorado.
What To Expect In Your First Group Session
The first session is always the hardest. Here is what to expect:
- You will probably feel nervous. That is normal.
- The therapist will explain how the group works and set expectations.
- You might introduce yourself, but you do not have to share your whole story yet.
- You might feel awkward or unsure. That fades as the group becomes familiar.
- You can observe and listen if you are not ready to share.
Give it a few sessions before deciding if the group is right for you. Connection takes time.
How Better Lives, Building Tribes Supports Group Therapy
At Better Lives, Building Tribes, we believe that healing happens in relationship. Our therapy groups provide a space to build genuine connection and work through relational challenges in real time.
Our approach is:
- Compassionate and nonjudgmental: We create a space where everyone feels welcome.
- Relational: We focus on the connections between group members, not just individual issues.
- Flexible: We adapt to what the group needs in each session.
- Supportive: We help group members support each other while also setting boundaries and maintaining safety.
Next Steps: Exploring Group Therapy In Colorado
If you are curious about group therapy, the best way to find out if it is for you is to try it. We would be happy to talk with you about whether our groups are a good fit.
To learn more about group therapy at Better Lives, Building Tribes:
- Visit betterlivesbuildingtribes.com/ to see our current group offerings.
- Schedule a consultation with Dr. Meaghan Rice or another therapist on our team through the booking link on our site.
- Reach out via our contact form to ask questions or find out more about our groups.
Group therapy can be transformative. If you are struggling with loneliness or connection, it might be exactly what you need. We would be honored to support you.
