Group Therapy
Finding a therapy group in New York can be difficult. Hopefully, we can answer any questions you have here, but if you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
Group therapy is a kind of therapy that involves a single (or sometimes two) psychotherapists meeting with a group of people - usually 6-12 but it can be as small as 3 people - working on the same or similar issues. There are several different types of group therapy - those that provide psycho-education, support groups, psychodynamic groups, interpersonal groups, and several others. Although group therapies of all kinds can be valuable, at Madison Park Psychotherapy our focus is on psychotherapeutic groups rather than educational or support groups, and so we will focus on that here.
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What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a model of psychotherapy premised on the idea that the group setting is a more natural environment for most people most of the time than is a private one-on-one with a therapist. In group therapy, each participant brings something unique to the group and that allows the group therapist to observe the interpersonal dynamics that occur in the world in a controlled setting. Those in the group participate in this process, providing insight into their own emotional responses and how others come across to them can provide incredible insight that cannot otherwise be achieved through individual therapy.
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Group therapy can be short term - usually 8-12 sessions - with a specific goal in mind, or it can be longer term with the broader goal of gaining insight and fostering personal growth.
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Who is Group Therapy For?
​Group therapy is about as effective as individual therapy[1] and has an impressive evidence base for treating a variety of conditions, including depression,[2] anxiety,[3] ADHD,[4] chronic pain,[5] and trauma and PTSD.[6]
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Group therapy is unique in that there is always an overarching topic or theme unifying the group. These are incredibly diverse and can be based on a common struggle (e.g., groups for couples trying to conceive, pregnancy support groups, or group therapy for parenting), a similar experience (e.g., trauma support groups, groups for chronic over-workers, student support groups), ora diagnosis (e.g., anxiety support groups, ADHD support groups, PTSD support groups).
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The groups we offer vary throughout the year. Some of these accept new group members on a rolling basis but others have firm start dates. The groups we have available are listed below - if we don't have any listed, none are available at the moment.
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How long does couples therapy take?Of course, giving an exact answer to this is impossible, but the duration of of couples therapy will be based on the following: Getting right to work: Couples therapy typically moves a bit quicker than individual therapy, but that relies on couples showing up ready to work. We understand that it can feel uncomfortable to have a third person in the room while you argue, discuss deep areas of resentment and sadness, or uncertainties about the relationship, but it is essential to moving through the the current period into something more productive. Do your homework: Couples therapy often involves homework or assignments to work on or think about in-between sessions. That can feel corny or burdensome on your already overloaded schedule, but it really must be done. Individual therapy: In the course of couples therapy, we will invariably touch on painful topics. Having an understanding of those vulnerabilities and what you are bringing to the table is extremely helpful. Although it is not a necessary prerequisite, individual therapy is often the best place to identify and work on those individual issues.
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How soon is too soon for couples therapy?In general, there is a very low false positive to couples therapy and a very high false negative - that is, if you go to a therapist when you don't really need to, it generally does very little damage, but if you don't go to a therapist and you do need to, it is generally very damaging. Researchers once worried that couples therapy was ineffective because people came to therapy too late, so if you are thinking about couples therapy, it is probably a good time to check it out.
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Can we do couples therapy remotely?The short answer is: Yes, but not at the beginning. Although remote therapy is easier when you have to manage three people's schedules, it is important for both you and your therapist to be in the same room together, particularly earlier on in your work.
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What if my partner refuses to go to couples therapy?Therapy has to be a voluntary choice. If your partner has questions about the process and would like to discuss these with your therapist prior to your sessions, they are welcome to do so. If they are unwilling, you are alway welcome to explore your issues in individual therapy.
