Group Therapy

Instead, they will be given the opportunity to bond with others who are in similar situations as they are and start working towards the goal of recovery alongside others. This companionship is often priceless, as it not only helps clients get through the challenges they face in recovery but also provides them with a support system of individuals who they can reach out to even after their treatment is completed.

What Is Group Addiction Therapy?

Individuals recovering from substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses are likely to participate in group therapy sessions. Our group addiction therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee occurs in an environment where there are more than two participants and at least one therapist who is leading the group. Depending on the size of the group, more than one therapist will guide the sessions. While participating in group therapy, clients will work with others who are also in recovery to help reduce symptoms of substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses in an effort to affect positive change and emotional and psychological stability.

Group Therapy Models

In many instances, group addiction therapy has a number of clients gather together and utilize their time as a multi-person talk therapy session. This approach can be extremely beneficial, especially when the therapist provides a topic for discussion and guides the conversation. However, within-group therapy, there are several other models that can be provided outside of the talk-therapy model. The most common models offered through group therapy include those below.

Skills Development Groups

Our Knoxville group therapy in Knoxville, TN provides clients with skills development groups, which focus specifically on the skills that the group members strive to establish. The therapist will provide information to the group members and encourage them to interact with one another to help develop these skills.

For example, one of the first things discussed in skills development groups is how to manage triggers to use again. The therapist might provide a few examples of how to accomplish this, and then turn to the group members to think of other ways to abstain from using after being triggered. Or, the group members might be encouraged to discuss new ways to manage anger responses, handle personal responsibilities, and improve upon communicating with others.

Cognitive Behavior Groups

Cognitive behavior therapy, more commonly known as CBT, is a frequently utilized type of therapy that helps individuals modify their behaviors to support a positive lifestyle. Group addiction therapy incorporates this evidence-based therapy into the services that they provide so that those in group sessions can work with one another to build their behavioral intelligence.

To start, the therapist might ask the group members to identify the beliefs and behaviors that they have that are problematic. In many cases, group members will share similar beliefs and behaviors. From there, the therapist can show clients ways to adopt positive thinking and behavior to their lives in an effort to help prevent relapse and foster success in recovery.

Interpersonal Process Groups

Group addiction therapy knows how beneficial interpersonal process groups can be for those attempting to recover from substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions. Led by the therapist, group members will be encouraged to share their feelings on a regular basis, exploring how and why they impact the functioning of the rest of the group. Within these sessions, a therapist might encourage some group members to act out a scenario based on how they are presently feeling to help show them how their emotions, regardless of if they are good or bad, will impact those around him or her. The goal of interpersonal group therapy is to aid group members in bettering themselves in order to prevent dysfunction in their lives.

These are some examples of group therapy and do not cover all of the models that are offered. However, these are some of the most common models seen in group therapy sessions nationwide.

Benefits of Group Addiction Therapy in Knoxville

Without a doubt, one of the most life-altering benefits that can come from group therapy is the support system that can be developed amongst group members. Substance use disorders and/or mental illnesses are extremely challenging conditions to cope with and attempting to manage them while isolated from others can backfire significantly. However, through the different models that can be provided through group therapy, everyone involved can be given the opportunity to support others and be supported in return. Additional benefits of our group addiction therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee include the following:

• Receiving education about the disease of addiction and the process of recovery
• Developing skills that can help change problematic behaviors
• Learning from the growth of others in the group
• Establishing a sense of self-confidence and self-worth
• Building a set of coping skills to utilize when triggered

Participating in group therapy can help better isolate specific needs in clients. For example, after being in a therapeutic group session, an individual might realize that he or she has more individual work to do regarding a traumatic event that occurred in his or her life. As group therapy sessions continue, that client can start to work on that particular issue in his or her individual therapy sessions, thus promoting more growth than before.

Get The Help You Deserve At Our Group Therapy Program in Knoxville, TN

Group addiction therapy in Knoxville is just one part of a bigger course of care designed to help treat substance use disorders. If you are addicted to one or more substances, you do not need to keep using, no matter how tied to your addiction you might feel. Making the decision to reach out and contact someone can help you get started on your road to recovery.