Group Therapy FAQ
It takes a lot of courage to join a group! It is very understandable to feel hesitant about group therapy; and in fact, you can share your hesitation or fear with the group itself. Group therapy offers a rare and powerful experience of being witnessed and validated by others, but you will not be expected to share everything at once. What matters is your willingness to commit to the group experience and show up with your questions, your overwhelm, and your hope. If you are feeling curious or even just cautiously open, I would love the opportunity to speak with you to determine if group therapy might be the right fit for you. —Becca Hamilton | LPC, PMH-C
Q: What is Group Therapy?
A: Group therapy is a supportive therapeutic space where a small group of women meets regularly with the guidance of a licensed therapist. Women will receive professional support while also connecting with other women who are facing similar challenges. The group offers a powerful reminder that you are not alone, and that healing often happens in the presence of others who understand or who are seeking to understand.
Q: Who is a good candidate for Group Therapy?
A: Group therapy might be an appropriate primary treatment, but it is usually helpful to view it as a supplement to individual therapy. All clients are screened (have a consultation call with the therapist) prior to joining to ensure the group is a clinically appropriate fit. A client in individual therapy may reach a point in their therapeutic journey where they feel they might benefit greatly from hearing other women’s experiences and from sharing their own story as well.
Q: Can you explain your therapeutic approach to Group Therapy?
A: Group therapy for perinatal clients is a relational and evidence-based intervention that usually includes four components:
Psychoeducation
Emotional Processing
Peer Support
Skill Building
It is our commitment to offer a trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and a culturally responsive approach to ensure emotional safety and clinical effectiveness.
Q: How does your approach differ from 1:1 to Group:1?
A: Let’s start with an example of postpartum anxiety. In individual therapy, the therapist might explore early attachment wounds (family of origin challenges), perfectionism, birth trauma, sleep deprivation effects. In group therapy, a mom hears “me too” from others, learns regulation strategies, shares her fears aloud, and gains hope by offering and receiving empathy. Healing happens BETWEEN members in group therapy, whereas in individual therapy, the primary healing relationship is dyadic (between the therapist and client).
Q: Virtual Group Therapy… How does that work?
A: Group therapy can be conducted in a few different manners. At Mère, we offer closed psychotherapy groups. This means: there are the same clients attending each group therapy session series, and the groups are structured, guided by a therapist with specific goals in mind. The group will meet through a secure HIPAA-compliant video platform which allows clients to join from a comfortable environment. Each group will have a specific theme, and the therapist will guide the group through reflections, gentle education, and shared dialogue. Many people feel nervous to open up in a group but what we often find is that hearing someone else say what we have been quietly carrying can be deeply healing.
Q: We have heard from potential patients, “I’m not sure about virtual care”. Can you walk us through how you build relationships with the women you care for, especially in a group setting?
A: Building trust in a virtual group is very important and begins by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where each client feels heard and supported. Drawing on my seven years of experience in-person, I prioritize active listening, offer honest and relevant insights, and foster connection among clients to reduce feelings of isolation and awkwardness. I also ensure regular check-ins to provide ongoing support and connection, while being sensitive to each individual’s needs. One of the most powerful tools is to name the “elephant” in the (virtual) therapy room, for example, “I am not sure about this, I have never done virtual group therapy or virtual therapy before.” Naming that sentiment out loud in front of other participants or a therapist is very brave and perhaps opens a door for healing to begin.
Q: What do women stand to gain from caring for themselves in this way?
A: Joining a therapy group can be a significant step toward self-care and mental health well-being during the perinatal period. There are several clinical benefits to group therapy as well:
Reduction in Social Isolation
Safe Emotional Processing
Development of Support Systems
Rebuilding of Identity and Self-worth
Acquisition of Coping Strategies
Fostering of Self-Compassion (!!!)
Q: Why is group therapy is especially effective for perinatal clients?
Perinatal distress is often rooted in isolation. Group therapy counters this directly!
Women often blame themselves for “not doing it right” and group validation offers powerful repair of this negative thought pattern.
Mothers can develop new relational patterns and healthy narratives through peer interaction within the group.
If you’d like to learn more about Group Therapy, we’d love to walk alongside you!
You can book a free 15min introductory call to learn more about our current Groups.