As the group continues:

5 Tips for Running an Effective Therapy Group

1. A Strict Policy of Non-Violence.
2. Make the Group Fun!
3. Respect a Participant’s Privacy.
4. Encourage, but Don’t Force, Participation.
5. Be Straightforward and Direct, but Unassertive.

Begin the counseling group by talking about less personal subjects, then build your way up to the more intense conversations (A. McCauley). A group counseling section should be divided up into three segments: activity, conversation, and conclusion. Each segment has a specific purpose.

1. Allow members to participate at their own pace.
2. Use affirming, empathic statements, rather than probing questions.
3. Highlight group process.
4. Communicate, consistently, group members’ responsibility to the group.
5. Ask group members to evaluate their experience on a regular basis.

Group therapy helps individuals develop communication skills and socialization skills, and allows clients to learn how to express their issues and accept criticism from others. Group therapy allows individuals to develop self-awareness by listening to others with similar issues.

Some of the limitations of group therapy are as follows:

• It can make people uncomfortable:
• Loss of trust:
• Clashes between personalities:
• Some individuals can interpret rejection:
• Limitations regrading privacy:
• Social Phobia and speaking in front of a group:

7 Topics to Discuss During Group Therapy

• Family Dynamics.
• Past Trauma.
• Substance Use Triggers.
• Future Plans.
• Personal Heroes.
• Self-Care.
• Habits.