The Benefits of Group Therapy During an Inpatient Recovery programme
When used in combination, they can be especially effective. One of the most effective forms of therapy at an inpatient recovery programme in Thailand, or elsewhere, is group therapy.
Group therapy during rehab is a valuable tool that can assist a person in maintaining their sobriety in the early days of recovery, as well as, months and years after. At first thought, group therapy might feel like a scary concept. This is usually to due with the idea of talking to unknown people about personal issues. For some, they might avoid getting any treatment because of the potentially intimidating aspect group therapy during rehab. Before you completely decide this type of therapy is not for you, take time to understand what it is and why group therapy is beneficial.
Understanding Group Therapy
Group therapy is exactly what it sounds. A trained, certified addiction counsellor, or therapist, will bring people with similar issues, together in a group environment. The sessions are confined to a limited number of people, and in a controlled, therapeutic environment. Guided in a safe atmosphere, participants are encouraged to discuss various challenges or issues that may be common to each other.
A majority of inpatient recovery programmes include group therapy into their treatment plans. Usually, it is used alongside individual counselling, cognitive behavioural therapies, and other programmes. Group therapy may last between 1 and 2 hours and may be offered several times a week.
What You Can Expect During Group Therapy Sessions
While a rehabs’ group therapy sessions might slightly vary, depending on the counsellor and the programme, there are similarities. The sessions might begin with anyone new introducing themselves and giving participants a brief background of what brought them to this place. As you attend group therapy sessions, you will learn how others have been affected by addiction and what issues they have dealt with. Some people might talk about their triggers and how they have learned to cope with them. On certain days, your group therapist might might guide the session around a topic of focus.
Each group therapy session at rehab will be overseen by a therapist who will keep everyone on track. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and contribute with advice. At no time will anyone be made to feel wrong or incorrect. As the days go by, you will get to know one another. Some people will feel a connection that develops into a long lasting friendship even outside of rehab.
Although exploring the elements of an addiction is largely important during group therapy sessions, there might be times in which a birthday is celebrated or some kind of other social environment. This is meant to encourage relaxation in a substance-free environment, while at the same time teaches you how to enjoy life without using.
Benefits of Group Therapy During Rehab
You might be aware of the reasons to attend individual counselling; however, there are an equal number of reasons to consider group therapy during rehab, and after.
Companionship
Addiction tends to cut users off from others, especially those who might not share the same condition. This can create a sense of loneliness which might exacerbate the cycle of addiction.
Group therapy sessions show participants that they are not alone. During your stay at an inpatient recovery centre, you will meet others who can relate to you and your struggles because they too share them. Discovering common bonds, such as these, serves as a foundation for mutual support, strength, and inspiration.
Communication
It is very common for a person with an active addiction to feel as if they cannot open up about the challenges they are struggling with. They might lack any healthy outlet where they can open up without judgement. In group therapy, participants will find they are invited to speak freely, without judgement, about their thoughts, feelings, and struggles.
Often, when a person is able to talk about their frustration and worries, they can identify practical solutions to overcome them. In the event they are unable to do so, another person in the group might relate to a similar situation and be able to offer valuable insight and advice.
Listeners in the group can also benefit from hearing others’ stories. They may lose any feelings of isolation, loneliness, or even doubt. Finally, the communication benefit during group therapy can overall enhance the participants’ confidence and social skills; thereby, aid in relapse prevention.
Insight
Sometimes, a person might be in a situation in which they feel no way out. This could be for any number of reasons, but often it is because they are too emotionally connected to see a solution. By talking about these issues in a safe, unbiased environment, participants can give feedback or provide a different perspective that the person might not have thought about.
In group therapy, everyone has dealt with challenges; therefore, solutions are offered in a way that is non-critical and supportive. This can prevent feelings of discomfort or the need to get defensive.
Accountability
At our inpatient recovery programme in Thailand, many of our patients quickly realise that group therapy enables them to develop a strength that they didn’t necessarily have when they were alone. Participants of group therapy tend to develop a mentality of “we are in this together”, this bond can lead to a sense of responsibility and accountability not just for one’s self, but for everyone in the group.
Mutual accountability is invaluable because when one person might be struggling or having a bad day, they know they can reach out for help and assistance. Furthermore, some people will feel obligated to work extra hard to avoid letting their peers down by returning to drinking alcohol or using drugs. This benefit is especially useful in group sessions after an inpatient rehab programme.
Group Therapy After Rehab
Group therapy might begin at an inpatient rehab facility; however, it doesn’t end once the programme is complete. Your aftercare should include some kind of group therapy. Many people choose to attend a recovery group such as NA or AA. There are other groups and programmes available; some of which are 12-step based and others revolve around another model or study format. If you are interested in joining an addiction recovery group after inpatient rehab treatment, you can talk with your rehab counselor or check out local meetings near your home.
Siam Rehab – A Premier Inpatient Rehab in Thailand
Addiction has many factors including past traumas, family history, upbringing, environment, genetics, and more. Because of this, it is important to be equipped with different tools that can help you to regain sobriety. At Siam Rehab, we make extensive use of science based therapies, and complementary therapies to target the various elements of addiction. Group therapy is included in our individualised treatment plans, along with equine based therapy, individual counselling, art therapy, and Muay Thai. To learn more about Siam Rehab or our treatment programme, call us today.
