GROUP THERAPY IN LOS ANGELES

What you should expect varies from group to group. Some require specific forms of participation, while others are strictly no-pressure. Before your first meeting, one of the leaders should give you a brief rundown of the format and provide you with introductory information. If they do not, then feel free to reach out to them to learn more about what to expect. Some information to gather before you begin attending a therapy group includes:

• The group’s purpose
• Any guidelines or etiquette rules
• Start and stop times
• Examples of what to expect during the meeting

Here is a breakdown of how a typical group therapy session might take place:

1. The person leading the group will make a statement that begins on a positive note and recognizes what you are there to discuss.
2. If there will be a specific topic or goal for that meeting, it will be clearly explained.
3. The group leader will often then pose a question for everyone to ponder. They may discuss answers and present follow-up questions.
4. Several volunteers might share more about their initial answers, and the leader can use these stories to promote a relevant coping skill or another helpful tool.
5. Throughout the session, the group leader will check in with each member to see if they have any questions or something they would like to add to the discussion.
6. The session will typically end with a recap of everything that was discussed, including how any specific lessons learned can apply to real-life situations that each person may face.