One of the questions we can ask ourselves when going to the psychologist is “what type of therapy do I need” or “which one would be best for my problem.”
It is important to find out what type of professional can best adapt when treating the specific problem, since psychologists have different clinical orientations, sometimes there are more indicated and specific methodologies for depending on which disorders and problems.
In this article we will review several key ideas to keep in mind about How to choose between group or individual therapy so that it is easier to choose between intervention modalities.
Choosing between individual or group therapy: how to decide?
Fortunately, there are more and more strategies and tools to achieve more effective therapeutic results, thanks to continuous research in the area of clinical and health psychology.
Regarding the decision of what type of therapy to choose, individual or group, we must take into account the problem or disorder to be treated on the one hand, and the profile and characteristics of the patient, on the other
For example, there are certain problems that are treated very effectively in group therapy, but if the person in question presents a certain symptomatology, some other additional problem or significant difficulties for working in group dynamics, it must be carefully evaluated. If the most convenient thing is individual therapy.
In individual therapy, the patient only interacts with the psychologist or therapist while in the group there is interaction between patients in the group and also that of the psychologist with the group and each of them.
We cannot affirm that one modality is better than another, since It is proven that both are effective and have their advantages For example, in group therapy we find the following positive characteristics.
1. You can learn from the other members of the group
The fact that there are more people makes it possible to share experiences review results that have worked for others, take into account other points of view different from your own, share doubts and participate in the joint search for solutions.
2. Create a non-judgmental environment
When problems are shared in a homogeneous group, that is, all members of the therapeutic group are going through the same type of process, feeling that we are part of a common problem and that others also suffer and understand us, produces relief. Not feeling judged makes it easier to feel understood
3. Enhances problem solving by relating
Group therapy is more enriching in work aimed at learning and practicing certain coping skills (for example in social skills workshops).
This is so because in these sessions tasks are practiced that launch the improvement and solution of problems at a social level so that later this practice in the group context can be transferred to the daily life of each patient once it has been understood which are the appropriate and most functional behaviors.
4. Promotes commitment to improvement
Take advantage of the strength and cohesion of the group It is a very important aspect to work on disease awareness and decision-making for change.
Specific, in addiction self-help groups This has been proven to be necessary. For the treatment of addictions, group therapy is indicated, often combined with individual therapy, because it contributes to obtaining good results. The group acts as a “brake” for the addicted patient, especially at the beginning of treatment.
Also in groups where specific phobias, grief, etc. are treated, we can say that the group gives “push” when it comes to facing the problem.
5. Less costs
The economic part is also an advantage since group therapy is usually cheaper than individual therapy.
Features of individual therapy
Individual therapy allows addressing the above aspects, but in a context of greater intimacy that in some cases group therapy does not provide
Although it must be said that this depends on the patient; There are those who are more reluctant to talk about themselves in a group, or who, due to their own pathology, do not have it easy, and there are those who, on the contrary, have no problem sharing and expressing their emotions and difficulties in front of others.
Both options are equally valid, although for the practice and learning of tools at a social level, group therapy is normally more recommended due to the similarity of the group context with the social context of each person.
