What to Expect from Group Support

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION?

Before attending the group session, Dr. Purcell will meet with you to conduct a pre-group evaluation and gather information about the types of challenges you are experiencing.

If both parties decide that group support is a good match, we will provide the information about the time, date, and location of the sessions.

While group support varies greatly depending on the type of group, members will typically meet with the group facilitator in a private room and sit in a circle for optimal sharing.

Some may have an overarching theme geared toward a specific concern like Cancer, Self Esteem, Anxiety, Substance abuse or eating disorders, but others may be general groups that are open to anyone.

Within an atmosphere of trust, the group sessions typically involve members speaking openly about their feelings and talking directly to one another about their personal problems.

Although no one will ever be forced to divulge their deepest secrets, group members can feel free to relate openly and be honest with others to discover that they are not alone in their issues.

Along with allowing members to observe one another for emotional growth, facilitators also will model healthy behaviors to develop more effective problem-solving skills.

Most groups meet for around one to two hours once a week for a predetermined number of weeks with the same members for optimal consistency.

Overall, individuals decide to join group support because they are having some struggles with their relationships and are seeking help with concerns in their interpersonal life.

Group support can be the most effective method for addressing various interpersonal issues, including loneliness, shyness, terminal illness, disease, excessive dependence, frequent arguments, difficulty trusting others, discomfort in social situations, and lack of intimacy.

Since group support often involves four to ten members with one or two experienced professional facilitators, group sessions offer the opportunity to address these issues, provide support or feedback, and encourage interpersonal interaction.