The Bible mentions the importance of advisors and friends. We were not created to exist on a solitary plane. God wants us to help one another. Jesus told His followers, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, NIV). Group therapy is a way to show the love, kindness, compassion, and grace paramount to Jesus’ teachings.
Christian group therapy combines psychological practices, faith-based principles, and group support to help people make changes while encouraging others in the same situation.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy consists of clients in the same situation at different levels who are open to sharing their experiences and are led by a mental health professional. Of course, you are not required to share anything during your first session. However, you might find that you make more progress in your own journey if you support people who are further along than you in therapy while encouraging those who are still struggling.
One benefit is looking up to those who have been where you are now. For example, if you participate in group therapy for anger management, you may meet someone who seems calm and relaxed but explains that they used to lose their temper daily over minor offenses. You can study this client’s testimony and take their advice to help you control anger.
Another benefit is that you can be the “expert” in an area, providing insight and suggestions to a new client or a struggling participant. You may not believe it now, but your story, what you lived through, can and will help someone else.
Group therapy can help you overcome guilt, shame, and Imposter Syndrome. You can walk into any room with confidence when you learn that God knows what has happened, and He has your back, so you can help others. God will always walk alongside you.
Types of Group Therapy
Christian group therapy provides a safe space to share and work through issues.
The following is a list of common group topics:
- Addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Drug abuse
- Grief and loss
- Chronic illness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Caregiver support
- Trauma, abuse, or neglect
- Premarital counseling
- Marriage counseling
- Weight loss
This is not an exhaustive list. Ask one of our counselors if there is group therapy for your situation.
It can last months, depending on the topic, participants, and format. Most sessions are led by a mental health professional or a counselor who has also faced the same issue. For example, your counselor may have been raised by a person with a substance use disorder and now leads group therapy to help other survivors of addiction.
Your counselor is also a Christian who brings faith to the meeting, infused with proven psychological methods. They may suggest you try an exercise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while praying through a situation. Your walk with Jesus is not separate from your life. If you need help, calling on Jesus and relying on support from others can help you recover faster.
Next Steps for Christian Group Therapy in Vancouver
Contact us at Vancouver Christian Counseling in Washington if you are looking for Christian group therapy in Vancouver. Reach out to us today to schedule a free assessment with a counselor who genuinely cares about your well-being. We will recommend group therapy if it is the right fit for you. We can help you connect with a group in person or online. Give us a call today.
“Pink Flowers”, Courtesy of Annie Spratt, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License
