Intervention and Prevention Groups
A number of our interventions have been formatted to be delivered to groups of individuals who share similar goals or who are experiencing similar difficulties. Group interventions usually involve one or more mental health professionals who lead a group of 5-15 individuals. Groups usually meet for one to two hours weekly for a specified period of time. Some individuals attend individual sessions in addition to groups, while others may choose to attend group sessions only.
While many groups are designed to target a specific problem such as depression and social anxiety, other groups focus more generally on improving skills, helping people deal with a wide range of issues like anger or shyness, or as a means of prevention for future social, behavioral or emotional difficulties.
Are group sessions confidential?
All group leaders are bound by the same confidentiality laws that apply to in-person sessions. That is, leaders cannot disclose personal information to third parties or to group members without the explicit consent of each individual member. Our team leaders will take all possible steps to increase the sense of security within these groups; however, because other members are not bound by these professional laws and requirements, there is still a risk of loss of confidentiality.
Risks and Benefits of Group Interventions
Benefits
> Support Network. Groups can act as a support network and can create a safe space for individual members to express their thoughts and feelings. Groups can also offer individuals with different perspectives, as each member may offer unique ideas to approaching a certain problem.
> Sense of Belonging. Some problems and situations can feel particularly isolating. Groups allow members to meet individuals who have experienced similar problems, reducing the stigma often felt by each member and creating a sense of belonging among them.
> Children. Groups can offer children a safe environment where they have the opportunity to share their experiences, develop appropriate coping mechanisms, boost their confidence and t build or enhance social skills.
> Practice. Groups can offer members the chance to practice the skills that are being taught, both in the group and in individual therapy sessions.
> Effectiveness. Though a lot of factors can influence the effectiveness of a group, group therapy has generally been shown to be as effective as individual therapy.
> Cost. Group sessions are usually less expensive than one-to-one sessions.
Risks
> Discomfort. It can be quite difficult to open up about difficult topics and to adjust to speaking in front of people. Though mental health professionals will never force members to disclose personal information, it can still be uncomfortable for certain people.
> Confidentiality. Though group leaders are bound by the same ethical and legal laws of confidentiality, there is still the possibility of a potential “breach” by individual members, who are not bound by the same professional requirements.
> Personality Conflicts. Because each member comes with his or her own background and personality factors, there is the possibility of personality conflicts existing within a group, something which cannot be easily controlled. This “clash” may increase one’s discomfort within the group.
> Children?
We offer a wide range of group interventions for different ages, and we are always looking to develop more groups based on the specific needs of the populations that come to see us. Our aim is to develop groups that do not only focus on ameliorating suffering, but on enhancing wellbeing and the skillsets that contribute to the development of resilience. Most of the groups that we offer are structured and start and end with the same group of people.
You can find information about the groups we offer at our groups section.