"i didn't want to share my stuff
with other people, but i found that my
stuff was their stuff too...  
                                ...and i'm no longer alone"

Group Psychotherapy

We were born into a group - our family.  We are raised in groups - in our schooling, our organized activities, our work.  We've had a lifetime of experience in groups and group psychotherapy works similarly.  Group psychotherapy is a form of therapy in which a small number of people (typically 5-8) meet together under the guidance of a therapist to help themselves and eachother do the work.  Group therapy helps people learn about themselves and improve their interpersonal relationships. It addresses feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, loss and trauma. And it helps people make significant changes so they can feel better.  In group therapy, you do the work with others. 

In The Group

It is the therapists responsibility to create a group with knowledge of the member's problems or issues prior to formation of the group.  Typically the therapist will choose group members who can learn from eachother.  This does not mean that they will necessarily have the same problems or issues, but that they can bring together individuals with different strengths and difficulties so that the growth of the individual members, and the group process as a whole, can be maximized. 

Finding A Group Therapist

Often, you may be introduced to the idea of group therapy by your individual therapist, who may feel that you are ready and are in a place to benefit from group therapy.  Many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of "sharing their stuff with a bunch of people they don't know".  But this is all part of doing the work.   
And typically after a few sessions, the discomfort will disappate, you will feel more at ease, and trust will begin to grow.  The opportunity to share deep seated feelings and problems with others in a confidential setting can be an amazing way to find that you are not alone and that you can learn and grow tremendously in a group.

Locate a Group Therapist

To find a group therapist, go to the American Group Psychotherapy Association Web site and Search by Zip Code. 

Kathy Norwine, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Kathy Norwine is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) in Virginia, D.C. and New Jersey.  She currently has a private practice in Alexandria, Virginia and works with individual and group clients on an ongoing basis.  If you are interested in further exploring doing the work in a group, go to  Contact Kathy  

copyright © 2005  All Rights Reserved