Group therapy can help in treating various mental health issues. For those who are proactive in seeking professional help to overcome problems with their mental health, group therapy activities offer a great coping mechanism.
Groups often focus on interpersonal learning and allow participants to work together to help each other through communication inside the group while focusing on understanding issues outside of the group setting. Are you looking for a group therapy program in Gulf Breeze, Florida? Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery Center today by calling 833.551.2304.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several clients at the same time. However, this is not the same as family therapy; the difference is that family therapy has therapists working with a group of participants who are all related to each other.
In group therapy, participants are typically clients struggling with the same mental health disorder. This type of psychotherapy is widely available at a variety of locations by itself or as part of comprehensive programs that also include one-on-one therapy sessions.
The most common types of group therapy include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) groups – These focus on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors.
- Interpersonal groups – These focus on interpersonal relationships and social interactions, including how much support clients have from others and the impact these relationships have on their mental health.
- Psychoeducational groups – These focus on educating clients about their disorders and coping methods. Techniques used are also often based on the principles of CBT.
- Skills development groups – These focus on improving social skills in clients struggling with mental disorders or diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
4 Common Group Therapy Activities for Adults
1. Anything You Can Do
In group therapy, participants can support one another and feel less alone in facing daily struggles.
To play this game, you’ll need items of achievement like plaques, awards, newspaper articles, or trophies. Each participant stands up and re-enacts the event that earned them the accolade. This allows them to relive a proud moment while others applaud their success. It fosters a sense of self-worth and builds self-esteem.
Clients with higher self-esteem show better therapy outcomes. Building self-esteem in group therapy promotes compassion and unity.
2. Goal Identification
Goal setting is often part of group therapy, making games that focus on goal identification great activities for adults.
For this game, you’ll need colored pens and paper. Each client draws a short-term, middle-term, and long-term goal, all leading to a larger goal. One by one, participants share their papers with the group, who then guess the goals and offer tips to achieve them.
This activity sets the stage for future therapy sessions. Feedback from others provides new insights and makes big goals feel more achievable.
3. In Thee We Trust
Trust is crucial in group therapy as participants share personal stories and feelings. Trust-building games help establish this trust, especially in early sessions.
For this game, you’ll need a dark room, two pairs of night vision goggles, and affirmation items like stuffed animals. Divide participants into two teams and give each team’s “dictator” a pair of goggles. The dictators hide affirmation items around the room. One team member at a time searches for an item, guided by their dictator, while the rest stay in place. Once an item is found, another teammate takes their turn. The game ends when one team collects all their items.
Trust-building in group therapy is effective for those who struggle with relationships, helping participants build trust and develop new connections.
4. The Self-Compassion Pause
Compassion is a key part of group therapy, but many participants struggle to show it to themselves. This activity helps clients practice self-compassion and mindfulness with support from the group.
You’ll need pens and paper. Each participant should sit alone and write down their life regrets. Once back in the group, participants take turns reading their regrets aloud. This helps them understand what went wrong and why they carry regret. The group offers support, encouragement, and ideas for fostering self-compassion and forgiveness.
This activity helps participants find support from others with similar struggles and build coping skills through open communication.
Learn More About Gulf Breeze Recovery Center’s Group Therapy Services
Experience the transformative power of group therapy at Gulf Breeze Recovery Center in Florida. Our group therapy services provide a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find solace in the understanding and empathy of others, fostering personal growth and lasting recovery.
If you’re searching for group therapy services in Florida, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery Center today. Call 833.551.2304 or reach out by using our online contact form. We can provide the continued support you need to ensure effective and lasting recovery.
