How to choose between group or individual therapy

Ideas and advice on how to choose between one or the other form of psychotherapy.

One of the doubts we may have when going to a psychologist is "what kind of therapy do I need" or "which one would suit me better for my problem".

It is important to be informed about what type of professional can best adapt to the specific problem, since psychologists have different clinical orientations, sometimes there are more appropriate and specific methodologies for certain disorders and problems.

In this article we will review several key ideas to keep in mind about how to choose between group or individual therapyThe following is a list of some of the key ideas to keep in mind when choosing between group and individual therapy, in order to make it easier to choose between modalities of intervention.

Choosing between individual or group therapy: how to decide?

Fortunately, there are more and more strategies and tools to achieve more effective therapeutic results, thanks to the continuous research in the area of clinical and health psychology.

Regarding the decision of which type of therapy to choose, individual or group, we must take into account the problem or disorder to be treated on the one hand, and the profile and characteristics of the patient on the other..

For example, there are certain problems that are treated very effectively in group therapy, but if the person in question has a particular symptomatology, some other added problem or significant difficulties in working in the group dynamics, we must evaluate very well if the most appropriate then is individual therapy.

In individual therapy the patient only interacts with the psychologist or therapist.In group therapy, there is interaction between patients in the group and also between the psychologist and the group and each one of them.

Characteristics of group therapy

We cannot affirm that one modality is better than the other, as it has been proven that both are proven to be effective and have their advantages.. For example, in group therapy we find the following positive characteristics.

1. You can learn from the other members of the group.

The fact that there are more people makes it possible to share experiences, review results that others have had.The fact that there are more people makes it possible to share experiences, review results that have worked for others, take into account other points of view different from one's own, share doubts and participate in the joint search for solutions.

2. Creates a non-judgmental environment

When problems are shared in a homogeneous group, that is, when all members of the therapeutic group are going through the same type of process, feeling that we are part of a common problem and that others also suffer and understand us, produces relief. Not feeling judged makes it easier to feel understood.

3. It enhances problem solving by relating to others

Group therapy is more enriching in the work aimed at learning and practicing certain coping skills (for example, in social skills workshops).

This is because in these sessions tasks are practiced that set in motion the improvement and solution of problems at the social level.This practice in the group context can then be transferred to the daily life of each patient once the appropriate and more functional behaviors have been understood.

4. Encourages commitment to improvement

Taking advantage of the strength and cohesion of the group is a very important aspect to work on illness awareness and the decision to change.

Specifically, in addictions self-help groups this has been proven to be necessary. For the treatment of addictions, group therapy is indicated, often combined with individual therapy, because it contributes to obtain good results. The group acts as a "brake" for the addicted patient, especially at the beginning of treatment.

Also in groups where specific phobias, grief, etc. are treated, we can say that the group gives "push" when facing the problem.

5. Lower costs

The economic part is also an advantageGroup therapy is usually cheaper than individual therapy.

Characteristics of individual therapy

Individual therapy allows the above aspects to be addressed, but in a more intimate context that in some cases group therapy does not provide. in a context of greater intimacy that in some cases group therapy does not provide..

Although it must be said that this depends on the patient; there are those who are more reluctant to talk about themselves in a group, or who, because of their own pathology, do not find it easy, and there are those who, on the contrary, have no problem in sharing and expressing their emotions and difficulties in front of others.

Both options are equally valid, although for the practice and learning of tools at a social level, group therapy is usually more recommendable due to the similarity of the group context with the social context of each person.