There’s the stereotype of a group therapy program for addiction treatment that consists of people sitting in a circle and talking. However, that’s essentially what does happen. However, there are still plenty of good reasons to attend these groups. Most importantly, they help you overcome substance abuse in unique ways.
Understanding Group Structure
The group counseling program at NFA Behavioral Health happens under the supervision of a therapist. This specialist puts together groups with care. Most importantly, she or he also facilitates the meetings. Unlike the stereotype, a group therapy program isn’t a free-for-all. In fact, it’s highly structured and precisely focused.
Participating in a Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy Program
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on dysfunctional patterns in your thinking, feeling, and actions. It’s one of the evidence-based treatments you might participate in. Most commonly, it takes place in one-on-one talk therapy sessions. However, there’s also room for group therapy with this modality.
In NFA Behavioral Health’s cognitive behavioral group therapy program in New Hampshire, the clinician sets the tone. The groups are open-ended. Typical sessions last an hour to two hours, depending on the needs of the participants.
The goal is to help each participant make changes to behaviors that are now second nature. Frequently, these behaviors are the results of dysfunctional thinking. The group deepens awareness of negative responses and also allows for peer encouragement and input for making changes.
Another aspect of the group is addiction education. The therapist teaches participants how they could replace dysfunctional coping skills with healthy ones. Participants then talk about how to implement these suggestions in practice. Over time, they share experiences with the changes they’re making.
Process Groups
Another option is the process group therapy program. Here, the addiction therapist takes more of a hands-off approach. Participants work together to achieve personal growth. For example, a topic might be destructive relationship patterns.
Participants share experiences. They offer input and feedback. You learn where your perceptions may not be realistic. It gives you a great starting point to examine other thought processes.
What makes this group counseling program work is the ease with which you can apply suggestions to real life. This is a form of therapy that leads to growth. Similarly, it boosts your self-esteem. Most importantly, the group functions as a model family with disagreements, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution needs.
Incorporating Groups with Other Evidence-Based Therapies
The NFA Behavioral Health group therapy program in New Hampshire doesn’t stand alone. Our therapists incorporate it into a more extensive care protocol. For example, some other possible approaches include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy that lets you regain control over emotions with destructive tendencies
- Motivational interviewing, which strengthens your desire to achieve sobriety
- Co-occurring disorder treatment that benefits you when you struggle with mental health concerns
- 12 Step meetings that focus on sustainable abstinence from drugs and alcohol
- Writing therapy as a way to process what you learn and express yourself
NFA Behavioral Health also believes strongly in holistic applications. Case in point is meditation. It’s an excellent relaxation method that lets you center yourself. Therefore, you no longer fall victim to anxiety or fear.
Yoga can be a precursor to exercise, which is considered an experiential therapy. It lets you combine breathing with comfortable stretches, which many clients enjoy. Because you participate with members from the group therapy program, an easy camaraderie develops.
Today’s the Day to Enter Treatment
There’s a good chance that you’ve been trying to quit abusing drugs or alcohol for a while. Each time you attempt to stop, you fail. It’s time to enlist the help of professionals. As you can see, regaining sobriety requires a broad range of approaches.
It’s not something you can do on your own. However, NFA Behavioral Health therapists are here to assist you. They don’t judge but understand what you’re going through.
They know that it’s about feeling normal. Most importantly, they respect your decision to make a complete change to your life’s trajectory. Find out more about the group therapy program that could be the game-changer you need now. Connect with the NFA Behavioral Health by calling 866.913.7957 .