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How Support Groups Are Different from Group Counseling


Often, support groups and group counseling are used interchangeably. While the fact that these two activities are even being talked about is a huge deal in today’s world, it is worth noting that they are not the same. In fact, apart from they are being technically different, they are also meant for different kinds of people. So, group therapy or support groups? What is ideal for you? To answer this, first let’s understand what they both mean. A support group, simply put, is where a group of people come together to discuss and share their trauma or struggles. Now, owing to pop culture, you are probably the most familiar with support groups for addiction, however, support groups exist for all kinds of things and issues. Right from alcoholism to divorce loss of a loved one, support groups offer a safe space for people going through different kinds of pain.

Group counseling, on the other hand, is about more than just support. Although it is similar to support groups in the sense that it also involves a group of people, it deals with a lot of more personal issues and has a set objective. Group counseling is when one or more therapists treat a group of people on a similar phase in their lives with a common trauma or setback that they are dealing with. While group counseling is considerably cheaper than regular therapy, studies have shown that it is just as effective. Group therapy activities concentrate on the physical and mental betterment of every individual in that group. Unlike in support groups, where a mental health professional is not present, rather there is just a mediator who is a lot more advanced in their journey dealing with a trauma. So, do you now know which one is better suited for you?

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