Women understand one another in a way that no one else can. The trauma and events that women experience are often more common than they realize – at least, before speaking to another woman about it.
This blog post will discuss the relationships of women and the benefits of group therapy for women. Read on for more information!
The History of Women’s Groups
Friendship has been a part of the female experience for many years. Even early on in history, women worked alongside one another to gather supplies. While new discoveries have shown that some women were also hunters (and therefore, the roles of hunter/gatherers weren’t defined exclusively by gender), it’s likely that women still spent a considerable amount of time gathering during the childbearing years.
Survival was once dependant on the bonds that women could make with other women – and despite the fact that we no longer have to struggle to survive on a biological level, women still find it rewarding to participate in groups with other women. Whether the issue is high-functioning depression or relationship issues that you need help with, other women get it.
Why Mental Health Groups Offer Group Therapy
There are several reasons why a mental health group might offer group therapy for women, but the most common benefits are listed below.
Group Therapy is Powerful for Women
Studies have shown that group therapy is powerful – in fact, group therapy is just as successful as individual therapy is for many conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and more.
This positive support system enables women to shift their perspectives and know that they’re not alone. Trauma can be incredibly isolating and group therapy counteracts this in the most positive way possible. It also allows women to look outside of themselves and encourage other women by providing emotional support.
Women’s Group Sessions are a Safe Space
Rather than having their anxieties, struggles, and issues dismissed out of hand, women find that group sessions offer them a safe space to share their hurts and concerns.
Some of the most commonly experienced issues for women are difficult to talk about, except when they’re in a group of their peers:
- Self-esteem issues. The inner critic can be cruel, but being with other strong women can empower you to boldly silence it.
- Physical or sexual abuse. Both types of abuse can make it difficult for women to trust men, so women’s group therapy may be an ideal solution.
- Body image issues. Whether the body image issues are your own or you find that you care too much about what others think, group therapy for women can help.
Group Sessions are More Cost-Effective
Group therapy sessions are usually less expensive than individual therapy. Since several people take part in each session, costs are lower. It seems that this is the case across the board, since costs for group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are lower than individual CBT, in addition to lower costs for group psychotherapy for sexually abused girls versus individual psychotherapy. In many places, group therapy can cost a third or half the price of individual therapy.
If you’re looking for a California mental health therapist, look no further: Modern Intimacy offers a holistic, integrated approach to group and individual therapy. Book your complimentary 30-minute consultation today!
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