Want To Feel More Comfortable At Your First Group Therapy Session? Consider The Following Tips
Posted on: 18 July 2022
Your first group therapy session may feel uncomfortable when you are trying to get to know everybody. You may feel like you are the only one that is feeling a certain way and think that everybody else knows what they are doing.
If you want to make your first group therapy session more comfortable so that you can start making progress, these are some things you can do for yourself and others.
Arrive Early
This will give you a chance to get settled in and introduce yourself to other members of the group. It can also help reduce some of the anxiety you may feel about being in a new place with new people. As you see others filter in, you will have already grown more comfortable with your physical surroundings.
Share Something Personal
Although it may be difficult, try to share something personal about yourself with the group. This will help you feel more connected to others in the room and less like an outsider. It can be anything from your favorite movie to a time when you felt really proud of yourself. Stay relevant to the theme of the discussion, but try putting yourself in a slightly more vulnerable position.
Listen to Others
Another way to get to know the people in your group and feel more comfortable is to simply listen to what others have to say. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything that is being said, but it can help you feel connected to the discussion.
You may also find that you have more in common with others than you initially thought. As you feel the commonalities, you will feel better about your position in the group.
Be Respectful
Of course, you should always be respectful of others in any situation, but it is especially important in group therapy. This is a safe space for people to share personal experiences and feelings, so it is important to be respectful of that.
If you find that you disagree with someone, try to do so in a way that is not confrontational. This will help to keep the discussion alive but not controversial. It's a good idea to see how the group handles disagreements before you offer hard opinions.
Talk to Your Therapist Ahead of Time
Finally, if you are feeling really nervous about your first group therapy session, talk to your therapist ahead of time. They can help put your mind at ease and may even be able to give you some tips on how to get the most out of the experience.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for group therapy services near you.
Share