Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy: Which is Right for You?
Erin Wysong-Warren, LPC-S, NCC, CSAT, CPTT, SEP
When you think of therapy, you likely picture sitting down privately with a therapist to talk out your issues, learn coping strategies, and explore different paths toward healing. But that is only one option for treatment. Group therapy can also be highly effective, and depending on what concerns you are hoping to address, it may be able to provide the support you otherwise might not receive throughout your care journey.
Before deciding, it’s essential to weigh your options and fully understand what goes into each treatment path.
What is individual therapy?
Individual therapy is when you sit down with a therapist either in person or virtually to discuss and work through your mental health concerns or other life challenges. You work privately together, finding solutions to problems and addressing any behavior changes that may need to take place. Your therapist may have you complete “homework” to help you progress on your healing journey. You will learn different coping mechanisms for issues like anxiety, depression, and more.
Pros of individual therapy
Individual therapy is highly effective and can help you navigate any emotional challenge, from relationship struggles to serious mental health disorders. Some more pros to consider include:
Dedicated time. When you schedule an appointment, you are guaranteed uninterrupted time with your therapist. This can be very appealing when you need to share and work through particularly vulnerable or unique topics.
Flexibility. In an individual setting, topics discussed, treatments suggested, and other aspects of care are tailored to meet your needs specifically. This allows you to focus on issues at your own pace. It also gives you the flexibility to delve deep into a difficult topic one week and then discuss lighter issues the next to keep from becoming emotionally burnt out.
Tailored treatment plans. Your therapist will create a treatment plan just for you. While they will use standardized treatment methods, your therapist can tailor each aspect of it to meet your needs as well as play to your strengths.
Confidentiality and privacy. One of the greatest pros of individual therapy is the guarantee of confidentiality. Your therapist is bound by law to not share anything you say (unless you pose a threat to yourself or others). This is reassuring if you are nervous about seeking treatment or simply feel more confident sharing in a private setting.
Cons of individual therapy
Seeking treatment through talking with a therapist is most common and has many pros. However, some aspects can be seen as negatives and should be considered before making a final decision, including:
Feeling alone. While your therapist is always there to support you, you may find yourself looking for comfort in relatability, something you might not be able to find if your therapist hasn’t experienced the same issues you are working through. You may not notice this until you are deep into working through a problem, but just know that if this does come up, talk to your therapist about it. They are there to help, even if it means taking another path or adding group therapy to your treatment plan.
Higher costs. In the United States, most insurance companies cover individual therapy. However, there are still hoops to jump through (like proving to the insurance company you need therapy to begin with) and often a co-pay to accompany it. Even if your co-pay is fairly reasonable, depending on how frequently you must attend, the cost can increase quickly. This is an even greater issue if you don’t have insurance or if your only options are out of network, which is often the case when looking for therapists who are specialized in certain modalities or issues. Still, if individual therapy is your path, it’s worth exploring your options.
Limited perspectives. Your therapist will do their best to remain unbiased and help you in the best way they can. Still, they can only offer one perspective. You may find that repetition from one trusted source can help you learn concepts and remember them in daily life. However, depending on how you cope with complex problems, you may find insight from others valuable.
What is group therapy?
Group therapy involves participating in a group facilitated by a therapist or other trained professional to discuss, share, and work through mental health issues. Usually, each group focuses on a specific topic; for example, here at the Institute for Relational Recovery, we host different types of addiction groups as well as several covering dysfunctional relationship dynamics.
Pros of group therapy
While group therapy is a less common choice, anyone seeking mental health support should consider it as an option, as it’s been shown to be just as effective as individual therapy. In fact, we often see clients in our practice recover faster in group therapy.
Other pros include:
Connection. Working with a group of people coping with the same or similar issues can create a bond unlike those you share with friends or loved ones. Everyone in group therapy is there because they are in a similar situation as you, a fact that can not only bring comfort but reduce feelings of shame. You also have the opportunity to hear different coping methods, stories of hope, and even offer support to others, which will boost your well-being.
Cost-effective. Like individual therapy, in the United States, insurance usually covers or helps cover the cost of group therapy. It is also generally cheaper than individual therapy, making it a great option if you don’t have insurance or need to pay out of pocket for some other reason.
Confidence building. Sharing your story in a group setting may be intimidating at first, but learning to speak up about vulnerable topics and open yourself to others can help you build confidence as you find healing. It’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable at first. Give yourself time and take in other’s perspectives.
Cons of group therapy
Though there are some cons, group therapy is an excellent option for many, so don’t write it off without careful consideration. Still, some potential issues include:
Privacy isn’t guaranteed. Participants are discouraged from sharing each other’s stories with those outside the group. However, there is no sure way to prevent this, as only the mental health professional leading the session is bound by law. This may be a concern if you experience a traumatic event you do not wish certain members of your community to know about.
Lack of dedicated time. Because there is a limited amount of time and anywhere from five to fifteen members with their own stories, you likely won’t get much time to speak about your own struggles. That doesn’t mean the rest of the session is a waste (you learn a lot from listening to others), but it is something to consider.
Less flexibility for scheduling. Whether you can attend group therapy may come down to simple logistics. Because group therapy must try to accommodate as many members as possible, you might not get a say in when it occurs. This can be a significant hindrance if you are scheduled to work during that time or have other responsibilities.
Is one more effective than the other?
In short, no. Both group and individual therapy can help you find healing, and attending both is often recommended. The American Psychology Association notes that group therapy is not only effective but also more efficient as you only need one or perhaps two counselors per several participants.
Some conditions noted to be helped by group therapy include:
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Anxiety disorders
Social anxiety disorders
Panic disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Eating disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Behavioral addictions (sex, porn, gaming, gambling, work, etc.)
Substance use disorders
Chronic pain
Because individual and group therapy have pros and cons, it comes down to personal choice and deciding which direction is right for you.
Join a group today!
At the Institute for Relational Recovery, we recommend attending both group and individual therapy to get dedicated attention during individual sessions and communal support from the group, both of which can be vital for healing and growth.
Below is a list of groups available in Texas through the Institute for Relational Recovery.
*Note that some of these groups are available online, and some are only available in person.
Recovery Zone: Sex & Pornography Addiction Group
This sexual addiction group is designed to create a safe atmosphere for support, growth, and healing, as well as to provide tools to guide you toward authentic connection with yourself and others in relationships. The group process includes a combination of sharing, feedback, and therapeutic processing.
Reclaiming Authenticity: Men’s Breaking Free and Facing Codependence
This men’s group benefits participants who have completed either the Reclaiming Authenticity Family of Origin Intensive, Survivors I at The Meadows, or another developmental trauma-intensive workshop. This group will focus on addressing core issues identified by participants during their intensive workshop, including, but not limited to, self-esteem, boundaries, reality, dependency, and moderation/containment.
Female Dysfunctional Sexual Relationships
This group is for women who want to break free from destructive relationships and/or an unhealthy preoccupation with relationship fantasy and intrigue, as well as struggling with sexually compulsive behavior.
Betrayal Trauma Group for Partners of Sex Addicts
This group is for partners of sex addicts or partners who have been impacted by infidelity. The primary goals of the group are to identify and honor the partner’s reality, work toward healing the trauma of betrayal, focus on self-care, learn and establish personal and relational boundaries, gain support from others in similar situations, and gain personal empowerment.
Facing the Shadow - Men’s Early Recovery Virtual Sexual Addiction Group
Our 16-week group will explore the first seven tasks of recovery and help identify problematic behaviors in a safe environment that offers support, feedback, and accountability. The group process includes a combination of sharing, feedback, and therapeutic processing. This is a great opportunity to stabilize your recovery in a group setting focused on a common goal.
If you live in Texas and want to work with a therapist individually, with a group, or both, contact us on our contact page or call (214) 906-5138.
About the Author
Erin Wysong-Warren
LPC-S, NCC, CSAT, CPTT, SEP