the difference between Support Group vs. Individual Therapy

Support Groups: What Are They All About?

Ever wondered if a professionally facilitated therapeutic support group would be right for you?

Some clients that come to me express reluctance when the option of joining Group is presented, while others are more open to the concept.

In the end, most of those that are initially reluctant and yet decide to give it a go, find group to be an enriching and wonderful experience. Whichever you prefer, be it individual counseling or group therapy, this site looks at both.

Support Group vs. Individual Therapy 

http://www.squidoo.com/SupportGroups

Just a few of the benefits for each

Group Therapy Benefits:

Provides you with a support system ( which we all need )
Receive peer feed back and support ( for a variety of input )
Receive professional feedback and support
Fee is generally less than individual sessions
Truly see that your struggles are shared by others, learn from their experiences, share some of your own success.

Individual Therapy Benefits:

Provides you support
The entire session is focused on you
Appointments arranged around YOUR own schedule
Excellent for crisis management
Beneficial as an addition to group, as needed

805Therapy 

  

being told, "no one will ever want you" is emotional abuse

805Therapy 

  

Addictions represent poor coping skills

DEPRESSION

People who struggle with depression often feel down for extended periods. They lose interest in activities that they once found pleasurable. Depression negatively affects millions of Americans each year.

ANXIETY AND STRESS

Stress and anxiety are related, but often confused. Stress is tension associated with a specific event (e.g. a test or a job), while anxiety is a non-specific worry about the future. To find relief, people with anxiety may turn to repetitive routines, preoccupations, or addictions.

ARGUMENTS

Conflict resolution is an important part of any relationship. Conflict plays a vital role in allowing two people to reconcile differing needs. Unfortunately, when conflict is handled poorly, it can cause distress in the relationship.

TRAUMA

Experiences that overwhelm or scare us can leave a lasting impression. The symptoms can leave us stressed, depressed, and have negative consequences for our work and home life.

COMMUNICATION

Feeling understood and understanding ones partner is what allows couples to deeply share one another?s lives. Often, couples struggle with communication issues, which actually mask deeper relationship issues.

TRUST

Trust plays a vital role in sustaining a relationship. People trust differently. For some, trust is established quickly, while others are slow to grant trust. Similarly, some are able to forgive quickly, while others find it hard.

SELF-ESTEEM

Self-esteem is a feeling of personal worth. It is important to be able to value yourself regardless of your current state of personal achievement, beauty, or intelligence. Your self-esteem creates the foundation for a full life, great relationships, and a feeling of well-being.

(This is just a sampling of issues that therapy can help with.)

Type of Counseling Issues-

INDIVIDUALS

Individual counseling provides an opportunity for you to openly talk about your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Together, we can discuss your issues or concerns with:

• Self-development
• Domestic Abuse issues
• Anxiety and depression
• Stress Management
• Life Transitions

• Anger Management
• Teen Life Issues
• Substance abuse and dependence
• Loss and grief counseling

FAMILIES

Family dynamics can often be challenging, whether you have a traditional or non-traditional family, we can help. Family counseling provides an opportunity for everyone to openly talk about their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Together, we can try to solve any familial issues:

• Parent-child conflicts
• Family communication problems
• Defiant, angry, or isolated teens
• Grief and issues of loss
• Life Transitions (after divorce or separation)

GROUPS

• Therapeutic support groups tend to be a truly enriching experience with additional input and feedback from group members

• Men's group

Anger Management

Anxiety & Depression group

Life Transitions  

Women's 

Domestic Violence

COUPLES

Couples counseling is beneficial to those interested in improving their relationships. We have experience with a diverse range of couples from various racial, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds. Couples can be married or dating, straight or gay. We assist couples with:

• Communication
• Financial disagreements
• Infidelity
• Trust issues
• Premarital, Pre-commitment counseling

Ashley Bretting, M.S.MFT

Marriage, Family Therapy  Lic# MFC48978  

(805) 204-7315

Maybe they know of help in your City?