Perimenopause. Grief. Identity shifts.
It’s too much to carry on your own.
Come sit with others who truly get it.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a unique and highly effective form of therapy where individuals meet in a group setting to work through common challenges. Led by a trained facilitator (usually a therapist), group therapy involves a gathering of three or more people who share similar issues, concerns, or goals. These groups can be either open (allowing new members to join at any time) or closed (with a set start and end date for participants).
One of the biggest influences on modern group therapy is Irvin Yalom, whose book, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, is a cornerstone in the field. Yalom’s work highlights key factors that contribute to successful group therapy, such as creating hope, fostering closeness among group members, providing corrective experiences, and offering mutual support.
A group therapy session focused on perimenopause, for example, would incorporate many of Yalom’s principles. Building hope and a sense of closeness will be early goals of the group, while creating corrective experiences is crucial—especially since many people going through perimenopause are often dismissed or misunderstood by society. In this setting, recreating experiences of care and support will be vital to the healing process.
How Do I Decide Between Group Therapy and Individual Therapy?
Choosing between group and individual therapy depends on what kind of support you need.
Individual therapy offers personalized attention from your therapist and is ideal if you're looking for one-on-one focus and in-depth exploration of your personal issues. Many people find individual therapy a “corrective experience,” especially when they’ve never had the chance to prioritize themselves in a meaningful way.
Group therapy, however, can offer something different. It provides a supportive community where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. The sense of shared struggle can alleviate feelings of isolation and help you realize, "I’m not alone in this." Plus, group therapy is often more affordable, which can be a crucial factor for some people.
If you're unsure which path to take, consider scheduling free consultations with therapists. Many therapists offer these consultations to help you find the right fit for your needs. You can also ask about group therapy options and even sit in on a session to see if it feels like a good match for you.
What Makes Group Therapy Different?
The most obvious difference between group therapy and other forms of therapy is the setting and group dynamics.
Individual therapy typically takes place in a private, smaller setting, focusing on you and your relationship with your therapist. Group therapy, however, involves multiple participants and is usually conducted in a larger room with chairs arranged in a circle, fostering a sense of equality and openness.
Additionally, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) bring a unique perspective to group therapy. Trained in systemic thinking, MFTs understand how factors like family dynamics, cultural background, and identity can shape the issues at hand. In a group therapy session, an MFT will consider how individual experiences and group dynamics interact, which often allows for rich, corrective experiences that go beyond individual therapy.
Group therapy shares some similarities with family therapy in that it brings multiple people together to form a "system" where roles can emerge. Though the group members may not share the same family of origin, group therapy provides a powerful opportunity to explore how early family dynamics influence current behavior, allowing members to create new, healthier experiences of connection and support.
As with other forms of therapy, the goals in group therapy will vary. In perimenopause-focused groups, for instance, the goal might be to provide support and facilitate corrective experiences. Smaller goals might emerge during the sessions, such as building confidence or improving self-compassion.
What Can I Expect in Group Therapy with Katherine Linscott, LMFT?
If you're considering joining a group therapy session with me, here’s what you can expect:
Vetting Phase: Before joining, we’ll make sure the group is the right fit for you. This ensures that everyone in the group is aligned in terms of goals and comfort level.
Assessment Phase: Once the group begins, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, setting goals, and establishing group rules. Transparency is key, and we'll work together to ensure the space feels safe and supportive for everyone.
Focus on Perimenopause: Our conversations will center around the challenges that come with perimenopause—everything from emotional shifts and physical changes to feelings of disconnect and "losing yourself." We’ll explore both the highs and lows of this phase of life.
Therapeutic Activities: While the primary focus is on conversation and support, I may incorporate creative activities like drama therapy or collaborative art projects as a way to process and express our feelings.
Safety and Support: The goal of the group is always to maintain a supportive and open environment where each member can feel heard and understood. I draw heavily from Irvin Yalom’s teachings, which emphasize connection, feedback, and emotional closeness within the group. For those interested, you can learn more about his work through his book The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.
What Will I Get Out of Group Therapy?
While I can’t promise specific outcomes, I can tell you what many group therapy participants experience. Common themes include:
A sense of belonging: Many people report feeling seen and validated by others who share similar struggles.
New insights and perspectives: Hearing advice and experiences from others can open up new ways of thinking or coping with challenges.
A deeper connection to self and others: The experience of being understood in a group can help you become more compassionate toward yourself and others outside the group.
Corrective experiences: As I mentioned earlier, the group dynamic often provides a safe space for healing long-held wounds, much like the experience I had during my own group therapy class years ago. For me, the moment I opened up and shared my story, I felt an overwhelming sense of support and connection—a moment that has stayed with me and shaped the way I approach therapy today.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to explore group therapy and see if it’s the right fit for you, I encourage you to take the first step. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and learn more about our upcoming group sessions.
Remember, therapy is a deeply personal experience. Whether you choose group, individual, or another form of therapy, you deserve to find the support that best aligns with where you are in your life right now.