Christian Group Counseling

Group Counseling at Laguna Christian Counseling is a unique and helpful form of counseling with a group of people that is facilitated by a counselor. Although group therapy does not attend to each individual member of the group as much as individual therapy, people find that it is helpful to be with others struggling with similar issues. They do not feel so alone, and it becomes helpful to hear other perspectives and grow together toward a common goal.

People participate in group counseling for many reasons, such as working through grief, trauma, substance use, suicidal ideation, mental disorders (like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.), social skills, and relationship issues. There are several different types of group therapy.

Psychoeducational groups are less focused on the members working through their issues together and more focused on teaching the group the necessary skills about a topic. Process groups are more therapeutic, and they allow each group member to spend time processing personal things every meeting. There are support groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, and there are specific therapies done in groups (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).

There are both inpatient and outpatient groups. Group therapy can be focused on marriage, parenting, anger management, domestic violence, self-esteem, and others. Group therapy is incredibly diverse, which can make it a helpful resource.

A person can seek one of these types of group therapy to meet their individual needs in whatever way necessary. If someone feels individual therapy would be a better fit for him, then group therapy would not be the right choice. However, if someone needs to learn new skills or needs a sense of camaraderie in his or her struggles, group counseling could be an excellent experience.Some Christian counselors in Laguna will recommend group therapy to a client, but if the person feels uncomfortable in a group, he or she can continue in individual therapy.