Issues That Can Arise in Group Counseling

It is good to know what you are signing up for before you commit yourself to something. That way, you can prepare for what you will encounter and assess how you can best navigate the situation. If you are looking into counseling, and trying to decide between individual and group counseling, it is helpful to know both the pros and cons of each type of counseling, so that you can make a more informed choice.

This article will focus on some pitfalls and issues that can arise in group counseling. The aim is not to dissuade you from seeking one form or persuade you to pursue another form of counseling but to provide an honest look at group counseling. By seeing how things might progress in a group, you can also discern how to participate meaningfully in your group counseling sessions and be an effective group member.

How Group Counseling Works

Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that harnesses group dynamics to achieve the various goals of counseling, which may include options and strategies in how to handle more difficult challenges better and to be able to function more appropriately in everyday life circumstances.

The group is comprised of peers who are also dealing with the same issues, and it is led by one or two counselors who facilitate the group process and assist in making the environment a space that is safe and conducive for all to participate freely.

Groups are often comprised of 5-15 members, and the group can meet once a week, for several weeks, or months. During the group sessions, each member can share their own experiences and learn from the others in the group. Each member is on their own journey toward healing, and they can give and receive support from the other group members.

In group sessions, the dynamics will vary depending on how large the group is, and the diversity of personalities that are part of the group. The counselor(s) running the group will work with the group to help maintain a healthy environment of respect so that all members feel safe enough to participate and contribute.

Group counseling addresses a variety of concerns, including depression and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image issues, grief, substance abuse, and divorce, to name a few.

Some Issues That Can Arise in Group Counseling

Group counseling is often successful because the people in the group work together toward a common goal of finding healing and wholeness. However, there can be challenging attitudes or mindsets that undermine this work, and these are often present in both individual and group counseling settings. These dynamics can be slightly more complex in the group setting because of the number of people involved, and they can undermine the process of counseling.

Monopolizing the space

The group space is meant for all members to be able to participate and contribute. Some members can try to take over the group by speaking over others, not waiting their turn to speak, or focusing on themselves without regard to the other members.

One aspect of being a healthy group member is to remember that others are present and that each member has something of value to contribute to the group process.

Giving advice

One of the benefits of group counseling is that each member has something to offer from their experience which can benefit the others. Some group members may take on the role of advice givers, perceiving themselves to be more knowledgeable than others.

Counseling is not about giving advice as much as it is about becoming aware of the various options available, and different ways to perceive or approach a situation. One can share personal insights without going on to instruct others about what they should do, especially if the advice has not been solicited.

Not participating

Group counseling thrives on healthy group interactions and participation. Though members might not participate or speak equally during sessions, having healthy interactions, feedback, and contributions from various members will help create a sense of community.

Interrogating others

When group members share, there are various ways to respond to these insights. One unhealthy way of responding is for one member to question or interrogate another member.

Some questions, when they are presented, can interrupt another group member’s flow of thought, and they can also come across as fault-finding. This can be discouraging to other group members. During sessions, it is helpful to reserve questions until after the person has finished speaking, and to allow the group member who is sharing ample time to do so.

One strategy that is recommended in order to gain good listening skills is to practice empathetic listening during group sessions by listening well to other members as they share. Using this strategy would encourage other group members to practice those same skills when you are sharing your experiences.

Manipulative behaviors

There are group members who can engage in behaviors that are unhealthy for group dynamics, and these include trying to elicit sexual relationships with other group members, attention-seeking through sulking, giving the silent treatment, or even being threatening. Some of these behaviors are intentional and are a part of those individuals’ negative mindsets and can undermine the counseling process.

Part of being a healthy participant in a group is developing self-awareness and knowing when you are doing things to draw attention to yourself. Your counselor will be able to pick up unhealthy attention-seeking behavior, and they can help the individual overcome those times.

Being dependent

In the group counseling process, no one member of the group is superior to the other members, and all group members have a right to share in the group counseling process. The Group Counselor can facilitate and establish the protocol and guidelines for the group so that each member feels supported, safe, and empowered in the group process.

Being too pat or trite in communication

“Pat” is defined as “being way too simple, to touch on briefly.” “trite” is defined as being “too dull or boring.” In the face of communicating about difficult and complex issues, it can be easier to give “pat” or “trite” answers or advice.

Instead of working hard to resolve problems, it can be tempting to offer simplistic answers that can give a false sense of progress. It can be uncomfortable to discuss or process life experiences that cause us grief or pain, especially if covering up issues to avoid addressing them has been the pattern in an individual’s life.

Your Counselor will assist you with these issues when you are ready to address them. Coming to group counseling with the right mindset will help you and others get the most out of it.

Is group counseling for you?

As you consider whether you want to pursue counseling in a one-to-one or a group context, do note that individual counseling has its advantages and disadvantages, and the key thing is whether you are willing to come and do the work necessary, to work through the issues. Your counselor is skillful enough, in whatever context, to assist you in working through these complexities so that you can receive the help that you need.

Group counseling can be just as effective as Individual counseling, but it all depends on what you find works best for you and your needs. If you want to find out more about group counseling, including what sorts of groups are available and the issues that they address, please give us a call to speak with a counselor.