Discover the Transformative Power of Group Therapy – Where Healing Happens Together
Discover the Transformative Power of Group Therapy – Where Healing Happens Together
Finally, a space where you can be completely yourself, share your truth, and realize you’re not the only one fighting this battle.
Description: Discover how group therapy works, its benefits, and how it compares to individual therapy. Learn who it’s for and why it might be right for you.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy isn’t just sitting in a circle talking about feelings. It’s a healing experience where you meet with the same group of people who understand your struggles under the guidance of a licensed therapist.
But here’s what makes it different:
When you hear someone else talk about the exact thoughts that have been haunting you at 3 AM, something positive occurs. That isolation you’ve been feeling? It starts to lift.
This isn’t about giving advice or fixing each other. It’s about being heard and seen and discovering that your story, however messy or painful, can heal you and others.
Explore our team of mental health professionals and book a FREE 10-minute consultation today.
How Group Therapy Works
No judgment. No pressure. Just real people being real.
Each week, you meet with the same group. Your therapist makes sure everyone feels safe.
Some days you’ll share. On other days you’ll listen. Both help you heal.
You’ll hear stories that sound like yours. You’ll share yours when you’re ready.
The best part? Watching someone else get better shows you that you can too.
Every session is different. But with every session, you’ll feel less alone.
This is where healing happens.
Benefits of Group Therapy
What happens when you stop fighting your battles alone? Here are the benefits of group therapy:
- You realize that what you’re feeling is normal. When you hear others share struggles identical to yours, that voice in your head whispering “There’s something wrong with me” finally quiets.
- You develop real-world social skills. You practice being vulnerable, setting boundaries, and communicating authentically with people rooting for your success.
- You become both a student and a teacher. Your insights help others break through, while their perspectives help you understand yourself.
- You build a support network. These aren’t just therapy buddies – they see your positive changes and cheer you on.
- You discover your voice matters. Even if you thought your story wasn’t worth telling, group therapy shows your experience can heal others and yourself.
So, is group therapy effective? Absolutely?
Group Therapy vs Individual Therapy
Both are powerful. Here’s how to know which one you need right now.
- Individual therapy is your private sanctuary – perfect for deep trauma work or when you need undivided attention to help you understand yourself better. It’s intensive, personalized, and moves at your exact pace.
- Group therapy is your healing community – ideal when isolation is part of your struggle, when you’re ready to practice new skills in real time, or when you need to see that recovery is possible by watching others do it.
The beautiful truth? You don’t have to choose. Many of our clients combine individual sessions for personal deep dives and group counseling sessions for connection and perspective.
Here’s what group therapy offers that individual therapy can’t (another layer of group therapy vs individual therapy)
- Multiple perspectives on the same problem
- Real-time practice of social and emotional skills
- Witnessing others’ breakthroughs (and believing yours is possible too)
- A support system that understands your specific struggles
- Cost-effective healing that doesn’t sacrifice quality
Who Can Benefit from Group Therapy
Who is group therapy for? If you’ve ever thought “Am I the only one who feels this way?”– this is for you.
- You’re struggling with anxiety. You want to learn from others who’ve found ways to quiet the mental chatter and step back into life.
- Depression has you feeling disconnected from everyone and everything. You’re ready to remember what it feels like to be truly seen and understood.
- You’re navigating a major life transition – divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, empty nest syndrome – and need support from others who’ve walked this path.
- Relationship patterns keep repeating and you can’t figure out why. You want to practice healthier communication and boundaries in a safe environment.
- You’re dealing with trauma and ready to reclaim your story with the support of others.
- Addiction or compulsive behaviors have isolated you from meaningful connections. You’re ready to build a healthier community.
- You’re exhausted from trying to have it all together. You want permission to be beautifully imperfect alongside others doing the same brave work.
- You feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you but don’t know how to break free. You need fresh perspectives and real examples of people creating change.
Ready to start your journey and receive the multiple benefits of group therapy?
Types of Group Therapy We Offer
Every healing journey is unique. Find your perfect fit with one of our mental health support groups.
Substance Use Recovery Process Group
We currently provide a substance use process group for individuals in recovery. This group is a blend of psychoeducation and support to assist you in navigating your recovery. Contact our office today if you’re interested in participating in this group. This group currently takes place on Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm.
Don’t see exactly what you need?
We’re constantly adding new types of group therapy based on what our community needs.
Contact us. Tell us your story. We’ll find or create the perfect group where you truly belong.
- Call our office (646) 760-3399
- Text us on a HIPAA-compliant text line
- Email us info@LookingGlassNYC.com
- Chat with us on Klara
- Or schedule a FREE call with our intake coordinator for guidance
What to Expect in a Group Therapy Session
Your first session might feel scary. So, here’s a piece of mind about exactly what will happen, plus a clearer look at group therapy expectations;
- Before you walk in, you’ll have a private consultation with the group therapist. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns and ensure this group is the right fit. No surprises, no pressure.
- Walking in for the first time, you’ll find a comfortable, private room. The lighting is soft, the atmosphere is calm, and everyone understands that first-session nerves are completely normal.
- Introductions happen gently. You’ll share only what feels comfortable – maybe just your first name and one thing you’re hoping to gain from the group. There’s no pressure to share your life story on day one.
- Every session follows a pattern you’ll quickly recognize. Check-ins. Discussion. Sharing time. Closing thoughts.
- Confidentiality is sacred. What’s shared in the group stays in the group – this isn’t just a rule, it’s the foundation that makes vulnerability possible.
- Therapy group sessions typically last 60-90 minutes – enough time to go deep without feeling rushed. Most groups meet weekly for 10-12 weeks, though some are ongoing.
- You’ll leave each session feeling something – maybe drained, energized, or perhaps both. Real healing isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worthwhile.
Is Group Therapy Right for You?
Group therapy is perfect if you:
- Feel alone in your struggles
- Learn better from hearing real stories
- Want to practice new skills safely
- Want effective therapy that costs less
- Are curious how others overcome similar problems
Start with individual therapy if you:
- Are in crisis and need intensive help
- Have never done therapy before
- Feel too anxious to share with others
- Have very recent trauma
- Need private processing first
Still unsure? That’s okay. Most people feel nervous about group therapy. But that nervousness might be exactly what you need to push through.
Remember, growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
To heal through connection – that’s how group therapy works.
Individual therapy helps you understand yourself. Group therapy enables you to understand yourself with others.
You’ll discover that your struggles aren’t signs of personal failure but part of the shared human experience. You’ll learn new coping strategies from your therapist and peers who’ve walked similar paths. Most importantly, you’ll experience what it feels like to be truly seen, understood, and accepted – that’s the beauty of mental health support groups.
Absolutely. Research proves it works just as well as individual therapy.
For anxiety: Your worries feel less scary when others share similar ones. You learn what works from people who’ve been there.
For depression: Connection fights the loneliness that makes everything worse. Watching others get better shows you it’s possible too.
Many people heal faster in groups because they’re not just treating symptoms. They’re fixing the isolation that keeps them stuck. That’s how group therapy works: creating a space where shared experience leads to real insight, support, and lasting change.
Most therapeutic groups have 6-10 members. This size is intentional – small enough that everyone gets attention, large enough to provide different viewpoints and ensure the group continues even if someone misses a session.
This size creates the perfect balance of intimacy and diversity.
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality in group therapy is just as sacred as in individual therapy, with the same legal and ethical protections.
Everyone signs an agreement to keep what’s shared private. Your therapist cannot share your information without your permission.
Group therapy works best for people who are ready to both give and receive support, even if they’re nervous about it.
You’re a great fit if you:
- Want connection but feel isolated
- Are curious about others’ experiences
- Feel ready to be vulnerable for healing
- Want to practice new skills safely
- Are motivated by seeing others succeed
You might want individual therapy first if you:
- Are in crisis and needing intensive help
- Have untreated addiction affecting participation
- Have severe personality disorders needing specialized care
- Are brand new to therapy
The beautiful thing about group therapy is that you don’t need to be “good at groups” to benefit. The skills you need – vulnerability, empathy, communication – are exactly what you’ll develop through participation.
Ready to discover what healing in community feels like?
Your story matters. Your struggles are valid. Your healing is possible.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward individual and collective healing.