If you are looking to obtain therapy, one of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to undergo individual therapy or group therapy. With individual therapy, you are in a one-on-one session with you and one counselor or therapist. In a group session, there are other individuals and potentially even multiple therapists. There are advantages and disadvantages to both individual and group therapy. Learning about these pros and cons will help you determine which is better for your needs. Keep reading to learn more information about the advantages and disadvantages of individual therapy.
The Cons of Individual Versus Group Therapy
A Higher Cost
Group therapy is often cheaper than individual therapy. This is because multiple people are paying for a therapist's time, rather than just one individual. You should also consider that not every health plan covers therapy or other mental health services. If yours does not or has limited coverage, and money is tight in your household, group therapy may help you get the therapy you need at a more affordable price.
You Can Feel Alone
One of the advantages to group therapy is that you may come to realize that you are not the only individual facing the issues you are facing and that others feel the way you do. When you participate in individual therapy, you may not have the opportunity to realize that you are not alone, and, in turn, you can feel alone with what you are facing at times. Group therapy is a great way to overcome the sense that you are the only one dealing with a particular issue.
The Pros of Individual Versus Group Therapy
The Entire Session is About You
One of the biggest advantages to individual therapy is that the entire session revolves around you. When you go to group therapy, everyone has a chance to tell their story, ask questions, and talk about how they are feeling or what they are doing to heal. While this can help, sometimes you need an ear to listen solely to you without feeling interrupted or being cut off so others have a chance to speak. With individual therapy, the entire session is about you, not other people.
You Have Privacy
The other benefit to individual therapy is that you have privacy. Some people are not comfortable talking about their feelings, emotions, or personal issues with other people. And some people are shy or suffer from social anxiety. If you fall into either of these groups, individual therapy may be the best option for you because you have more privacy. It is only you and a therapist, no one else. This may make it easier for you to talk about sensitive topics.
There are benefits to both group therapy and individual therapy, and some individuals benefit from taking part in both types of therapy at once. If you are looking to participate in therapy, take the time to familiarize yourself with both options to determine which you feel would be most beneficial to you at this time. For more information and options, talk with representatives at local therapy centers in your area, such as The Lakes Treatment Center.
Share3 November 2017
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.