I used to wonder, before I became qualified, how group therapy can help people gain confidence and improve their social interactions. I never used to be the most sociable person, nor the most confident and thought that I would have nothing to contribute to a group therapy session and would probably be asked to leave. This felt defeatist, but I just couldn’t get over the idea that all I would be doing holding everyone else up!
Now I understand more about what group therapy can give I realise that the skills I have got from group therapy and facilitation over the years have been because the therapist or facilitator accepted who I was at the time – whether I brought with me lots to say or not a lot at all. I could just listen if I wanted to.
There were times though, even though I was as quiet as I was I felt the need to contribute something to what was being said. I even surprised myself. I sat on what I wanted to say and continued to listen. After a couple of hour long sessions I braved it and offered another perspective. I felt my fight or flight or freeze stress response kick in but I was determined to push past it and say what I had been sitting on for a week or more. Once said I felt hot and self-conscious but I was so relieved and determined that my past conditioning was not going to define me today. A bit of a cliche you might say but so very true…
Group work can bring out in us different aspects of ourselves that we are not always aware of. Positive parts of us that help us socially interact as well as be mindful internally of what we think, feel and act like. After the pandemic it seems a lot of social skills have been dampened down by the consequence of isolation and fear of socially interacting. This is only part of the picture and I am aware as a therapist that a lot of people generally struggle anyway with talking to other people, let alone talking infant of a number of people, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel because you won’t be the only one feeling self-conscious or fearful of what others may think of you. This is a very natural reaction anyway but there are always other member in groups who are very happy to speak first and get the ball rolling so fear not, there will be someone to listen to even if you are not talking from the outset.
If you have always been wondering what group therapy is like, why don’t you come and try it for yourself. Contact me, Amanda for more information via the website and know that you are in good company.
