Is Group Therapy Effective?

Written by: Irada Yunusova

                Research is currently unfolding the reasons behind the success of group therapy. Group therapy exceeds the Society of Clinical Psychology’s standards for efficacy for major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and general personality disorder.  Group therapy members interact and influence one another’s progress.

                For some conditions, group therapy and individual therapy have been found equally effective. In over 50 clinical trials, patients were randomly assigned to individual or group treatments and equivalent improvements were found for both conditions. In addition to gaining support from a therapist, patients are able to gain support from other individuals who shared similar experiences.

                It has been found that having a common identity and a sense of shared purpose contributes to the effectiveness of group therapy. A meta-analysis of 40 studies by Burlingame and others, published in International Journal of Group Psychotherapy in 2009, supports the belief that a sense of unity is important for progress in group therapy.  Interacting with peers in group therapy is important because, “groups provide social support, they improve social networks and they can reduce stigma, isolation and feelings of alienation among members,” according to Nina W. Brown, EdD, a professor at Old Dominion University. Hearing from peers may be more helpful than receiving guidance from a therapist because peers identify with one another.

                New research also demonstrates that two leaders in group therapy is more successful than one. Co-leaders are able to follow multiple interactions “with a second set of eyes and ears” (Paturel). With two leaders, more important cues, especially non-verbal cues, can be noted. Furthermore, with group therapy psychologists are able to observe relational patterns, instead of solely relying on patients’ self-reports.

                Group therapy provides greater information for a psychologist to understand the patient and it provides a supportive environment in which individuals are able to help each other. As a participant improves, the group as a whole benefits because all individuals realize that they also can progress. Both for patients and for psychologists, group therapy may feel like a smaller, safer world.

Source: Monitor on Psychology, Amy Paturel