The Importance of Individual VS. Group Therapy

The Importance of Individual VS. Group Therapy

When it comes to addiction treatment, there are many various forms of therapy that are used with intentions of healing the individual; mind, body and soul. The two common categories that we see therapy displayed in the clinical programming is group therapy and individual therapy.

The names of both divisions are self explanatory, but there is more to know about the benefits and differences of these therapeutic settings than first glance. First, let us start with the basic definitions of each.

Individual Therapy:

An individual therapy session consists of a therapeutic situation where the client meets with a clinician (therapist). A therapist can be anyone who is trained professionally in therapy and is licensed by the state, a psychologist, social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, marriage and family counselor, addiction specialist, etc. An individual session is where the therapist can work on different therapy modalities with the client in an intimate and confidential setting.

Group Therapy:

A group therapy session consists of multiple clients (peers) and is facilitated by a clinician (therapist). Group members benefit greatly by sharing and supporting one another because many have been through similar situations. Group therapy became a more popular method for therapy during the 1950s. The number of group size can vary, smaller groups are more intimate than larger groups. When talking about Daylight Detox and Recovery Centers group setting, they typically are 10-12 clients maximum. All of our group facilitators encourage the involvement of each group member.

Benefits of Each:

Individual Therapy:

The entire session the client is the main focus, so the clients needs are always the subject of the session. The setting allows trust between the client and therapist and assurance that everything said is confidential. The therapist can show the client that working through their problems in a therapeutic method is the best way to resolve issues.

Group Therapy:

Group therapy provides a good social and communicative atmosphere for all who are in attendance. The group setting is good to for individuals to know that others are experiencing the same situations, and that they are not alone. Group therapy allows clients to give support and also receive support from peers.

There are many different themes a group therapy class can have, certain groups can zone in on creative therapies such as art, or music, where as other group classes can be more informational and educational.