How to choose between group or individual therapy

One of the questions that we can ask ourselves when going to the psychologist is "what type of therapy do I need" or "which would be best for my problem".

It is important to find out what type of professional can best adapt when dealing with the specific problem, since the psychologists have different clinical orientations, sometimes there are more suitable and specific methodologies for depending on which disorders and issues.

In this article we will review several key ideas to keep in mind about how to choose between group or individual therapy, so that it is easier to choose between intervention modalities.

Choosing between individual or group therapy: how to decide?

Fortunately, there are more and more strategies and tools to achieve more effective therapeutic results, thanks to continuous research in the area of ​​clinical and health psychology.

Regarding the decision of what type of therapy to choose, individual or group, we must take into account the problem or disorder to be treated on the one hand, and the profile and characteristics of the patient, on the other.

For example, there are certain problems that are treated very effectively in group therapy, but if the person in question presents a certain symptomatology, any other added problem or significant difficulties for the work in group dynamics, it is necessary to carefully evaluate if the most convenient then is therapy individual.

In individual therapy, the patient only interacts with the psychologist or therapist., while in the group there is interaction between patients in the group and also that of the psychologist with the group and each one of them.

Group therapy characteristics

We cannot affirm that one modality is better than another, since it is proven that both are effective and have their advantages. For example, in group therapy we find the following positive characteristics.

1. You can learn from the other members of the group

The fact of being more people makes it possible to share experiences, review results that have worked for others, take into account points of view other than their own, share doubts and participate in the joint search for solutions.

2. Create a non-judgmental environment

When problems are shared in a homogeneous group, that is, when all the members of the therapeutic group are going through a same type of process, feeling that we are part of a common problem and that others also suffer and understand us, produces relief. Not feeling judged makes it easier to feel understood.

3. Promotes problem solving by relating

Group therapy is more enriching in work aimed at learning and practicing certain coping skills (for example, in social skills workshops).

This is so because in these sessions tasks are practiced that start up the improvement and solution of problems at a social level, so that later this practice in the group context can be transferred to the daily life of each patient once it has been understood which are the appropriate and most functional behaviors.

• You may be interested in: "The 8 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

4. Promotes commitment to improvement

Take advantage of the strength and cohesion of the group It is a very important aspect to work on disease awareness and decision-making for change.

Specific, in addiction self-help groups this has been found to be necessary. For the treatment of addictions Group therapy is indicated, often combined with individual therapy, because it contributes to obtaining good results. The group acts as a "brake" for the addicted patient, especially at the beginning of a treatment.

Also in the groups where specific phobias, duels, etc. are treated, we can say that the group gives "push" when facing the problem.

5. Less costs

The economic part is also an advantage, since group therapy is usually cheaper than individual therapy.

Characteristics of individual therapy

Individual therapy allows addressing the above aspects, but in a context of greater intimacy that in some cases group therapy does not provide.

Although it must be said that this depends on the patient; There are those who are more reluctant to talk about themselves in a group, or those who, due to their own pathology, do not have it easy, and there are who, on the contrary, has no problem in sharing and expressing their emotions and difficulties in front of the the rest.

Both options are equally valid, although for the practice and learning of tools at a social level group therapy is normally more recommended due to the similarity of the group context with the social context of each person.