Online group therapy for depression offered by GroupWorks West

Depression is increasing in the United States, in no small part due to COVID-19. According to recent reports, depressive symptoms are at least three times higher than they were before the pandemic hit, suggesting that the emotional cost of living through this time is enormous. For those who are vulnerable to depression already, this time is even more challenging.

While we are all prone to feeling down these days, depression differs from normal sorrow or anxiety and is far more debilitating. It persists, unrelenting, usually for weeks at a time and leads to an inability to function normally. Problems with sleep, weight loss or gain, not being able to get out of bed, lacking motivation or a sense self-worth, and finding no enjoyment from everyday activities—these are signs that you may be in a depressive state.

Depression can also be life-threatening, when it becomes a precursor to suicide. Given the high price of depression, it’s important to understand what causes it, how to identify it, and the steps you can take to get support.

What is group therapy for depression?

In group therapy, 5 to 8 members meet with a trained group therapist and talk about their challenges related to depression (and other mental health struggles). What makes the situation unique is that it is a closed and safe system. The content of the group sessions is confidential; what members talk about or disclose is not discussed outside the group. The first few sessions of a group usually focus on the establishment of trust. During this time, members work to establish a level of trust that allows them to talk personally and honestly. Group trust is achieved when all members make a commitment to the group.

Some of the many benefits of group therapy:

• Group therapy offers an increased sense of support and connectedness that are usually missing in the lives of those who suffer from depression

• Group therapy improves confidence in trying out new solutions to depression

• Group therapy decreases the self-criticism and negativity that are part of depression

• Group therapy renews hope in one’s own abilities to cope effectively with depression

• Group therapy increases resourcefulness in finding solutions to depression

• Group therapy improves the ability to identify feelings and for self-disclosure

• Group therapy offers an opportunity to give and get immediate feedback about concerns, issues and problems affecting one's life.

• Group therapy members benefit by working through personal issues in a supportive, confidential atmosphere and by helping others to work through theirs.

• Group therapy provides an opportunity to observe and reflect on your own and others' psychological coping skills.

• Group therapy provides an opportunity to benefit both through active participation and through observation.

Principles of Group Therapy

1.    Instills hope: The group contains members at different stages of the treatment process. Seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process.

2.    Universality: Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps people see that what they are going through is universal and that they are not alone.

3.    Imparting information: Group members can help each other by sharing information.

4.    Altruism: Group members can share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.

5.    Development of socialization techniques: The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure.

6.    Imitative behavior: Individuals can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the therapist.

7.    Interpersonal learning: By interacting with other people and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, members of the group can gain a greater understanding of themselves.

8.    Group cohesiveness: Because the group is united in a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.

9.    Catharsis: Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people can help relieve pain, guilt, or stress.

10. Existential factors: While working within a group offers support and guidance, group therapy helps members realize that they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices.