1. Hearing Similar Stories – When people attend their first group session, they may be unsure what to expect. Most times they’ll find that someone else’s story sounds familiar. Whatever the situation is, an addict will see that there are numbers in addiction and they do not have to be alone. A person will come face to face with their struggles, so it will be difficult to remain sober but have found a support system will help them get through it. In the beginning, you have to believe in the process and the proof that they are getting better by coming to group sessions.
2. Finding Solutions– Group therapy can offer an addict possible answers to their issues. If they keep an open mind, they will find several resources they have not attempted and seen it can be done. When they can put themselves in that situation and look at things from a different perspective and learn how they overcame, the issue doesn’t seem so bad. They hear about the tools that worked for others and see how this fits into their own recovery.
3. Humor– When someone has the ability to laugh at themselves, it means they can are comfortable in their own skin and they are there to support others. The rebuilding of your humor is a sign that mental health is recovering and they are able to reflect.
4. Feeling Secure Enough to be Vulnerable– Having a secure session where patients can be exposed and use it as a center for learning skills is critical. Group confidentiality is a big part of why people feel secure in the group and how they begin to mend. The way to develop this atmosphere is providing group rules or standards. Everyone should be on time, keep everything confidential, and respect others.
5. Examining disgrace or shame-Shame comes in two forms. First is toxic and damaging. It’s the part that tells expresses you do not belong or fit-in. Second is “good shame”. This shame gives us confidence. This attribute comes to us when we start to feel comfortable in social events or sessions. When people see themselves within the context of a group, they realize they aren’t the end-all-be-all. Group interactions give you the confidence of being part of a group.
6. Direct Intervention– Group therapy delivers a variety of exercises. People can bring real-life experiences or problems to the group and receive honest feedback. Often times role-playing is how this is achieved and get immediate feedback, which will allow them to apply it in the real world. This exercise can help patients increase their problem-solving skills and be vulnerable in the group setting. Afterward, the group can take away what they think can or can’t work for them and their issue.
7. Compassion– The company others with similar problems and issues can help them find self-compassion. Learning to appreciate and support others and their flaws can help us develop compassion from within.
8. Fellowship in numbers– Group therapy is more positive because some find it to be less intimidating and addicts can learn tools that apply in the real world. They find it to be more inviting. With the ability to see themselves in others in the group and they are not alone. There is a type of team atmosphere is unique to a group setting.
9. Learning to be Present– You can stay on the sidelines of the group, but you’re only hurting yourself when you’re not fully engaged. When a member stops hiding, their self-confidence comes out and they will be a participating member that can be a positive role model in the group and be beneficial to others.
10. Growth-The natural progression of a group grows when all the members are participating and reaching out to new members breaking down barriers. The direction of the group is to be self-sufficient and run by the members where the result is powerful.
At Asana Recovery, we provide a comprehensive treatment program to people with substance abuse issues. Each program is designed to the particular needs of each client so they can receive the help they need and deserve. Ask your company to contact us today at 949-438-4504.
