A
Place to Talk, A Place to Heal – Is Group Therapy Right for You?
Syed Hammad Ali, Counselling Psychologist, Vimhans
In the quiet
moments, many of us carry a weight—of stress, anxiety, sadness, or the feeling
of being overwhelmed. We often believe we are alone in our struggles, that no
one could possibly understand the turmoil inside. But what if there was a space
where you could share that weight and discover you are not alone? Group therapy
offers exactly that: a safe, confidential space to share, listen, and
heal—together.
What Is Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a
form of psychotherapy facilitated by one or more trained mental health
professionals. It is a structured, confidential meeting where individuals come
together to talk openly, gain support, and find connection . It is not a
chaotic free-for-all or a casual coffee meetup; it is a purposeful and guided
process.
Crucially, group
therapy is not about group members giving each other direct advice. Instead, it
is about fostering connection and mutual understanding. It’s a process of
sharing your experiences and listening to others, which in itself can be
incredibly powerful and validating.
How
It Helps: The Power of Shared Experience
The benefits of
sharing your journey with others who "get it" are profound and backed
by research. Participants often find that group therapy helps them:
● Feel Seen and Heard: In a group, your feelings
are validated by peers who genuinely understand because they are on a similar
path. This breaks the painful illusion that you are the only one struggling.
● Learn Coping Strategies: Groups are a rich
source of practical wisdom. You can learn from the successes and insights of
others, discovering new ways to manage emotions and navigate challenges.
● Reduce Stress and Isolation: Simply being in a
room with others who share similar experiences can dramatically reduce feelings
of loneliness and isolation. A shared burden feels lighter.
● Build Emotional Resilience: Group therapy acts
as a microcosm of the social world, allowing you to practice interpersonal
skills, receive constructive feedback, and build confidence in a safe and
supportive setting.
Recent evidence
continues to confirm the effectiveness of group modalities. A 2025
meta-analysis published in Psychiatry Research found that brief group cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) had significant positive effects on reducing
depression and anxiety, and improving self-esteem, with benefits maintained at
follow-up assessments.
Is
This for You? Ask Yourself These Questions
Group therapy can be
beneficial for a wide range of concerns, from depression and anxiety to
managing life stressors, chronic illness, or specific conditions like Adult
ADHD . To know if it might be a good fit, ask yourself:
● Do I want to feel more supported emotionally?
● Am I open to hearing others and sharing in a
safe, confidential space?
● Could talking and connecting with others help
me feel lighter?
If you answered
"yes" to these questions, group therapy could be a valuable step in
your healing journey.
What
to Expect in a Session
It’s normal to feel
hesitant before joining a group. Knowing what to expect can help ease your
mind.
● Voluntary and Confidential: Everything shared
in the group stays there. Confidentiality is a foundational rule that all
members agree to.
● A Small, Guided Group: Sessions typically
involve a small number of participants (often 8-12) and are led by a qualified
therapist who guides the conversation to ensure it remains productive and safe
for everyone .
● Share at Your Own Pace: You will never be
forced to speak. You are encouraged to share as you feel comfortable. There is
no pressure, and no prior experience is needed.
How
to Join the Journey at VIMHANS
At VIMHANS, we
believe in a comprehensive Bio-Psycho-Social Approach to mental wellness, and
group therapy is a key part of that vision . We are committed to providing
evidence-based group therapy options to our community.
We are excited to
share that we have recently launched a Group Therapy for Adults with ADHD . Our
pilot session was a heartwarming success, creating a space of connection,
support, and growth where participants could share, listen, laugh, and learn
together.
We also facilitate
daily group discussions for our inpatients, focusing on building coping skills
and emotional resilience.
To learn more or to
register for our group therapy programs, please contact our psychology team at
011-40990000, or email us at help@vimhans.com.
No one should have
to face their challenges alone. Taking this step could be the beginning of a
new chapter in your life.
References
Irvin D. Yalom’s The
Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy is widely considered the seminal
text in the field and has long been the standard for understanding the
therapeutic factors and processes of group work .
Review. (2025). Effectiveness of brief group
cognitive behavioural therapy on improving mental health outcomes – A
systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 351, 116590.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116590