Women in support groups can take their social masks off, express anger and sadness if need be, and reveal all parts of themselves. Being able to open up without fear of being judged or hurting someone they love makes them feel accepted and allows them to begin the healing process. - Lawrence V. Tucker, M.D.
Online Support Groups for Women
Women in support groups can take their social masks off, express anger and sadness if need be, and reveal all parts of themselves. Being able to open up without fear of being judged or hurting someone they love makes them feel accepted and allows them to begin the healing process. - Lawrence V. Tucker, M.D.
Participating in group therapy can be a truly transformative experience. If you have ever wondered, "Does anyone else feel this way?" or "How do other people get through this?" group therapy is where you find the answers. Maybe you feel alone, and wish you had someone to talk to who truly understands what you are going through. Groups are a safe space to connect with other people who are like you and are struggling with the same challenges you face.
The concept of group therapy is simple: meet and talk to a group of people sharing similar experiences. Yet, there is a lot more to group therapy than people sitting around and talking. A defining factor of group therapy is the therapeutic environment and interventions provided by one or more therapists leading the group. Trained counselors lead groups in a way that
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1. maintains members' safety
2. fosters discussion that is purposeful and therapeutic for all members of the group
3. guides members through specific activities and interventions that foster catharsis and personal growth
4. closes the group in a way that allows for closure and reflection
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Research shows that group therapy can be helpful in treating just about any source of psychological disorder or source of emotional distress. Because groups are so effective, there are many types of groups out there, including: support groups, process groups, psychoeducational groups, skill development group, grief groups, and more. If you are not sure what type of group you need, or if group therapy is right for you, talk contact us to a therapist today.
Benefits
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Provides members with assurance that they are not alone and that other individuals share similar problems and struggles
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Offers the opportunity to both receive support from others and to give support to others. Giving support to others allows for growth and learning.
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The therapeutic alliance, or bond between members, that occurs in groups is broader than the alliance that occurs in individual therapy
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Groups allow for members to get many different points of view on their situation, rather than just the perspective of the counselor, experienced in individual sessions
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Promotes the development of self-awareness through listening to others with similar issues but differing perspectives of the problem
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The ability to share struggles, personal perspectives, and experiences with others and receive acceptance and empathy
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Provides a broad safety net and arena to practice skills for individuals who may otherwise be hesitant to discuss their feelings, perceived weaknesses, etc. with people in their own lives
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Provides exposure to behaviors of other individuals who have gone through similar experiences successfully. This is modeling, a form of learning where individuals learn by copying or imitating the actions of others
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Ability to gain access to therapy for a lower fee than individual sessions
Disadvantages
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Although it is continually emphasized that what is discussed in the group needs to remain in the group, there is no guarantee that some individuals will adhere to this confidentiality
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Therapist attention is spread across the members of the group. This means that individuals will not receive as much focused treatment, and some individuals may attempt to take up disproportionate amounts of time
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Group may be inappropriate for certain types of individuals, such as individuals who are extremely antisocial, extremely shy, impulsive, passive-aggressive, confrontational, manipulative, suicidal, or psychotic
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Possibility for personality clashes. Almost all groups go through a "storming" phase, but in rare occasions some members may not work well together
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Groups typically meet at specific times, so there is less opportunity to fit the therapy into the one’s personal schedule
Benefits and Disadvantages of Group Therapy
Online Support Groups for Women Starting Soon at Her Time Therapy!
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Women's Grief Support Group
Please contact us to sign up or complete this signup form!
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Join this group to meet with other women struggling with the loss of a loved one. Note: Groups focus may vary and will be formed based on type of loss (ie. parent, spouse, pet, loss from cancer/covid/etc.)
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Women's Self Care & Processing Group
Please contact us to sign up!
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Join this group to meet with other women who struggle to put themselves first and practice consistent self-care. This is a client-centered group where members pick the focus and are supported by the therapist to build a comprehensive and sustainable self-care plan. This group is a helpful component in managing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and grief.
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The Love Club: Self-Love & Dating Skills
Please contact us to learn more or fill out this signup form!
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Join this group to meet with other women and share and discuss whatever challenges you are facing related to relationships, dating, and self-esteem.
Other Groups - Join the Waitlist!
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New Teacher Support Group
Please contact us for an upcoming start date/time
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Many therapists at Her Time are former teachers or school counselors, so we get how difficult it can be to work in the field of education. We think it's the hardest (and potentially most rewarding) job there is! That is why we created this group specifically for teachers in the first five years of the profession. Join this group to meet with other teachers in the same place you are and with group leaders who have been in your shoes! This is a space to share and discuss whatever challenges you face that cause you emotional distress and overwhelm. Teaching is a profession with high burnout, and we are here to help you create systems and learn the coping and self-care skills needed to have a long, fulfilling career.
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Girl Talk Process Group
Please contact us for an upcoming start date/time
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Join this group to meet with other women to share and discuss whatever challenges you are facing that cause you emotional distress. It is an open space where members are encouraged to give support and feedback to others, and to work with the reactions and responses that other members’ contributions bring up for them. Group members and group therapists may serve as models for effective communication, offer problem-solving strategies, and promote self-acceptance and self-support. Learn more about process groups here.
Cost of Attending Online Support Groups or Group Therapy
FAQs - Group Therapy
How many people are in a group?​
Groups typically consist of 6-10 people. At Her Time, the goal is to have a high level of commonality in groups, so groups tend to be a bit smaller around 4-8 people. Commonality refers to the amount of similarity between group members and what they are facing. Elements considered when screening members and developing groups include gender, age, and presenting concern.
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How long do group sessions last?​
Group sessions last from 1-2 hours long, with an average of 1.5 hours.
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How often do groups meet?​
Groups typically meet weekly or every other week.
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How much does it cost?​
Please see our sliding scale rubric. The standard cost per group session is $75 per person per session, but discounts may be available based on financial situation or purchase of a package. A credit card on file is required and will charged at the end of each session attended (unless Medicaid/Medicare benefits will be utilized).
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Are groups in person or virtual?
Currently, all groups will be held in a virtual, telehealth format only. They will be held via a HIPPA-secure version of Google Meet. Logging into a session is easy! You'll receive a calendar invite from your therapist with the link to join Google Meet. Simply click the button, and you're in.
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How will I know if group therapy is right for me?​​
Many people benefit from a combination of individual and group therapy, while others benefit from one or the other. Please contact our Intake Coordinator for help evaluating what is the best option for you.