mental health group therapy activities for adults Archives - Futures Recovery Healthcare
Mental Health Group Therapy Activities for Adults|Mental Health Group Therapy Activities for Adults - Futures Recovery Healthcare

Mental Health Group Therapy Activities for Adults

June 16, 2022 | By: frhdev

Our mental health is an essential component of our life. Our psychological, emotional, and social well-being all contribute to our mental health. It influences how we think, feel, and behave. It also affects how we respond to stress, interact with people, and make important life decisions.

Mental health disorders are among the most common health problems in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives. 

Mental health treatment can include many forms of therapy that help individuals work through their symptoms and learn to manage them properly. Popular therapy approaches for mental illnesses include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy, among others. For decades, group therapy activities have been an essential component of evidence-based mental health treatment. This approach can be a rewarding experience for many.

What Is Mental Health Group Therapy?

As the name implies, group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people manage mental health conditions or cope with negative experiences and behaviors in a group setting. It’s a technique used by mental health professionals to connect people who have had similar experiences and build a support system around them. As a result, people suffering from anxiety or depression can connect with others in the group, practice important social skills, and learn healthy coping methods from one another.

Discussing emotional responses is crucial in all contexts because they reveal how individuals process information and the environment around them. This approach permits not just one patient to grow but also the entire group to grow through observations. Some of the goals of group therapy include:

Although group therapy is often based on dialogue, it can also go beyond just sitting in a room and talking. Adults with mental illness can participate in group therapy activities such as hiking, cooking, dancing, and creating art. As an icebreaker in the early stages of group therapy, these kinds of fun activities can aid in the development of collective identity and social skills.

Mental Health Group Therapy Activities for Adults - Futures Recovery Healthcare

What Group Therapy Can Help With

Group therapy generally focuses on a specific mental health condition, such as social anxiety or depression. Other conditions that groups may focus on include:

Some mental health conditions may necessitate pharmacological therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy for a holistic treatment approach.

Are You a Candidate for Group Therapy?

Every patient does not qualify for admission to every group. The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends that psychologists conduct a thorough screening and preparation interview with each potential member before the group begins. It is critical to use tools such as the 19-item Group Readiness Questionnaire (GRQ) to detect risk factors for potential dropout or poor outcomes. This assessment can inform therapists’ clinical judgment, determining whether they need to spend more time preparing members or redirect them to an alternative treatment with a better chance of success.

How Do Group Therapy Activities for Adults Work?

Adults with mental health concerns can benefit from various group therapies that center on peer support. As a result, they can open up about their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without fear of being judged. 

There are four key stages of group therapy:

Group dynamics and other factors influence how long it takes to achieve these levels. Instead of rushing through these stages, the idea is to let them develop naturally in a constructive way.

Principles of Group Therapy Activities

People in group therapy often open up about personal parts of their lives. Hence, all group therapy is based on three fundamental principles:

Types of Group Therapy

Depending on the type of group, the general tone and direction of the group therapy session will differ. There are numerous groups with various areas of focus, but they generally fall into one of two categories:

1) Psychoeducational – These groups are designed to give members the information they need to cope with whatever brought them to the group; they are typically structured with specific topics or modules. The focus of psychoeducational groups is less on creating relationships between members and more on delivering education through information sharing and the development of healthy coping skills.

2) Process-Oriented – These groups are more concerned with sharing experiences and making connections; discussion among members takes priority over a set schedule. This form of therapy helps participants learn how their behavior patterns affect their life. In addition, the group will also discuss topics such as identifying triggers and establishing healthy boundaries, what the healing process entails and setting realistic goals for a healthy lifestyle.

Types of Therapy Groups Categorized by Structure  

Groups can be further broken down by their structure and the discussion topics themselves. Some of the most common groups include:

The number of participants in each group therapy session varies depending on the type of group. However, it can range from three to twelve or more (although more than twelve participants may not be as effective).

Group Therapy Activities

A mental health professional can use a variety of group therapy activities to encourage growth and healing. The following are some of the most popular activities for adults:

Mental health group therapy activities are frequently designed to be engaging, challenging, and enjoyable so group members can take pleasure in their healing journey. 

Is Group Therapy Alone Enough?

Group therapy is frequently recommended as a supplement to individual therapy. Many people find that participating in both group therapy and individual psychotherapy is beneficial to their wellness journey as it can increase their chances of making valuable, long-term improvements. Group therapy sessions are led by professionals with specialized training to teach effective strategies for dealing with specific problems. For example, if you’re involved in an anger-management group, your psychologist will describe scientifically proven methods for controlling anger. That expert guidance can help you make the most of your group therapy experience.

While psychological treatments such as group therapy can be beneficial for people struggling with mental health conditions, medications are sometimes required when symptoms significantly interfere with the person’s daily life. An example would be people battling substance abuse and mental illness (co-occurring disorder). A holistic treatment approach to behavioral health care is required for such individuals.

The Benefits of Group Therapy for Mental Illness

In addition to the specific treatment objectives of each group, there are other advantages to group therapy. Participants are taught a wide range of vital life skills, including stress management and coping skills. Because so many people lack an open, safe environment to communicate intimate details of their lives, group therapy can be a lifesaver for many. In group therapy, they are provided a secure place to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of judgment.

It also allows them to hear from various people who may be going through similar situations but have different perspectives. These experiences can help people find support and develop new ways of living and growing. Finally, group therapy allows people to understand their behaviors and eventually heal old wounds that have been holding them back from living a fulfilling life. 

Futures Recovery Healthcare’s Mental Health Program offers a secure, comfortable, and clinically intensive setting that promotes learning, skill development, wellness, and community. Futures helps adults with co-occurring conditions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. 

Our treatment, curriculum, and campus setting promote comfort, holistic health, and a supportive community. Through compassionate treatment and individualized therapies, Futures teaches patients how to negotiate life’s daily obstacles, including work stress, parental and family relationships, financial difficulties, and other issues that might cause or exacerbate the symptoms of mental health conditions. 

To learn more about how we treat mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions, contact us online or call 866-804-2098.

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