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