Group Therapy 101: Understanding the Different Types and How They Work

Group therapy is a powerful and collaborative approach to mental health treatment that brings individuals together to share experiences, gain insight, and support one another in a structured setting. Unlike individual therapy, group sessions provide a dynamic environment where peer interaction, shared learning, and feedback are central to the process. This guide explains the different types of group therapy, what each format involves, and how to choose the right group based on your personal goals.

What are some different types of Group Therapy?

1. Process-Oriented Therapy Groups

Process-oriented therapy groups focus on emotional self-exploration and gaining insight into your behavior patterns and interpersonal dynamics. Members of process groups share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts, and gain feedback and perspectives from others. The transparency of the experience can be challenging due to the feedback one may receive and thus, process-oriented group therapy is best undertaken only by those who also have the support of an individual therapist. The emphasis is on emotional growth, understanding your own personal dynamics, as well as recognizing how you are perceived by others. Although difficult, a true process group with a skilled leader can pay off with the benefits far outweighing the cost of the initial discomfort.

2. Support Groups

Support groups provide a comforting environment for individuals facing similar issues or life challenges. These groups offer empathy, understanding, and encouragement from peers, facilitating emotional support and resilience. Whether focused on mental health, grief, addiction, or chronic illness, these groups foster a sense of community and understanding that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Most are peer-led, relying on the collective wisdom and empathy of members rather than professional facilitation. While they are not a substitute for therapy, support groups can be a powerful complement, offering emotional encouragement and a reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone. One limitation of support groups is that those seeking growth-oriented work will likely find the emphasis on comfort and validation comes at the expense of direct, constructive feedback.

3. Skills Training Groups

Skills training groups are designed to teach specific psychological or social skills and to learn coping techniques. Skills Groups are structured like a class, not therapy, and this makes them ideal for virtual participation. Examples of topics include stress management, anger management, distress tolerance, social skills, and mindfulness. The primary focus is on learning and practicing new skills instead of connecting emotionally with other members. This often makes skills groups much less intimidating for new participants. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills group is an example of a skills based group.

4. Psychoeducational Groups

Psychoeducational groups aim to educate members about their conditions and how to cope with them effectively. These groups combine teaching and support to empower individuals with knowledge and tools for managing mental health issues. The primary focus is on increasing participants’ understanding of a particular issue. They aim to provide information, promote insight, and build awareness. Psychoeducational content is typically delivered through structured lessons, handouts, and guided discussion, similar to a mental health workshop. While these groups may include brief practical exercises, their main goal is education, not behavioral change.

5. Specialty Therapy Groups or Condition Specific Group Therapy

Specialty therapy groups are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals who share a common identity, diagnosis, or life experience. Sometimes referred to as condition-specific group therapy, these groups focus on a particular issue or population, such as grief counseling, substance use recovery, trauma survivors, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those managing chronic illness. The shared context among members allows for more relevant discussions, deeper understanding, and therapeutic strategies that directly address the group’s core concerns. These groups are typically led by clinicians with expertise in the targeted area and may include elements of process work, psychoeducation, and skills training. Because the focus is narrow and intentional, participants often feel more understood and better equipped to manage their circumstances.

What Are Open vs. Closed Therapy Groups? How to Choose the Right Format

Understanding whether a group is open or closed is crucial when evaluating group therapy options. Each format offers unique benefits depending on your personal goals, availability, and comfort level with group dynamics.

• In open groups, new members can join at any time. This format provides flexibility and continuous access for those who are seeking support.

• Closed groups have a set membership; no new members are added once the group starts. These groups often run for a specified duration.

Conclusion

Group therapy as a whole offers an opportunity for processing, learning, and connection. Whether you're drawn to the introspective aspect of process groups, the shared strength of support groups, the practical skill-building of skills training groups, or the specified support of specialty groups, there are multiple available options. Understanding the differences between open and closed groups is also essential for identifying the format that aligns with one's therapeutic goals.

Considering a Skills Group? That's where we come in.

*At PSYCHē, we offer both DBT Skills Groups and RO-DBT Skills Groups, led by experienced clinicians and open for enrollment year-round. Whether you're building emotional regulation, improving interpersonal effectiveness, or working through chronic overcontrol, our virtual groups are designed to support meaningful, skills-based growth in a structured, accessible format.

Learn more about our groups/ schedules or ENROLL NOW.