Evidence is now clear that group interventions are at the forefront of treatments to heal trauma, improve individual, family, and workplace relationships, and address a variety of mental health conditions. The effectiveness and efficiency of group therapy means it can play a key role in addressing mental health needs in our communities. Groups heal and lives can change for the better. The stories below illustrate The Power of Group to heal.
AGPA Member Aaron Fink, MD, CGP, AGPA-F interviews Sean Mayberry, Chief Executive Officer of StrongMinds, recipient of the Group Foundation’s 2020 Humanitarian Award and the only organization scaling a cost-effective solution to the depression epidemic; as Mr. Mayberry puts it, they are working to “Democratize Depression Treatment,” and it is no surprise to us that group therapy is integral to this effort. Learn about their work in the interview and learn more about StrongMinds at their website.
“Why Group Therapy is More Needed Than Ever!”: Interview with novelist David Payne by Dr.Özge Kantas. Dr. Kantas interviewed David Payne, the NY Times notable novelist, who wrote about his positive experience with group therapy after the loss of his brother in his book Barefoot to Avalon. As he noted, “We live in a world with fewer social and community organizations than in the past, making connection all the more important.” Watch now
Testimonials from Group Members and Leaders
In the groups I’ve led, I’ve witnessed people step into their most authentic selves, sharing their stories in a space free of judgment. Together we connect through shared experiences and unspoken understanding, tending to the wounds beneath the surface before rushing to cover them. It’s in this space – where vulnerability is met with compassion – that true healing begins.
I have learned I can have more in life and it doesn’t cost anyone else
The facilitators have done an excellent job in providing counseling to many if not all of the staff members in our division. Personally, I must admit that at first I was not too crazy about going to the Wellness Group. I was skeptical and didn’t feel comfortable talking about my issues and frustrations at the work place. But S. and G. (the therapists) won me over, since I have been attending the meetings I have felt much more relaxed and I look forward to attending every Thursday meeting. These meetings have helped me both professionally and personally and I see the difference everyday.
My daughter, 7, and I often had the most meaningful conversations after group. They clearly stemmed from group topics. I know she is internalizing your messages, when I hear the following kind of response. I recently told her about 2 boys, ages 8 and 10, whose father died unexpectedly at the age of 37. I asked her what advice she would give them since she had been through the same situation. She very naturally replied that she would say, “Sometimes life is unfair, but you are strong and you can get through it. Some days will be bad but you can still have fun and be happy.
It provided a place of peace and laughter and a forum to come together as one, to support each other, voice our opinions, and share ways of coping and handling “life after.” It helped me to handle crises when they arise and gave me different venues to approach hard situations.
My husband & I have erected walls around us & this was a giant step towards knocking them down. It won’t be easy but thank you for giving us tools that we can use.
Thank you for this opportunity! My husband and I definitely grew from our experiences here. Couples counseling is extremely important when dealing with the recent trauma we’ve experienced. We all need to support our family unit!
A young man who just ended group treatment shared he wasn’t avoiding things in his life because he got more comfortable with being uncomfortable in group.
