Group Therapy: Together Toward Wellbeing

For many, the thought of group therapy initially brings hesitation: "I do not want to talk about my problems with strangers." This is a completely understandable reaction. But those who have tried group therapy often say it was one of their most significant experiences: precisely because they found connection with other people who understand.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group (usually 5–10 people) meets regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist or therapist pair. The group typically meets once a week for 1.5–2 hours, and the treatment course usually lasts from six months to two years.

The power of group therapy is based on so-called therapeutic factors unique to group work. American psychiatrist Irvin Yalom identified eleven such factors, the most important being:

• Universality: You discover you are not alone with your problem. This alone brings relief.
• Instilling hope: You see others' progress and understand that change is possible.
• Altruism: When you help other group members, your self-esteem and sense of meaning grow.
• Social skills learning: The group is a safe practice ground for relationship skills.
• Interpersonal learning: You learn how you affect others and how others experience you.

What Types of Groups Are Available?

Group therapy comes in many forms:

Open vs. closed groups: In open groups, new members can join along the way, while in closed groups everyone starts and finishes together. Closed groups allow for deeper trust building.

Diagnosis or theme-based groups: For example, depression group, anxiety group, eating disorder group, grief group, or relationship problems group. In these, everyone shares the same challenge.

Process groups: More general groups addressing various themes. Group dynamics and relationships are themselves tools of therapy.

Skills groups: For example, DBT skills groups or mindfulness groups, where concrete skills are taught.

Online and in-person groups: Group therapy is available both face-to-face and online.

Who Is Group Therapy Suitable For?

Group therapy suits a wide range of needs:

• Relationship problems and social anxiety: the group provides a safe environment for practice
• Depression and anxiety: peer support and the experience of connection are especially valuable
• Grief and loss: shared experience brings comfort
• Self-esteem issues: others' feedback helps see yourself more realistically
• Traumatic experiences: in specialized trauma groups
• Substance use problems: peer support is a key factor in recovery

Group therapy may not be suitable if you are in an acute crisis, have severe psychotic symptoms, or are unable to commit to group rules. The therapist always individually assesses suitability.

What Does Group Therapy Feel Like?

The first sessions are often exciting. It is normal to wonder what others think of you and to feel vulnerable. A good group therapist creates a safe atmosphere, and the group agrees on shared rules: such as confidentiality, respect, and everyone's right to participate at their own pace.

Over time, the group often becomes a very meaningful community. Many say they have never before had a place where they could be completely honest about themselves and still be accepted.

In group therapy, you do not have to speak if you do not want to. You can also learn a lot by listening and observing. Over time, however, most find the courage to share their own experiences, and discover it is valuable both for themselves and others.

What Does Group Therapy Cost?

Group therapy is clearly more affordable than individual therapy. The typical price is 30–60 euros per group session in Finland. Kela's rehabilitative psychotherapy also covers group therapy.

The total cost of group therapy is often significantly lower than individual therapy, and research shows results are equally good in many situations. Group therapy is therefore an excellent option from a financial perspective as well.

How Do I Find a Suitable Group?

• Ask your referring doctor or psychiatrist for recommendations
• Check the offerings of your area's mental health centers and psychiatric outpatient clinics
• Explore private therapy centers' group offerings

When you find an interesting group, you are usually offered an initial interview where the therapist assesses whether the group suits you. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and determine if the group feels right.

Group Therapy and Individual Therapy Together

Many benefit from combining group and individual therapy. In individual therapy, you can address personal themes more deeply, while the group offers peer support and opportunities to practice relationship skills in practice.

If the idea of a group interests but concerns you, remember: every group member was new and nervous on their first day. Courage does not mean the absence of fear. It means acting despite it.

Where to find a therapist

You can look for a therapist in several places:

• Search services run by the Finnish Psychological Association (Psykologiliitto) and professional bodies.
• Kela's service provider search, if you are applying for rehabilitative psychotherapy (only Kela-approved therapists qualify for reimbursement).
• The Valitse Terapia service and other directories.
• Your own health centre, occupational health service or student health service (YTHS), which can refer you onward.

You can contact several therapists and see with whom the collaboration feels natural.

Get help in a crisis now

If you are having thoughts of self-harm or are otherwise in an acute crisis, you do not have to face it alone.

• In an emergency, call 112.
• MIELI Mental Health Finland crisis line: 09 2525 0113 (English and Arabic), 09 2525 0111 (Finnish), 09 2525 0112 (Swedish).
• For under-29s: Sekasin chat (sekasin.fi).

Help is available anonymously, and you do not need to be sure your situation is serious enough.

Sources

• Kela: Rehabilitative psychotherapy
• Mielenterveystalo (Mental Health Hub)
• MIELI Mental Health Finland