Group Therapy: Online in California New York and Texas
Current Groups
Women's Group therapy los angeles
Mondays ONLINE 10:30AM-11:45AM PACIFIC
The therapeutic goal of this group is to help women learn how to put their thoughts and feelings into words toward other people and for themselves. Group therapy offers an environment where members can learn more about themselves and the way they are perceived by others. It is a place where people can learn to give and receive feedback and apply that skill to their lives outside of the group.
Some of the topics we explore in group include: Coping with anxiety and depression, codependency vs. healthy relationships, unhealthy/addictive behaviors, grief, and parenting
Los Angeles + online co-ed Groups
Tuesdays ONLINE 12:00PM-1:15PM PACIFIC
Wednesdays ONLINE 8:00am-9:15am PACIFIC
Wednesdays ONLINE 12:15pm-1:30pm PACIFIC
These are mixed gender group suitable for adults who experience things like social anxiety, generalized anxiety and/or depression. Group members are encouraged to put their thoughts, feelings and impulses into words. Group therapy offers an environment where members can learn more about themselves and the way they are perceived by others. It is a place where people can learn to give and receive feedback and apply that skill to their lives outside of the group.
NOW FORMING: one day introduction to group therapy saturday october 25th
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to “test drive” being in a process group without having to make a long-term commitment? I’m offering an introduction to group therapy for “group-curious” people who want to learn more. It’s an opportunity to experience what it feels like to be in a group without having to “buy the car.”
The day includes three 75-minute process groups with a generous break for lunch. You’ll have the chance to see what it feels like to put your thoughts and feelings into words with a group of like-minded people. We’ll spend the last portion of the final group debriefing and answering questions.
WHEN-Saturday, October 25th from 9:30AM -3:00PM (includes a 90-minute lunch break)
WHERE-1137 2nd Street Santa Monica, CA Suite 209
THE COST- $275 for Intro to group, plus one individual group exploration session at $285 prior to the group
Feel free to email me or call me with questions.
About group Therapy with Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, CGP
I offer group therapy in Los Angeles and my online groups are open to anyone living in California, New York or Texas.
I am a Certified Group Pscyhotherapist (CGP) and a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). I served on the board of The Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA) for four years. I’m sure it's obvious to you that I’m a huge fan of group psychotherapy.
Group works! In studies comparing group psychotherapy to individual therapy, group therapy has been shown to be as effective and sometimes even more effective. In cases of medical illness, there is substantial evidence that this form of therapy helps people cope better with their illness, enhances the quality of their lives and, in some cases, such as breast cancer, has even been shown to help people live longer.
what to know about group therapy
How can group therapy benefit me?
Group therapy helps reduce feelings of social isolation
Ongoing relationships between group members provide a level of scaffolding that clients can incorporate into their daily lives, especially when they are facing challenging decisions
Members learn how to put their thoughts and feelings into words toward others and toward themselves; as clients increase their ability to express their thoughts and feelings, this leads to healthier and happier relationships
Group therapy offers clients access to preverbal material: the earliest trauma
Clients have the benefit of experiencing multiple transferences, not just a single transference from the therapist, but seven or eight reflections
What is the difference between a process group and a support group?
Support groups are often focused on a specific theme/issue like grief and loss, eating disorders, addictions. These groups can be led by therapists, treatment professionals or para professionals. 12-Step groups like Alanon and AA are examples of support groups that are led by members as opposed to a trained professional
Process groups focus on helping members learn how to put their thoughts and feelings into words. Members gain a deeper understanding of their relational patterns in the group, which improves their relationships outside of the group. My process groups do not have a specific topic, they are centered on what members are experiencing in the here-and-now. Traditionally process groups are led by a psychotherapist
Can I attend a group online instead of in-person?
Yes, I offer several online groups in my practice. Both the Women’s Group and three Co-Ed Groups are currently held virtually. Anyone who lives in the states of California, New York, or Texas can join. Some groups meet once a year for an in-person sessions.
Where can I learn more about group therapy?
This NY Times article entitled "Why Group Therapy Worked" may help you understand how you can benefit from group therapy. The author says "and what I did in the microcosm of the group I did in the larger world outside the group, including my marriage". He describes the value in having multiple mirrors reflecting back his behavior in group.
The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) produces a pamphlet entitled What is Group Therapy?, click on the title to read it. Feel free to call or email me for more information about group therapy in Los Angeles, California and Texas.
