Group Therapy In Santa Monica, Los Angeles, or Online in California and Texas

Current Groups

Los Angeles Women's Process Group

Mondays IN PERSON 10:30AM-11:45AM PACIFIC

The therapeutic goal of this group is to help women gain a deeper understanding of how past experiences may be impacting their present moment. With this awareness, group members can begin to create a more fulfilled life and integrated sense of self. 

Topics explored in group include: Codependency, healthy relationships, addictive behaviors and cultivating happiness

Los Angeles + online co-ed Process Groups

Tuesdays IN PERSON 12:00PM-1:15PM PACIFIC
Wednesdays ONLINE 8:00am-9:15am PACIFIC
Wednesdays IN PERSON 12:15pm-1:30pm PACIFIC

This is a mixed gender group for adults who experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.  Group members are encouraged to put their thoughts, feelings and impulses into words .Group therapy offers an environment where you can learn more about yourself and the way you are perceived by others. 

NOW FORMING: 8 WEEK SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS/ADDICTS in Los Angeles

Thursdays IN PERSON 5:30pm-6:45pm

Most of us learn about relationships in our families, our first small group. Sometimes the lessons we learn in childhood no longer serve us as adults, and the best way to heal ourselves is by participating in a newer, healthier group. This experience can be so powerful that group members start behaving differently outside of group.

About process groups with Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, CGP

I offer group therapy in Los Angeles and my online groups are open to anyone living in California or Texas.

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 reduces 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 often 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 professional

12-Step groups like Alanon and AA are examples of support groups that are led by members as opposed to a trained professional

The aim of process groups is to help members put their thoughts and feelings into words. The focus is on understanding relationship patterns; however, process groups do not have a specific topic, they are centered on what members are experiencing in the here-and-now. These groups are led by psychotherapist

I am a Certified Group Therapist (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.

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 for more information about group therapy in Los Angeles, California and Texas.