Perimenopause & Anxiety
Perimenopause refers to the time before a woman enters menopause and starts for most women in their early 40s and for some even earlier. When estrogen starts to decline it can impact your mood and you may experience symptoms like heightened irritability, anxiety and depression; some women report feeling overwhelmed in situations that they used to handle with ease.
Other unpleasant symptoms include night sweats and hot flashes which often lead to interruptions in sleep and increased insomnia. Exercise is an important outlet for stress and one of the suggested tools for insomnia, however, reduced sleep and sleep interruptions increase women’s stress levels and make it difficult to exercise due to lack of energy. You can see this becomes a vicious cycle for women who are going through the significant hormonal changes that accompany perimenopause and menopause.
In 2006 The Harvard study of moods and cycles found that women in perimenopause were twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression than women who had not yet entered perimenopause. ahttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16585467/
If you are experiencing these changes, the first step is to contact your physician. Somatic psychotherapy can help; I teach my clients how to track sensations in their bodies and regulate their nervous systems. Learning how to stay connected to pleasant and unpleasant sensations in the body helps clients process their emotions as opposed to “depressing” them; leading to more capacity to tolerate the hormonal swings that accompany perimenopause and menopause.
Can group therapy help with social anxiety? A Certified Group Psychotherapist's Perspective
Learn how you can better manage social anxiety by participating in group therapy.
About Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, Certified Group Psychotherapist:
I’ve been involved with the group therapy world for over 12 years, and I attend group therapy conferences every year both in California and nationally.
I’m an active member of the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA), participating in their events throughout Los Angeles, and I enjoyed serving on their board for four years.
What is Social Anxiety?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, social anxiety goes beyond just being shy.
Social anxiety can disrupt people’s lives. You might have trouble going to work or school, or in other public settings like grocery stores or shopping malls. One of the core components is a fear of being judged by others. Often, people with social anxiety will replay social interactions over and over, analyzing their behavior, especially in situations that may have the potential to feel embarrassing.
Some signs include:
Finding it easier to isolate than to connect with others in social situations
Feeling like family members, colleagues, and even long-time friends don’t actually like you
Fear that any efforts by others to reach out is due to their pity, wanting something from you, or fake
Feelings of strong discomfort, panic attacks, stress, and physical sensations like heart racing or difficulty breathing when in social situations
Can Group Therapy Help With Social Anxiety?
It’s important to clarify here that group therapy sessions are led by a trained psychotherapist. This means you’ll receive feedback both from a therapist and your peers.
For example, as a certified group therapist, I have professional training that allows me to observe members of the group and how they interact with each other. This provides valuable feedback for both in-person sessions in my Santa Monica office, and even works online for my California-wide (and New York & Texas) groups.
Read more: What’s the difference between Group Therapy and Support Groups?
There have been many studies that show group therapy, when conducted by a trained mental health professional, can help participants feel better in social situations.
For example, a study published in 2020 by the Cambridge University Press found that group therapy helped alleviate social anxiety, even for individuals with severe and treatment-resistent symptoms.
How Does it Work?
Group therapy provides an environment where you can practice what I call “emotional improv”: you’ll get a chance to explore your feelings in a therapeutic space with others who also want to learn how to put their thoughts and feelings into words.
In this way, the “emotional improv” of being in a group raises your confidence, which will support you outside of the group in social settings. Over time you’ll find it’s much easier to deal with whatever happens when interacting with others outside of the group.
For example, you may experience social anxiety while interacting with others in the group. But, since it’s a safe container, you might feel comfortable enough to let the group know how you are feeling. The support of a certified group therapist will guide you to speak with others in a way where you can put your thoughts and feelings into words toward others and toward yourself.
Being with your peers also helps you to realize that you’re not the only one who feels this way. Since there will be a range of experiences within the group, you’ll get to see how other people who are coping well handle different situations. This provides hope. Over time, as you grow, you’ll be able to see your own progress as you interact with those who are new to the group.
Eventually, this self-awareness helps you to enjoy healthier relationships.
Online Process Group Therapy Meetings in Los Angeles for Adults with Social Anxiety
Tuesdays ONLINE 12:00PM-1:15PM PST
Wednesdays ONLINE 8:00am-9:15am PST
Wednesdays ONLINE 12:15pm-1:30pm PST
These group therapy sessions are open to California, Texas, and New York residents.
THese are mixed gender groups for adults who experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Group members are encouraged to put their thoughts, feelings and impulses into words. Learn more about yourself and the way you are perceived by others.
What Happens in a Somatic Experiencing Session?
Maria Gray, Los Angeles-based therapist
About Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, CGP:
I’m a Los Angeles based therapist with a somatic approach. I focus on helping my clients re-establish a connection with their bodies, and to the parts of themselves that are organized and grounded.
How Does Somatic Experiencing Release Trauma?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapy used to treat trauma and stress-related disorders.
It was created by Dr. Peter A. Levine, who studied wild animals in their natural environments. He noticed that animals were able to recover from stressful events in a more adaptive way than humans.
Based on his observations and studies, he wrote a book (1997) entitled “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences.” What he shared in this book has helped many individuals heal from past trauma with the support of trained somatic therapists.
Have you ever seen a dog “shake it off” after they’ve been startled? That movement – like they’re trying to dry themselves off but they're not wet – is an example of the way animals process sensations and emotions after a traumatic or stressful event.
Levine believes that these unprocessed sensations in the nervous system create symptoms like anxiety and depression. Humans were never taught to move their bodies after a traumatic event. The ongoing physical, emotional, and mental discomfort that often accompanies trauma has its roots in these unprocessed moments that remain in the body.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is based on the premise that trauma isn't just a psychological event, but something that gets "stuck" in the nervous system leading to ongoing physical and emotional symptoms.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapists help their clients understand and track what’s happening in their nervous systems so they can notice when they are stuck in fight, flight or freeze mode, and return to a more regulated state.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in a Somatic Experiencing (SE) session?
No, it is not necessary for clients to describe a traumatic event during an SE session.
The body remembers the event, and processing the sensations with a trained SE therapist helps release “stuck” feelings and restores balance to your nervous system.
How is Somatic Experiencing (SE) different from traditional talk therapy?
While there are many types of talk therapy, more traditional, psychodynamic models focus on unconscious thoughts and feelings, and sometimes analyzing a client’s past history.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapists help clients track sensations in the body in the present using a “here and now” approach. It’s considered a “bottom up” therapy which means there is an emphasis on tracking sensations in the body. Traditional talk therapy uses a “top down” approach focusing on cognitive processes like thoughts and beliefs.
Can Somatic Experiencing (SE) help with anxiety?
Yes, Somatic Experiencing (SE) can be very helpful in treating anxiety. While SE is known for its effectiveness in addressing trauma, it’s highly effective in treating symptoms like anxiety and depression, which also have a strong physiological component.
What else can Somatic Experiencing help with?
SE is effective at treating shock trauma and Complex PTDS (CPTSD). Shock trauma can occur from an isolated incident, like a car accident. It’s also effective for clients who have expereinced developmental trauma which happens when people grow up around parents who are unable to meet their needs.
SE helps people begin to feel more like themselves and can alleviate feeling hyper and/or hypoaraousal in the nervous system.
Somatic Experiencing Therapy in Santa Monica and Online in California, New York, and Texas
Take the first step to get started with Somatic Experiencing Therapy. I see clients in-person and virtually in California, and virtually in New York and Texas. In-person appointments happen in my Santa Monica, California office.
If you’re a resident of California, New York, or Texas, call 424-442-9704. If I can be of support, we’ll schedule a free 15-minute call, where we’ll talk about what you’d like to explore in therapy and I’ll provide some details about my practice and the way I work.
What is the difference between a process group and a support group?
About Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, Certified Group Psychotherapist:
I’ve been involved with the group therapy world for over 15 years, and I attend group therapy conferences every year both in California and nationally.
I started to focus on my group therapy training by joining the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA), and participating in their events in Culver City. I also have served on the GPALA board for four years.
Support groups are often focused on a specific theme/issue like grief and loss, eating disorders, addictions. These groups are usually led by therapists, but can be led by a member of the group or a paraproffessional.
There are many types of support groups. 12-Step groups like Al-Anon offer both in-person and online meetings in greater Los Angeles, and Alcoholics Anonymous has numerous daily meeting times available throughout Santa Monica and the Palisades. Narcotics Anonymous, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Women for Sobriety are other types of support groups.
These groups are led by members as opposed to a trained professional.
When a support group is led by a peer instead of a professional, the group is not considered a therapy group, although there are still many benefits to attending this type of format.
According to the Mayo Clinic, support groups offer a chance for peer-to-peer emotional support, where you can both learn from others who are in a similar situation and share your own knowledge and experiences.
The aim of group therapy in a process group is to help you put your thoughts and feelings into words, and to notice your own personal patterns of interacting in relationships.
Group therapy sessions are led by a trained psychotherapist and you also get the benefit of peer-to-peer support.
The main distinction between group therapy and support groups is that since group therapy is led by a professional, each member of the group receives treatment.
For example, as a certified group therapist, I have professional training that allows me to observe members of the group and how they interact. This provides valuable feedback for both in-person sessions in my Santa Monica office, and even works online for my California-wide (and New York & Texas) groups.
The therapist can then share their observations and ask questions. This leads each member to learn more about themselves, including their triggers, their behaviors, and their patterns.
Various scientific studies have found that group therapy is equal to individual therapy in terms of treatment outcomes.
In fact, there are some situations where group can actually offer more benefits, especially due to the interpersonal and relationship building skills that participants have the opportunity to develop.
Learn more about
the benefits of group therapy
There are many different types of group therapy.
Process groups are centered on what members are experiencing in the present moment. This type of group therapy helps members unotice what they are experiencing in the moment, put their thoughts and feelings into words, and improve their relationships with others.
You’ll gain a sense of self-awareness, especially in how you react in social situations. This can support you in building healthier relationships with partners, colleagues, family, and friends.
Skills development groups offer members various coping skills that support their mental health and everyday life. Since individuals are learning, there is more of a leader focus in this type of group.
According to a publication by the Treatment Improvement Protocol, the focus may be on conflict resolution, relapse prevention, meditation, or other cognitive skills.
Psychoeducational groups are similar to skills development groups in that it’s focused on the therapist sharing knowledge with group members.
While skills can be learned in psychoeducational group therapy, the TIP notes that the goal here is to learn more about the how and why of certain mental health issues.
Process Groups vs Support Groups: Both are Beneficial
Now that you understand the difference between these three types of groups, you can decide which is right for you. It may even be that attending individual therapy along with group therapy helps you achieve your goals faster.
If you’re ready to take the next step in understanding your underlying patterns and make long-lasting changes in your life, get more information on my group therapy offerings for California residents here.
The Benefits Of Group Therapy for Los Angeles Residents
About Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, Certified Group Psychotherapist:
I’ve been involved with the group therapy world for over 15 years, and I attend group therapy conferences every year both in California and nationally.
I started to focus on my group therapy training by joining the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA), and participating in their events in Culver City. I also have served on the GPALA board for four years.
Why does group therapy work?
I’m such a firm believer in the benefits of group therapy because I’ve seen it first-hand with my own clients.
Group offers an opportunity to unpack childhood trauma.
Group therapy provides a unique opportunity: access to preverbal material, or your earliest trauma. That’s because therapy groups are similar to families. You’ll get to explore the way childhood experiences impact your relationships in the present.
You’ll have the benefit of experiencing something called transference. This is an unconscious process where you interact with other members as though they were significant people from your past, such as your parents or siblings.
You may find yourself replaying old relational patterns and emotional responses inside the setting of the group. You’ll have the benefit of experiencing multiple transferences, not just a single transference from the therapist, but seven or eight reflections.
There is a lot of healing that can come from working through your transferred feelings within the group.
You may notice issues with authority, attachment patterns, or social anxiety – all within the safe container of the group. Within your reactions to criticism, or your ability to trust others, you can learn about your own patterns and begin to create a positive shift. This makes group therapy an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth.
The power of a group is that it mirrors your current relationships.
As you notice how past experiences inform your current interpersonal relationships, you’ll have an opportunity to learn healthier ways of communicating with others in your present life. In group, you’ll learn how to put your thoughts and feelings into words, with the support of others.
Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship with your boss, colleagues, friends, or family, you’ll be able to change your current pattern of behavior into something that supports your goals.
Eventually, this self-awareness helps you to enjoy healthier relationships.
Group therapy relieves feelings of isolation.
Additionally, you’ll form ongoing connections with other group members that can support you in your everyday experiences.
Once you get to know your fellow group members, you’ll learn that there are others out there struggling with the same problems. You’ll see that you’re not alone, and you’ll be able to learn from others who are working on similar goals. Through this, you might find that you take on a new perspective on your own challenges.
Group Therapy Works Just as Well as Individual Therapy
Multiple research studies have shown that group therapy is just as effective as working one-on-one with a therapist.
For example, an analysis of over 30 years of research on group therapy found that it is equal to other types of treatments for mental health.
This is true for many different types of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, social anxiety, illness, addiction, or grief.
Group Therapy in Los Angeles or Online for California Residents
Currently, I have several groups running, including an online women’s group, and three online mixed gender groups. Group therapy can be helpful if you are expereincing anxiety and/or depression, social isolation, or you are simply interested in improving your relationships with others. Some groups meet in-person for an annual check-in.