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.