Common Myths of Group Psychotherapy

Myth 1: "It's just venting in a circle."

Group psychotherapy is much more than simply talking about your problems. It is facilitated by a trained psychologist and grounded in a clear therapeutic framework, with defined goals and interventions that vary according to the group's approach - whether psychodynamic, interpersonal, process-oriented, or skills-based.

The group facilitator pays attention not only to what members share, but also to what happens between people in the room. They help members notice relational patterns, facilitate meaningful interactions, and intervene purposefully so that the group becomes a space for reflection, learning, and change - not simply a place to vent.

Myth 2: "My problems aren't serious enough for group therapy."

Group psychotherapy is not only for people in crisis or with severe mental health difficulties. Groups can support people across a broad range of concerns, from adjustment and life transitions to longstanding interpersonal and personality difficulties.

Some groups are designed specifically to help people address difficulties early, before they become more entrenched. What matters is not whether your problems are “serious enough,” but whether the particular group is a good fit for what you are experiencing and what you hope to work on.

Myth 3: "I'll leave feeling worse because I'll hear about other people's problems."

It is understandable to worry that hearing about other people's struggles might feel overwhelming. Yet being with others who have faced similar difficulties can also be deeply normalising and hopeful. Discovering that you are not alone, witnessing others cope and grow, and experiencing support from people who understand can reduce shame and create a sense of possibility.

If another member's experience brings up something difficult for you, that does not necessarily mean the group is harming you. These reactions can become meaningful material to explore within the group, with the support of the therapist and other members. Yalom describes instillation of hope and universality among the therapeutic factors that can make group psychotherapy particularly powerful (Yalom & Lescz, 2020).

Myth 4: "I'm too introverted for group therapy."

You do not have to be the loudest person in the room to benefit from group therapy. Groups are not about performing, being entertaining, or constantly contributing to the conversation. There is room to listen, observe, reflect, and gradually find your own way of participating.

For some quieter people, the experience of being seen by others without having to perform can become an important part of therapy. Research also suggests that personality characteristics such as introversion and extraversion do not determine whether someone will benefit from group psychotherapy (Burlingame et al., 2016).

Myth 5: "Everything will get shared, confidentiality doesn't apply."

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of group psychotherapy. At the beginning of a group, members are asked to make a clear commitment to respect one another's privacy and not disclose what other members have shared outside the group.

At the same time, group confidentiality works somewhat differently from individual therapy: a therapist can maintain their own professional confidentiality, but cannot absolutely guarantee what another group member will do outside the room. This is why confidentiality is discussed explicitly, expectations are established from the outset, and any concerns about privacy can be addressed openly with the group and therapist.

Myth 6: "It takes much longer to see progress in a group than in individual therapy."

Research suggests that group psychotherapy can produce meaningful improvements and can be broadly as effective as individual psychotherapy (Burlingame et al., 2016). The pace of change depends on many factors, including the nature of the difficulty, the type and duration of the group, the therapeutic relationship, and the fit between the person and the group.

Myth 7: "Individual therapy is better as I do not need to share my time and space with others."

Group psychotherapy offers therapeutic opportunities that individual therapy cannot fully replicate. Being with others who are working through their own difficulties can provide a sense of connection, belonging, and relief in discovering that you are not alone.

A group also brings together people with different personalities, experiences, and perspectives. Listening to how others understand and respond to their difficulties can help you see your own experiences differently, gain new perspectives, and discover possibilities for change. Over time, the relationships formed within the group can themselves become part of the therapeutic process, providing opportunities to practise new ways of relating, receive feedback, and experience being understood by others.

Myth 8: "I cannot join a group with a friend. "

Knowing someone in the group does not automatically mean that you cannot participate. However, it is important to consider whether their presence would affect your sense of safety, privacy, or ability to speak openly.

Group psychotherapy relies on a shared commitment to confidentiality and respectful boundaries. If you discover that someone you know is in the group, we can talk through your concerns and consider whether the group remains a suitable space for you. Your comfort and ability to participate authentically are important considerations when deciding whether a particular group is right for you.

References:

Burlingame, G. M., Seebeck, J. D., Janis, R. A., Whitcomb, K. E., Barkowski, S., Rosendahl, J., & Strauss, B. (2016). Outcome differences between individual and group formats when identical and nonidentical treatments, patients, and doses are compared: A 25-year meta-analytic perspective. Psychotherapy, 53(4), 446. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000090

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Hachette UK.