Therapy groups offer certain advantages over individual therapy, such as:

	Emotional support and validation by others
	Suggestions and insight by others
	Learning new ways to communicate and express feelings
	Open, honest feedback in a safe setting
	Hopeful feelings often result from seeing how other people handle difficult life situations
	Learning new ways to solve problems from others
	“I’m not the only one who feels this way – I’m not the only person who feels not good enough”
	We feel better about ourselves when we help others
	Groups often have an educational component
	Groups are generally less costly than individual therapy

These benefits have been studied scientifically, and the results show that group therapy is a highly effective approach to dealing with human problems. For example, Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. has conducted a great deal of research, and found 10 “curative factors” in group therapy (1970, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy ).

There are many different types of therapy groups, and many different methods are used by group therapists. I use three of the most common types of group therapy methods in my work:

1. Education – I provide information on a range of subjects depending upon the focus of the group. For example, I teach clients about relationships and what makes for a successful marriage; men’s roles and how men tend to sabotage relationships and careers; information about anxiety and panic attacks; depression; and the facts about chemical dependency and recovery.
   
2. Process-oriented Groups – In this type of group, there is open, generally unstructured discussion between the group members. There may be a focus on specific topic areas, such as relationships. The role of the therapist is to facilitate the discussion, and to comment on the interactions between the group members (that is, the “process” within the group). There is a “here and now” focus on what is actually happening between group members. This is effective because “…the interpersonal behavior in the group of each patient is an accurate representation of his interpersonal behavior outside the group.” (I. Yalom)
   
3. Action Methods and Psychodrama – These experiential methods, such as role playing, help clients to express their feelings more openly and directly, and to gain deeper insight into themselves and others. These methods are also useful in practicing new and more satisfying behaviors. For more information, please click on this link to Psychodrama.

In my practice, I offer the following types of groups:

• Men’s Issues - A range of issues unique to men are addressed. Group methods include open discussion and action methods, including psychodrama. The issues addressed include relationships, self-confidence and the inner critic, dealing with emotions, anger management, life stress, anxiety and depression. Special attention is paid to men’s roles: husband, father, son, brother, work roles, and balancing the various roles.
• Challenging Relationships - This is a mixed group of men and women - some single or divorced, some married or coupled. Relationships are challenging, and our important relationships need to be challenged. In this group we use open discussion and action methods, such as psychodrama, to explore, heal, and grow our most important relationships.
• Couples Group - This group is composed of couples - married couples and unmarried couples in long-term relationships. A wide range of issues are addressed, including communication, dealing with fights and arguments, emotional and physical distance in the relationship, trust issues and affairs, and managing all types of conflicts and power struggles. This group provides education on how to achieve a successful relationship or marriage, open group discussion, and action methods, such as psychodrama.
• Anxiety And Depression - This group addresses mood disorders, such as anxiety and panic attacks, phobias, depression, and bipolar disorder. Education on these problems is provided, and there is open discussion and homework assignments. Some action methods are used, such as psychodrama. There is a special emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
  

Groups are generally provided in the evenings or on Saturdays for approximately two hours, once per week. Some groups are time limited (for example, 8-10 weeks), and some are ongoing.

To make an appointment, call Richard Loebl, LCSW at 561-955-6090, or send him an email at Richard@RelationshipCenterofSouthFlorida.com.