The Power of Group Therapy: A DC Therapist’s Ode to Group Therapy this Holiday Season
As a mental health therapist, a common refrain I hear from clients is that the people around them just “don’t get it”. Whether it’s dating, grief, or anything else they might be going through, emotionally difficult experiences can often feel isolating and lonely. Around the winter time, I usually hear an increase in people’s feelings of loneliness, as the holiday season, stereotypically a time of joy and connection, can also bring isolation. Things like Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD for short), difficult family dynamics, or increased isolation due to shorter and colder days can all exacerbate mental health issues. That’s why I recommend group therapy to all my clients looking for support, connection, and community as they navigate the often complex emotional challenges of the holiday season and daily life!
This winter, The Sterling Group is offering a dating group and a parental grief group. So why should you seek out group therapy this winter?
Community
Group therapy can help combat loneliness and isolation, both during and outside of the holiday season. Additionally, now more than ever in our post-election reality, you might be looking for connection and community. You might be feeling like no one “gets it,” but you’ll find in group therapy, you can look around at people who really do “get it”. At TSG, we offer groups on the topics of dating and grief, which are often hard to talk about subjects that, especially during the holidays, exacerbate loneliness. Especially this time of year, it might feel stigmatized to admit feeling lonely, experiencing dread, or grappling with difficult emotions. There’s pressure to be “on” all the time, and in a state of constant holiday excitement or joy. Individual therapy can offer important and impactful one-on-one support meeting you where you are with how you’re really feeling, but group therapy enhances this type of therapeutic relationship into a network of support. Group therapy offers a safe, open, and warm collective space to share vulnerably and authentically, creating community and bonds with each other.
Stress and Anxiety Management
Experiences such as difficulty dating and navigating grief and loss during the holiday season can exacerbate intense feelings of stress and anxiety. Group therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice skills to manage the stress and anxiety this time of year comes with. Cultivating an anxiety and stress care toolbox of mindfulness skills, grounding and relaxation methods, and boundary-setting tools can equip you to navigate some specific challenges you may encounter this holiday season. A group setting allows you to practice these tools, hear what others have tried, and receive the validation and support of a community that is going through something similar.
Emotional Expression
I often hear from clients that they do not feel safe or have had negative experiences expressing emotions to and around others. You might have been told to squash an emotion, “suck it up”, push through it, or otherwise suppress your emotions. Especially around the holidays, when “holiday cheer” and festivities take precedence, it can be difficult to find safe spaces for emotions expression and processing. Group therapy offers a welcoming, warm space to process, identify, and claim your emotions while interacting with others and gaining collective support. You can create fulfilling, meaningful relationships with others while tapping into your authentic self. Group therapy is facilitated by a licensed therapist, ensuring confidentiality and the value of a trained professional who can integrate evidence-based strategies, and facilitate group inquiry, formation, and processing. If you are navigating and experiencing the multitude of challenges that come along with dating, or processing your grief for loved ones, resulting in difficult emotions during this holiday season, check out The Sterling Group’s therapy groups for a safe, welcoming space to feel and heal this winter.
A Safe Space In A Chaotic Life
In our hectic lives, we often underestimate the value of just finding a safe space where you can just exist. There is so much therapeutic value that being in the safety of a group setting can offer. Perspective through the lens of a diverse group of people, each with their own unique lived experiences can bring forward profound connection and healing. Whether it’s the validation of knowing you’re not alone in some of what you’re going through, or hearing how someone else’s journey has helped shape them –there is a unique value that comes from the relationships in a group setting. The value of having your experiences reflected back to you from a group, the support, empathy, and kindness that often comes from these settings offers a safe space unlike any other. Having a place where you can escape the chaos of your day-to-day life offers a known safe space, and place that can anchor you throughout your week.
Not To Mention…. Groups Are Cost Effective!
Lastly, have you always wanted to try therapy but considered it to be a little too pricey? Group therapy is a great cost-effective option! At only $75 per session (with the potential ability to receive further reimbursement from your insurance provider), group therapy is the perfect way to get the mental health care you deserve at a cost effective price. Just another of the many bonuses group therapy offers!
So, are you ready to start your group therapy journey this winter? Check out our group therapy options right here at The Sterling Group!
About The Author
Hannah Cohen is an associate therapist at The Sterling Group, specializing in working with young adults navigating the stresses of young adulthood. I help my clients address anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, substance use, and identity development - all aspects of life that come with being a young adult. I love working with those from neurodiverse backgrounds, and understanding that therapy – just like people! – comes in many forms and is not one-size-fits-all. As a part of the queer community, I especially enjoy working with LGBTQ+-identifying folks to address their unique identity, social, and relational needs!
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Discover Connection and Support with Group Therapy
Group therapy can be a game-changer in your healing journey. At The Sterling Group, we offer specialized group therapy sessions in Washington, DC, tailored to your unique needs. Our group therapy sessions provide young adults like you with a supportive space to connect, share, grow, and heal together.
Interested in group therapy? See if it’s right for you—here’s how:
1. Fill out our group therapy signup form.
2. Our group therapist, Shelby Allen will connect with you for a quick 15-minute consultation call to assess your needs and readiness.
3. Begin your journey toward healing and meaningful connection.
