Frequently asked questions

• What is Group Therapy and how is it used in South Africa?

  Group therapy in South Africa is a psychotherapeutic approach where one or more therapists lead a group of 5–12 participants. Sessions usually run for a few hours each week and can be set for a fixed number of weeks or continue over a year. This form of therapy, which became popular after World War II due to the high demand for mental health services, remains an efficient and cost-effective treatment option widely used today. Group therapy is often integrated into comprehensive treatment plans alongside individual therapy sessions, medication, and other care types to address a broad range of mental health disorders.

• What are the different types of Group Therapy available?

  There are various group therapy treatments, including Psychotherapy Groups, Cognitive Therapy Groups, Modified Dynamic Group Therapy, Relapse Prevention Groups, Mutual Self-Help Groups, and Network Therapy. The selection of a specific type of group therapy depends on the participants' needs and the treatment goals. Specialized group therapies are also available to support specific patient populations, such as adolescents, LGBTQ+ community members, and the elderly, ensuring that therapy techniques are adapted to best meet group members' needs and treatment objectives.

• What are the benefits of participating in Group Therapy?

  Group therapy offers multiple benefits, including being more cost-effective than individual therapy. It provides a safe environment where participants can share experiences and offer support to each other. Additionally, group therapy fosters new insights, serves as a platform for role modeling positive behaviors, helps individuals find their voice, and improves interpersonal skills. The communal aspect of group therapy significantly impacts mental health by providing a sense of belonging and community. Research indicates that people in group therapy improve not only through therapist interventions but also from interacting with other group members, with some studies suggesting that group psychotherapy can produce stronger and longer-lasting results for many people compared to individual psychotherapy.