How to Benefit From Group Therapy if You Have PTSD

When you live a life with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can feel daunting at times. This is a condition that can often be debilitating, especially if you are not participating in a professional recovery program. If you are unsure how to be treated for PTSD or do not know which therapy programs will work best for you, there is help. For example, group therapy is one treatment approach. It fosters valuable social support among others who are also coping with PTSD.

What Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy is a treatment modality that brings together individuals coping with the same mental health condition or symptoms. This therapy is designed for people to share their stories and learn healthy coping skills. It takes place in a safe and comfortable atmosphere, with sessions guided by a licensed mental health counselor. In sessions, you will learn valuable healing strategies from a therapist that range from CBT methods to interpersonal group therapy. Additionally, group therapy has been especially effective for those coping with PTSD. 

Moreover, group therapy provides resources and a support network of peers that you can connect with throughout your therapeutic journey. Having a strong network of peers you can trust to help you can better the outcome of learning from the therapy itself. Those with PTSD can benefit from group therapy by learning the necessary skills to manage their symptoms. They will also benefit from sharing their story with others.

While having PTSD can be challenging, joining a group therapy session can make a significant difference in your healing journey. This is especially true if you feel isolated. There are many different types of group therapy available, and Alter Wellness offers a variety of programs. You can choose from the ones that suit your needs and build a treatment plan that works for you. 

Interpersonal Group Therapy for PTSD

One particularly valuable type of group therapy for PTSD is interpersonal process group therapy, also known as interpersonal psychotherapy. This kind of group therapy will help you learn the interpersonal skills you need to deal with your symptoms internally. It will also teach you ways to cope with them during daily life.

Interpersonal psychotherapy is an evidence-based therapeutic method. It works to address your current life events. Then you can develop a plan of treatment to help you function in social and interpersonal situations. This treatment is used to treat PTSD because evidence has shown that interpersonal psychotherapy reduces stress. It also reduces the severity of symptoms that often result from PTSD.

Rather than centering PTSD treatment around trauma exposure, interpersonal group psychotherapy focuses on interpersonal difficulties and affect dysregulation. If you are in an interpersonal group therapy session, the therapist will help you process your traumas without exposing you to them. They will also help you process interpersonal conflict along with intrapersonal dysfunctions.

In sessions, the therapist guides the members of the group to address their childhood concerns. These are concerns that may lead to poor decision-making and impulsive tendencies in adulthood. Therapists are always there to help you. They guide you through the internal process to heal your trauma and relieve your symptoms.

The Benefits of Interpersonal Group Therapy for PTSD

There are many benefits to attending interpersonal psychotherapy in a group setting. For example, you will be able to build a supportive network of peers with similar symptoms who can relate to your story. Additionally, a licensed psychotherapist will be there to help you feel safe and guide you through the interpersonal process.

Other benefits include:

• Learning from others: Getting to know other people by listening to their stories and experiences can be helpful for PTSD recovery. These discussions may also help you learn more about yourself. 
• Receiving validation: Being a part of a group means you are not alone. If you feel like you are crazy or lonely because of your symptoms, interpersonal group therapy can help. 
• Helping others: By being a part of a group, you have the chance to support others working to recover from PTSD. This can help build your confidence in your own ability to cope with and manage your symptoms.
• Building your social network: Being in group therapy can help you share your story with other people. It can also help you connect with them through shared experiences. Additionally, you can rely on others to help you when you feel challenged by therapy or your symptoms. Interpersonal group therapy offers a way of coping with your symptoms through the help of those with similar symptoms and stories.

In summary, interpersonal group therapy has many benefits when treating PTSD. While this may not be the best method for everyone, trying it out can be beneficial to learn what kind of therapy works for you. Take advantage of the resources Alter Wellness provides and remember you are not alone in this fight. Help is just a phone call away.

If you are looking to get treated for your PTSD symptoms and would like to get involved with a group therapy program, call us at Alter Wellness Care. We can provide you with resources and options that may work for you. Our outpatient programs have been successful for many clients looking to live happier and healthier lives. We work with you to find solutions and place you in a program that benefits your mental health. We offer interpersonal process groups so you can work through your symptoms and traumas while getting help from a supportive environment of peers and professionals. Please give us a call at (866) 311-3510 to learn more about our programs. We are here for your health.