Group Therapy The Power of Shared Experience
At Armstrong Family Counseling, we recognize that healing and personal growth often flourish within a supportive community. Our group therapy services are designed to provide such an environment, where individuals can connect, share experiences, gain insights, and learn together. By participating in our specialized group therapy sessions, participants discover that they are not alone in their struggles and that collective wisdom can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Group therapy offers a unique dynamic that differs from individual counseling. It brings together individuals facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Participants benefit from diverse perspectives, gain insights into their own behaviors, and develop new coping strategies by observing and interacting with others. This communal approach not only alleviates feelings of isolation but also reinforces the understanding that personal struggles are shared by others, creating a foundation for empathy and connection.
At Armstrong Family Counseling, our group therapy sessions are facilitated by experienced therapists who ensure a safe, confidential, and structured environment. Each group is tailored to address specific issues, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussions and activities relevant to their experiences. Through this collaborative process, individuals can achieve personal growth, improve interpersonal skills, and build resilience alongside others on similar journeys.
What is Group Therapy?
Group therapy involves a small number of individuals meeting regularly under the guidance of a trained therapist to discuss and explore personal issues. Group sizes are kept small to allow each member of the group to benefit from participation. This therapeutic approach leverages the power of shared experiences, allowing participants to learn from each other, offer support, and develop new perspectives.
The group therapy format offers unique benefits:โ
- Shared Experiences: Hearing others' stories can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.โ Group members feel a sense of belonging and connection due to similar shared experiences.
- Diverse Perspectives: Engaging with a variety of viewpoints can lead to new insights and problem-solving strategies.โ Hearing how others have addressed similar circumstances provides new insights.
- Skill Development: Group settings offer opportunities to practice social and coping skills in a supportive environment.โ
Individuals choose group therapy for several reasons, including the desire for community support, the opportunity to learn from others, or as a complementary therapy along with individual counseling. It's particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance interpersonal relationships, draw strength from others, develop communication skills, or gain different perspectives on their challenges.โ
Benefits of Group Therapy
Participating in group therapy offers numerous advantages that contribute to personal growth and well-being:โ
Shared Understanding and Support
Connecting with others who have similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. This shared understanding provides emotional support and validation, which are crucial for healing.
Diverse Perspectives and Insights
Group members bring varied viewpoints and coping strategies, enriching the learning experience. Exposure to different approaches can inspire new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Regular interaction within the group setting encourages the development of effective communication and active listening skills. These improvements can positively impact relationships outside the therapy environment.
Increased Self-Awareness
Sharing personal stories and receiving feedback from others can lead to greater self-understanding. Recognizing personal patterns and behaviors is a vital step toward meaningful change.
Cost-Effective Therapy Option
Group therapy often provides a more affordable alternative to individual sessions while still delivering substantial therapeutic benefits. This makes group therapy especially attractive for those who have a high deductible insurance plan or who are paying out of pocket for therapy.
Development of Coping Strategies
Learning from others' experiences equips participants with a broader toolkit of coping mechanisms to handle life's challenges more effectively.
Group Therapy Classes in Kansas City
At Armstrong Family Counseling, LLC, we offer a wide range of family counseling services designed to address the unique challenges and dynamics of your family. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the specific needs of each family member. Here are the key services we provide:
Survivorโs Group: Healing from Hidden Abuse
For those who have experienced emotional, psychological, or narcissistic abuse, the effects can be devastatingโand often invisible. Many survivors struggle with self-doubt, isolation, and a lingering sense of confusion about what they went through. This group is based on the work of Shannon Thomas, author of Healing from Hidden Abuse, and provides a structured framework for understanding and recovering from covert abuse.
What This Group Covers:
- Identifying the patterns of emotional and psychological abuse (gaslighting, manipulation, coercion).
- Understanding the cycle of abuse and how to break free from it.
- Rebuilding self-trust, confidence, and emotional resilience.
- Recognizing how past trauma may be affecting current relationships, work, and self-perception.
Who This Group Is For:
- Individuals recovering from emotionally abusive relationships (romantic, family, workplace, or friendships).
- Those who struggle with self-doubt, guilt, or confusion about their past experiences.
- Survivors looking for a structured approach to healing in a safe, validating space.
DBT Skills Group: Emotional Regulation & Mindfulness
Emotions can be overwhelmingโespecially when they feel uncontrollable, unpredictable, or all-consuming. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is a research-backed method for helping individuals manage their emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living.
This group is skills-based, meaning participants learn and practice DBT techniques to regulate emotions, reduce distress, and navigate relationships effectively.
What This Group Covers:
- Mindfulness: Staying present and grounded instead of being consumed by stress or worry.
- Distress Tolerance: Learning how to handle intense emotions without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms.
- Emotion Regulation: Gaining control over emotional reactions instead of feeling controlled by them.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Navigating conflict and setting boundaries without guilt.
Who This Group Is For:
- Individuals struggling with intense emotions, mood swings, or impulsivity.
- Those dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation.
- People who want tangible, research-based tools for handling lifeโs challenges.
Anger Management Group: Regain Control Over Your Emotions
Anger is often misunderstood. Itโs not about eliminating anger altogetherโanger is a natural human emotion. The real challenge is learning how to express it in a way that is productive, not destructive. This group is designed to help participants recognize their triggers, control emotional outbursts, and build healthier communication patterns.
This group meets the requirements for court-ordered anger management, but itโs also open to anyone who wants to work on their emotional regulation.
What This Group Covers:
- Understanding the physiological and psychological roots of anger.
- Identifying triggers and patterns that fuel emotional outbursts.
- Practicing alternative responses that allow for constructive, rather than destructive, expression.
- Learning how to de-escalate conflict and set boundaries in relationships.
Who This Group Is For:
- Individuals who have been court-ordered to attend anger management therapy.
- Those who struggle with controlling their temper in personal or professional settings.
- Anyone who wants to learn how to express emotions in a healthier, more effective way.
Teen Group: Overcoming Anxiety & Depression
Teenagers today are under more pressure than ever before. Social media, academic stress, friendship struggles, and identity confusion all contribute to rising rates of anxiety and depression. Many teens feel alone, misunderstood, or unsure of how to navigate their emotions.
This group provides a safe, structured space where teens can openly discuss their struggles while also learning practical tools for managing stress, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm.
What This Group Covers:
- Understanding how anxiety and depression affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Developing healthy coping strategies to reduce stress and emotional overwhelm.
- Navigating social pressures, friendships, and family relationships in a constructive way.
- Building self-confidence and self-acceptance through group support.
Who This Group Is For:
- Teens struggling with persistent worry, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness.
- Adolescents who feel isolated or disconnected from their peers.
- Teens who want to develop stronger emotional regulation and coping skills.
Group Therapy in Kansas City
At Armstrong Family Counseling, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can come together to heal, learn, and grow. Our group therapy sessions are facilitated by experienced professionals dedicated to supporting each participant's journey toward well-being.
By participating in our group therapy programs, clients can benefit from the power of shared experiences, group support, and new knowledge and skills that contribute to lasting healing and personal growth.
How to Start Group Therapy
To get started, call us at (913) 204-0582 or submit your information below. We look forward to seeing you!
Additional Resources
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH provides comprehensive information on mental health issues that can affect families, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Their website offers educational resources, research updates, and practical advice for supporting family members with mental health challenges.
Website: www.nimh.nih.gov
The Gottman Institute
Renowned for its research on relationships, The Gottman Institute offers a variety of resources that can help families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger bonds. Their books, blog posts, and online programs are excellent tools for families looking to enhance their emotional connections.
Website: www.gottman.com
American Psychological Association (APA) โ Family Resources
The APAโs website includes a wealth of information on family dynamics, parenting, and mental health. Their articles, brochures, and tools are designed to help families navigate common challenges and promote psychological well-being.
Website: www.apa.org
Books by Salvador Minuchin
Salvador Minuchinโs groundbreaking work on Structural Family Therapy offers deep insights into family dynamics and effective therapy techniques. His books, such as Families and Family Therapy, are essential reads for anyone interested in understanding and improving family relationships.
The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family
The Bowen Center provides resources and educational materials on Murray Bowenโs Family Systems Theory. Their website includes articles, videos, and information on training programs for those who want to learn more about this influential approach to family therapy.
Website: www.thebowencenter.org
Books by Erik Erikson
Erik Eriksonโs theories on psychosocial development are critical for understanding how individuals grow and change throughout their lives. His books, such as Childhood and Society, offer valuable perspectives on how developmental stages impact family dynamics.
Attachment and Human Development Journal
This academic journal publishes cutting-edge research on attachment theory and its applications in therapy. Itโs a valuable resource for those interested in the latest findings on how attachment influences family relationships.
Website: www.tandfonline.com
OurFamilyWizard
OurFamilyWizard is an online tool designed to help separated or divorced parents manage communication, schedules, and expenses. Itโs an invaluable resource for co-parenting and ensuring that the agreements made in therapy are effectively implemented.
Website: www.ourfamilywizard.com
John Bowlbyโs Books on Attachment
John Bowlbyโs seminal work on attachment theory provides a profound understanding of how early bonding experiences shape our relationships throughout life. His books, such as Attachment and Loss, are foundational texts for anyone interested in the psychology of attachment.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a nonprofit organization focused on the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Their resources provide guidance on parenting, early childhood development, and fostering secure attachments in young children.
Website: www.zerotothree.org
