Understanding the Types of Group Therapy – A Guide to Finding Your Path to Healing

Understanding the Types of Group Therapy – A Guide to Finding Your Path to Healing

Group therapy is a powerful tool in mental health care—one that not only helps you understand yourself better but also reminds you that healing doesn't have to be a lonely journey. As a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen how group therapy transforms lives, especially for those dealing with grief, anxiety, or difficult life transitions.

After losing my brother Lou in 2017, I found myself deep in the heart of grief—not just as a therapist, but as a human being. That experience reshaped how I view emotional recovery and deepened my belief in the power of shared healing. Through both my personal and professional lens, I’ve come to appreciate the many types of group therapy available today and how they meet different emotional needs.

In this article, I’d like to walk you through the most effective types of group therapy and help you understand which one may be the right fit for your current chapter in life.

1. Support Groups

These are often informal, peer-based gatherings where people who share a common experience—such as grief, chronic illness, or addiction—come together to talk, listen, and hold space for one another. While some support groups are led by professionals, many are peer-driven. What makes support groups so healing is their emphasis on empathy over intervention. When someone across the circle says, “I’ve been there too,” it can feel like a lifeline.

Who it helps: Individuals who feel isolated in their experiences and crave connection with others who “get it.”

2. Psychoeducational Groups

These groups combine education and emotional processing. A therapist leads participants through specific topics (e.g., stress management, grief stages, trauma recovery) using structured content. These are ideal for those who want to learn new coping skills in a group setting.

Who it helps: Clients who want actionable tools and information to better manage their mental health, especially anxiety or trauma-related issues.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups

CBT groups are based on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns. These sessions are typically short-term and focus on practical strategies to change behavior and emotional responses. I’ve used CBT in both individual and group settings, and it’s incredibly effective—especially for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Who it helps: People who benefit from goal-oriented, skills-based approaches and are ready to engage in change-driven work.

4. Interpersonal Process Groups

These groups are more fluid and focus on exploring how we relate to others. The therapist facilitates the group, but much of the insight comes from how members interact, express emotion, set boundaries, and receive feedback. These sessions go deep and can mirror real-life relationships—making them ideal for those working on communication, emotional regulation, or relational trauma.

Who it helps: Clients looking to build healthier interpersonal dynamics or struggling with feelings of disconnection.

5. Grief-Focused Group Therapy

This is the area I feel most connected to, both personally and professionally. Grief is not a problem to be solved—it’s a lived experience that shifts over time. In my grief groups, I focus on emotional honesty, creating rituals of remembrance, and helping individuals learn how to carry their loss with grace.

Who it helps: Anyone coping with the death of a loved one, ambiguous loss, or major life change such as divorce or caregiving burnout.

Final Thoughts: Which Group is Right for You?

Choosing from the different types of group therapy can feel overwhelming—but trust that your instincts will guide you. Some people benefit from starting with a support group and then transitioning to a CBT group. Others may do individual therapy first before joining a group.

At the heart of all group therapy is connection—and that connection, in itself, is healing. You’re no longer alone in your pain. You’re witnessed, supported, and slowly reminded of your strength.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want help exploring which format may fit your healing goals, I’d be honored to support you.