Group Therapy or One-on-One

[BeeKeeper]

I'm just curious about people's feelings on the type of therapy everyone finds most helpful.  I started doing group (in addition to one-on-one) about a month or so ago and am really struggling with it.  All that keeps playing in my mind is a scene from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" with Nurse Ratchet.  Sitting with strangers...having two therapists in the room...making us meditate at the begining and then writing notes about how you respond.  It truly brings me to the edge of going mad.  If I'm not depressed before I go to theses appoinments....I certainly am afterwards.

Your own thoughts on what works/doesn't work for you?

[shiverl]

I used to go to group therapy and one on one therapy, but now I only go to one on one therapy and like that better.  I too felt worse after going to group therapy and was scared that I may become worse like some of the others that I saw.  In therapy with just my counselor and I, I can concentrate on treatment for me and see how I'm doing.  Also, I have a personality that worries about others, and I can't solve problems for other people when I'm trying to get better myself.

[horselover65]

I haven't liked group in the past and was relieved when my current psychiatrist mentioned it as an option, then moved on when I made a face. I was often uncomfortable and since some groups were mixed, I encountered people with different types of disorders or addictions with experiences that were very disturbing. It didn't seem helpful to me, only scary, and I hesitate to do it again. One on one therapy has been anywhere from terrible to good. I started as a child and my first experiences, especially, were good ones. It's after the child and adolescent psychologists that the quality of the therapists started to vary. I had a few that were still students in training that were great. The downside is that they rotate out. But, I'd rather have that than a group where it feels like anything could happen. I didn't feel safe in a group, I guess. A lot probably depends on the composition of the group.

[bernie40]

Personally I'd take one to one therapy over group therapy.  I feel far more comfortable when it is just me and one other.  I am not over keen on groups anyway but I do understand how it could be very beneficial.  However, my psych has suggested I try it and that if I don't feel comfortable I don't have to go again.  I haven't even made the first one yet, lol.

[LeftCoastChick]

Until recently, I was in both group and individual therapy, I had visions of "Nurse Ratchet", I have really benefited from such a supportive group. I 'graduated", but I still wish I was able to go, it was part of my routine. I'm really missing it, just one on one therapy alone isn't as beneficial, and I'm not even really getting that with my pdoc, he just wants to know if I'm stable, how my meds are doing and such. I'm looking for a new group right now.

[2009toads]

I think that it is really important to have a skilled therapist/leader to have good group therapy.  If you are not feeling comfortable in the group than the therapist has not created a space that feels safe, and this is not place where healing will happen for you.

If you feel comfortable with one-on-one therapy then continue to do so.  Good luck!

T  

[Venora Moonwind]

I have been in both therapies and I found them very helpful. Although in the group therapy I found it very hard to talk about my ;problems as there seemed to others in the group with bigger difficulties than mine,
Love Venora