Adult Process Group

A mixed process group may be right for you if you have been experiencing any (or even all) of the following: stuck in your current therapy progress, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, experiencing isolation, low motivation, loneliness, finding it challenging to build empathy, difficulty adjusting to a major life transition, feeling like you need a change and not knowing where to start.

Group therapy can be a support network and a secure base to return to when you feel alone with your struggles. In fact, group therapy can help provide relief in knowing that others are having similar experiences even if it is not typically openly talked about. Group therapy provides a safe environment for members to talk openly about their feelings without fear of judgment. Additionally, having a diverse set of perspectives can allow you to see your situation through various lenses and form new ideas about how to make positive change. Being that group therapy is largely relational, a benefit is increased communication skills and ability to set boundaries with others. A different yet very important benefit of group therapy is its cost efficiency. Group therapy is often significantly less than individual therapy, and provides many similar benefits.

Open groups are those in which new members can join at any time. Closed groups are those in which members join the group at the same time and new members are not accepted until the start of a new group. Being that this group does not have a particular end date, the group will continue to admit new members who are an appropriate fit with the current established group. The group will occasionally take breaks pending the leader and member’s vacations, holidays, etc.

An intake will allow the group leader(s) to get to know you and your therapeutic journey, assess your goals for the group, and answer questions you may have about the process. Completing an intake also protects members of the existing group from having a member come in that is not the right fit at the time, risking the safety of the space. The individual intake space allows you to get to know the group leader(s), and begin to build a trusting relationship.

I have found that conducting groups virtually is quite effective as long as basic ground rules are followed such as: keeping the space private, using headphones, keeping distractions to a minimum, arriving on time, leaving the camera on at all times, etc. All group rules will be outlined on the informed consent upon each member joining. All clients are expected to come to the group to share, and be attentive to their peers and practice offering feedback and validation. The group leader(s) will continue to observe and reflect reactions, feelings, meaning just as is done in person.

Just as in any therapy, you are able to leave the group at any time. However, it is expected that you come consistently, and I suggest attending for a minimum of 6 weeks before deciding to leave the group. This allows you time to attach and form relationships with other group members, and feel comfortable with the style of group. If after this amount of time the group is still not feeling right for you. I encourage you to make an appointment with the group leader(s) to discuss. There is no maximum number of sessions to attend and this group does not have an end date. Client’s are encouraged to discuss with the group leader(s) about appropriate discharge from the group, and take responsibility for monitoring their progress. Some questions to reflect on when feeling ready to leave this group are: Have my goals for the group been mostly achieved? Do I feel better able to communicate with others I am in close relationships with and set boundaries? I am feeling “unstuck”? Am I finding my mood is more stable?

At Sunstone Counseling, we are considered out-of-network providers therefore do not work with your insurance directly, however do provide superbills with all required information for reimbursement. Coverage for a group may largely depend on your insurance provider. Some have had luck with these groups being covered, others have not. Please reach out to your insurance directly and inquire if online group therapy is covered. Please know for any therapy, a diagnosis is required for insurance reimbursement. We can use the intake time to process this further individually.

In order to best serve you, I take a team approach to align with goals you have already spent valuable time creating with your established providers. Usually, you have had longer standing relationships with these providers, and they can help me better understand your needs and history from an alternative perspective. Please know that if something comes up during the group that I would want to discuss with your other providers, I will make you aware of this before speaking with them.