Group Therapy
The power of joining an OCD or Skin-picking/Hair-pulling Support Group
Living with either OCD or a BFRB (skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, and other body focused repetitive behaviors) often leads to feelings of isolation and shame, making individual therapy helpful, but is sometimes only one piece of recovery. I can’t tell you how many times my clients share, “I wish I knew other people with the same kinds of awful thoughts I have” or, “I just feel so alone; no-one else I know struggles like this”.
This is where group therapy comes into play, providing a supportive environment where you feel understood, can share your experience freely, and receive encouragement that you might not find anywhere else. There’s something so powerful about being part of a support group that allows you to open up with others who truly get it. Additionally, an OCD or BFRB group isn’t simply about sharing experiences; rather, the tips, tricks, and tools offered from those who have “been there” and “get it” are invaluable.
The Benefits of Group Therapy
1. Shared Experiences
One of the most significant benefits of group therapy is the opportunity for members to talk about the experiences that feel too scary to talk about with those in their daily lives. Individuals often tell me they feel intensely alone in their struggles (some of my clients can’t even talk to their closest friends or family members about their distress), but in a group setting, they quickly realize that others face similar challenges. Hearing others articulate their thoughts and feelings can validate one's own experiences and reduce feelings of isolation (“OMG, you too?! I thought I was the only one…”). This is huge, since these conditions often cause folks to feel ashamed, embarrassed of their thoughts/behaviors, and incredibly isolated. Something magical happens when my clients bond over their symptoms: this connection with others creates empowerment and leads to real change. Make no mistake: this is not about people coming together to share in their “helplessness”, this is connection that leads to real change.
2. Support and Empathy
Group counseling is a safe space where participants can express their feelings without judgment. Members learn to listen actively and provide empathetic support to one another. This shared emotional connection can be incredibly healing, helping individuals feel understood and accepted. This healing often goes beyond the support group environment into the real world, since it can lessen the shame that perpetuates low self-worth, avoidance, and helplessness.
3. Learning Coping Strategies
In support groups, members often exchange the most amazing coping strategies and tools! For example, someone with OCD might share techniques for managing intrusive thoughts, while another person dealing with skin picking might share their latest method that has worked wonders for reducing triggers. This collective wisdom often provides new insights that individuals might not discover in solo therapy. The brainstorming power of multiple minds is an amazing thing! Additionally, the guidance from an OCD and BFRB mental health therapist allows you access to someone with expertise in the field, which is a double-benefit of group therapy.
4. Accountability
Mental health support groups often foster a strong sense of accountability. Participants tend to feel more motivated to implement the strategies discussed during sessions, knowing that they will share their progress with the group. This can be especially important for conditions like OCD and BFRBs, where consistency is crucial for recovery. No-one is punished, shamed, or “called out” for not following through on their goals, but sometimes the group therapy environment is the push someone needs to consistently practice what they’re learning in individual therapy.
Group Therapy for OCD
Structure of Sessions
In my OCD Group Therapy sessions, I typically guide participants through discussions and exercises focused on understanding and managing obsessions and compulsions. Sessions may include the following:
Psychoeducation: Educating members about OCD, its symptoms, and treatment options.
ERP and ACT skills: Identifying and discussing exposure exercises and implementing acceptance and commitment therapy tools (values work, etc).
Cognitive Restructuring: Helping individuals challenge irrational thoughts related to their obsessions and compulsions.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Sharing strategies to reduce anxiety and promote self-awareness.
Success Stories
Many individuals have found group therapy for OCD to be transformative. For example, one participant shared that listening to others discuss their compulsions helped her realize the irrationality of her own behaviors. This realization empowered her to face her triggers more bravely, ultimately reducing her reliance on compulsions.
Common Questions in Group Therapy
1. What if I’m shy and don’t want to talk?
Opening up to a group can be intimidating. Participants may worry about being judged or not being taken seriously. Building trust within the group takes time, and we were all new to group once. Although I admit my bias, the people who have come to my groups are all incredibly kind, compassionate, and understanding. However, you can trust that I will never inappropriately put you on the spot or force you to share something you don’t wish to.
2. How is my privacy dealt with?
Participants must feel secure that their stories and struggles will remain confidential. Establishing ground rules at the beginning of the group is essential to maintaining a sense of safety, and I take this very seriously. Although I cannot guarantee the actions of all members outside of group counseling, I ask all members to sign a document outlining their commitment to confidentiality of the group.
Group therapy offers a unique and powerful approach for individuals dealing with OCD and BFRBs. Through shared experiences, mutual support, and the development of coping strategies, participants can find hope and healing above and beyond what they receive in individual therapy alone. While group therapy may not be the sole solution for everyone, it provides an essential complement to individual therapy, fostering a sense of community and understanding that can significantly enhance the recovery process.
3. Can I leave at any time?
Yes! Although we sincerely hope you don’t, you are not confined to group counseling by any kind of contract, and each session is paid for individually.
For those considering a support group, it’s essential to find a qualified therapist who specializes in these conditions and can facilitate a safe and effective environment. As such, I encourage you to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation to get a better feel of what I offer, and to ask any questions you might have. Remember, you’re not alone, and with the right support, recovery is entirely possible.
Help is not far away
If you’re interested in joining Group Therapy, give us a call today!
Recent Posts
