Group therapy is a central element of almost all substance use disorder treatment. Participation in a group counseling program can benefit clients, and seeking an LGBTQ+ group therapy program can enhance those benefits while allowing clients to feel more comfortable. If you are seeking a group therapy program in Minneapolis, whether for yourself or a loved one, you may have questions. What kinds of group therapy are there? How does group therapy help? How is an LGBTQ+ addiction therapy program different? Deciding to get treatment and change your relationship with substances can be a challenging time, but learning more about group therapy programs can help you feel empowered to make the right choice for yourself or your loved one’s recovery care. Call Pride Institute today at 952.934.7554 or reach out online to learn more.
What Is Group Therapy, and What Kinds of Group Therapy Are There?
Group therapy is just what it sounds like – a group of clients who meet together with one or more care providers to engage in the therapeutic process. This process can take a number of forms, depending on what the goal of the specific group is. Group therapy is a very common part of substance use disorder treatment, but not all groups are the same. Some of the different group types you might find are:
- Educational – Teaching clients about substances, substance use disorders, and other topics relevant to recovery
- Support groups – Members share experiences, offer advice, confront and challenge one another, and give emotional support during the recovery process
- Cognitive-behavioral – Focusing on challenging thought and behavior patterns related to substance use disorders and promoting the development of new, healthier patterns
- Interpersonal process therapy – Clients can discuss elements of their past and present lives, relating to one another and examining how their experiences with substance use have impacted those events
- Skill development – Clients learn and share skills that will help them maintain recovery, avoid returning to use, and focus on healthy life
Group therapy is especially beneficial to the LGBTQ+ community, as it fosters an environment of acceptance and support among peers who understand each other’s experiences.
How Does Group Therapy Help People Experiencing Substance Use Disorder?
In order to recover and heal from substance use disorder, clients often find that the most helpful information and feedback come from those who have had similar experiences. Just like in any other situation, hearing from others who have been through the same thing can help clients feel less isolated and offer examples of people who have been able to heal and progress in their recovery.
How Is LGBTQ+-Specific Treatment Different?
Although more places than ever are welcoming and open to people of all identities and orientations, the LGBTQ+ community has specific needs and unique circumstances regarding substance use disorder treatment. Participating in a program that has been specially designed to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community can help clients relax and focus on their recovery while feeling embraced and celebrated as their authentic selves. Other clients in the program may have had similar backgrounds and experiences, which can let clients feel more comfortable opening up and receiving the full benefits of treatment without worrying about judgment or rejection.
Pride Institute: Serving the Recovery Care Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community Since 1986
At our treatment center in Minneapolis, our clients can access the care they need in an environment specially developed with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. We pride ourselves not only on our programming but on our community of alumnx who are out there, healing and recovering, and living the lives they deserve. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with their relationship with substances, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 952.934.7554 and learn how we can help you take the first step on your recovery journey. You can also reach us via our online contact form.
