Group Counseling

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7

In Christian group counseling, each person has something to offer. When the light of the Lord inside of each person is fed, and you come together ready to fight alongside one another, you’ll grow in faith, strength, and gain tools for living a more Christ-filled life.

What is Group Counseling?

Group counseling is essentially just what it sounds like. It’s a form of therapy where people of the same struggle band together to overcome issues that are difficult to bear alone. Group sessions are conducted by a Christian counselor and typically include 4 to 9 individuals. Group sessions are led by the counselor, who will use group therapy techniques and understanding of the issue at hand to direct the group in a way that is most beneficial for everyone. Members of the group also help guide what happens during each session. Sometimes group counseling is used along with individual Christian counseling  for added support.

Goals and Purpose of Group Counseling

• Creating a safe place to be 100% completely honest with yourself.
• Strengthening courage to practice more rigorous honesty in all areas of life.
• Connecting with others in a deeper way.
• Building more intentional accountability.
• Receiving authentic and compassionate feedback from others with similar struggles.
• Learning skills for managing negative emotions and behaviors.
• Overcoming symptoms related to the focus area of the group.
• Connecting with self, God, and others.
• Practicing vulnerability.
• Learning and experience genuine empathy for others.

Group therapy at Seattle Christian Counseling is designed to create a safety-net of support so that each person is able to really thrive, even well after counseling ends.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

As Christian counselors, our job and our passion is helping people unload their heavy burdens. In Christian group counseling, you not only have the counselor’s professional guidance, but a whole network of support where each person is able to unshoulder strong troubles, pain, and often things they have struggled to keep buried for a long time.

What Types of Group Counseling Do You Offer?

At Seattle Christian Counseling, the groups we offer can vary from time to time, depending on level of need and counselor availability. Most any problem a person faces can benefit from group therapy, so if we don’t yet offer the kind of group you’re looking for, let us know. We might have a counselor who is interested in forming a group related to your needs. Some of the many issues that can be treated with Christian group counseling include:

• Addiction
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Couples issues
• Depression
• Divorce
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Weight loss

What Are the Benefits of Group Therapy?

You might wonder, will Christian group counseling work for me? Group therapy can be very effective, even when other counseling methods fail. Read on to learn about the benefits of Christian group counseling, and if it sounds like something you’d be interested in, then chances are it’s right for you.

• Comradery – Finding support from people like you can be very healing. When you hear others talking about similar struggles and how they dealt with them, it helps to normalize what you go through. Being in the presence of people who understand what you go through brings strength and often forms lasting friendships.
• New perspectives – Hearing other people’s story and how they deal with their struggles can be very helpful. Talking things over in a group can be a strong catalyst for good ideas, resources, and positive change.
• Learning to better relate to self and others – One of the great things about group counseling is discovering tools for building better relationships. You are able to learn from how the group members interact with one another, including handling conflict, communication, and relating with others. This type of self-discovery can help you connect more deeply with yourself, loved ones, and with God.
• A place to find your voice – Christian group counseling gives you strength, builds your social skills, and shows you how to express yourself in a healthy way. Having people to talk to who understand can encourage you to share your story and work towards healing.
• Lasting support – If you’re like many, you could leave Christian group counseling with new, lasting friendships. You’ll connect with people who will partner with you, offering strength and support during difficult times after counseling ends

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

Christian group counseling is a place for people to look after one another, so everyone gets what they need for a full recovery. One thing you can expect from group counseling is non-judgmental support, compassion, and effecting tools for recovery.

What Happens in Group Therapy?

If you’re a little nervous (or a lot nervous) about group counseling, that is completely normal. In fact, most people feel much more comfortable after they become acquainted with the counselor and the group during the first session. Even so, it might help to have a little background information before getting started.

Group Counseling Techniques and Approaches

Before your first group session, you’ll often meet with the counselor one-on-one. that time, you’ll have opportunity to talk about your goals for group therapy, along with any questions or concerns you have. Group counseling uses a variety of techniques. Depending on the focus area of the group, your counselor will decide which approach is best. Group counseling is very client-centered and is flexible according to the needs of the group. Usually the group will meet with the counselor in a private room while seated in a circle to help encourage good communication. Most groups meet weekly for one to two hours a week. Some groups are on-going and others meet for a preset number of weeks. In an environment of trust, each person is encouraged to speak openly without fear or judgement.

Confidentiality in Group Counseling Sessions

You might wonder how rules of confidentiality work in Christian group counseling. In the beginning, all group members are given a set of guidelines including how to treat the information shared within the group. Everyone is asked to respect the privacy of the group, including things discussed and the identities of group members. The counselor is also required to maintain strict client-counselor confidentiality to make sure each person feels safe and respected.

From the counselor’s perspective, one of the best things about Christian group counseling is watching the participants blossom. God wired us all for a strong need for connection with others. Sometimes things like trauma, abuse, or neglect can make it hard for us to let people into our lives, no matter how we might long for that companionship. Christian group counseling is perfect for those who want to learn how to tear down their protective walls in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

If you’re ready for the hope and healing offered in Christian group counseling, get started today.

To learn more about Christian group counseling or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 206-388-3929 or Contact us Online.