Don't Gang Up On Anybody During Group Therapy

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Many folks with psychiatric issues find seeing a therapist one on one to be helpful in overcoming their struggles. But lots of those with mental illness also find group therapy to be useful as well. In group therapy, their are many other people dealing with similar issues who choose to share their issues with the group counselors as well as with the other clients in the group. However, if you elect to take part in group therapy, it's important not to gang up on any of the other individuals in the group. Years ago, I was in group therapy. I was telling the group about some of my issues. The two therapists in charge of the group (actually a therapist and a case manager) began giving me advice and pointed out some irrational beliefs that I had. And while they were doing so, one of the clients in the group started to do the same. I felt I was being ganged up on. I felt it was three against one. I wanted to tell him to just let the therapists do the therapy. But he was just trying to help. And I didn't want to hurt his feelings. So if you're in group therapy, for the most part, it's best to let the trained counselors perform the therapy on the other clients in the group. If you try to play therapist as well, the person you're trying to help may feel like they're being ganged up on, even if you have good intentions.