Group Therapy in Austin:
Heal Together, Grow Together
Group therapy is a transformative experience where individuals commit to regular sessions over a period of time, typically 6 months to several years. These sessions, often held weekly for 90 minutes, provide a supportive environment where participants can openly discuss their struggles and relationships. Whether sitting in a circle in person or using Zoom in gallery view, group therapy emphasizes the importance of taking up space and sharing your experiences.
The concept of group therapy gained momentum after World War II, as veterans and Holocaust survivors discovered the profound healing that occurred when they connected with others who understood their pain. While each individual's pain was unique, the shared human experience fostered a sense of unity and healing, reminding us of the incredible capacity for groups to provide comfort and support.
Benefits of Group Therapy
In a process group, you may find yourself taking on certain roles that often trace back to your family of origin. Over time, you'll be invited to reflect on which roles serve you and which don't, helping you grow skills for more secure and meaningful relationships. You'll practice receiving and giving feedback in a secure manner, working towards greater vulnerability and deeper connections with your group members. Although the work can be challenging and vulnerable, it is incredibly rewarding, particularly for healing attachment wounds.
Group therapy allows for exploration of various roles, such as the peacemaker, the clown, the problem child, the perfectionist, and more. For instance, if you were the peacemaker in your family, you might continue to take on that role in group settings, sometimes to the detriment of forming meaningful connections. While peacemaking can be valuable, it can also prevent necessary conflicts from surfacing and being resolved, which are crucial for deeper healing and repair.
Current Group Offerings
Growing Security: Interpersonal Process Group
When: Thursdays, 12:00-1:30pm CST
Where: In-person, Northwest Austin (78759)
Cost: $60 per session
For: Adults navigating life transitions (parents, singles, relationship changes, caregiving, divorce, identity shifts)
Approach: Attachment-focused, intergenerational pattern work
Status: FORMING - actively interviewing and building the group
This group welcomes people across different life stages who are ready to understand why relational patterns keep repeating and how to change them at the root. LGBTQIA+ affirming and inclusive of all identities.
2. Adult Interpersonal Process Group
When: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm CST
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: $60 per session
For: Adults working on relational patterns and attachment wounds
Approach: Depth-oriented process work for those with complex relational histories
Status: ONGOING - established group (4+ years together)
This is a well-established group doing deeper relational work. Members have histories of relational wounding or difficult early experiences and are committed to long-term growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join a group? 1-3 individual intake sessions are required to determine goodness of fit between you, me, and the group.
What's the cost? $60 per session. In a process group, you reserve your spot in the group, so you pay even if you have a planned absence. Fees typically increase by $5 annually.
How long is the commitment? I recommend a minimum 6-month commitment, with flexibility for life circumstances.
What if I've never done group therapy before? That's completely normal! Most people haven't. The intake sessions will help you understand what to expect and whether it's right for you.
Want to see what group therapy looks like? Check out GROUP on YouTube - an accurate (though fictional) depiction of interpersonal process groups.
Embrace the Power of group & discover the healing potential of shared experience
Whatever it is, sharing your story in a therapy group can make all the difference.
Is Group Therapy Right for you?
Therapy groups offer a unique space to address unconscious or unspoken dynamics in a proactive manner. Unlike other groups, such as religious or sports communities, therapy groups encourage active exploration of impacts and feedback. This allows for a deeper understanding of behaviors and enhances the safety and shared healing within the group.
If you are more curious about the benefits of group psychotherapy, please check out Austin Group Psychotherapy Society for more information.