Religion can be a gift. It can also cause pain and grief. Join others whose religious experience has been traumatic and 

who are looking for healing in Group Therapy. (For more information about Group Therapy in general, see below.)

 

Participation in this Group Therapy experience is open to those who self-select as persons suffering from the abuse that stems from negative or traumatic effects of religion or religious history, practice, or experience.  

 

Sessions are every other Monday. Sessions begin at 6:00 PM and will end promptly at 7:30 PM.

 

There is currently no group in session. If you are interested, email the Clinic at themontgomeryclinic@gmail.com.

 

Sessions are $40 per person per session. Group Therapy will be limited to 8 persons and inclusion is awarded on a "first come, first served" basis. All persons are welcome, as is the case with every offering at The Clinic @ The Montgomery, which does not discriminate against persons, but includes everyone regardless of age, religious perspective, political persuasion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic background.

 

Please submit your request for inclusion in this Group Therapy experince to themontgomeryclinic@gmail.com or by calling 270.925.3334.

 

Other Group Therapy offerings are made available from time to time, as well. These include the addressing of topics ranging from Grief Work to Divorce Recovery to Marriage Clinic to the Development & Differentiation of Self Within the Family. To be included, simply email or call.

 

What is Group Therapy?
 

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves a therapist working with several people at the same time. Why? The reasons are many, diverse, and incredibly beneficial! 

 

The General Principles of Group Therapy

 

In The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin D. Yalom outlines the key therapeutic principles that have been derived from self-reports from individuals who have been involved in the group therapy process:

• The instillation of hope: The group contains members at different stages of the treatment process. Seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process.

• Universality: Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps people see that what they are going through is universal and that they are not alone.

• Imparting information: Group members are able to help each other by sharing information.

• Altruism: Group members are able to share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.

• The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group: The therapy group is much like a family in some ways. Within the group, each member can explore how childhood experiences contributed to personality and behaviors. They can also learn to avoid behaviors that are destructive or unhelpful in real life.

• Development of socialization techniques:The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure.

• Imitative behavior: Individuals can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the therapist.

• Interpersonal learning: By interacting with other people and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, each individual can gain a greater understanding of himself or herself.

• Group cohesiveness: Because the group is united in a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.

• Catharsis: Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people can help relieve pain, guilt, or stress.

• Existential factors: While working within a group offers support and guidance, group therapy helps member realize that they are responsible for their own lives, action and choices.

 

The Effectiveness of Group Therapy

 

Group therapy can be very effective, especially in certain situations. Studies have shown that group therapy can be an effective treatment choice for depression and traumatic stress.

 

 

Reasons to Join in The Group Therapy Experience
 

• Group therapy allows people to receive the support and encouragement of the other members of the group. People participating in the group are able to see that there are others going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone.

• Group members can serve as role models to other members of the group. By seeing someone who is successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope and recovery is possible. As each person progresses, they can in turn serve as a role model and support figure for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment.

• Group therapy is very cost effective. Instead of focusing on just one client at a time, the therapist can devote his or her time to a much larger group of people.

• Group therapy offers a safe haven. The setting allows people to practice behaviors and actions within the safety and security of the group.

• By working in a group, the therapist can see first-hand how each person responds to other people and behaves in social situations. Using this information, the therapist can provide valuable feedback to each client.