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Updated November 3, 2023

Recovering from and healing the wounds of addiction within the context of residential rehab doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It takes the combined effort of the patient, therapists, support staff, and, equally as important, the support of others fighting the same fight. Group therapy is a standard practice in rehab clinics around the world, where it offers patients the opportunity to share their journeys and learn from each other. Within this collaborative setting, where all are focused on the same goals, people can find insights and gain perspectives that cannot come from therapists alone.

Group therapy also forms an integral part of holistic treatment and recovery for patients dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and eating disorders. Sharing your healing journey with others encourages openness, accountability, and support for others while at the same time nurturing personal growth and resilience. These skills and attributes are vital to long-term happiness and a fulfilling life after recovery. Our team of seasoned facilitators at Gladstones harnesses a variety of evidence-based techniques in our group therapy sessions, ensuring that each participant’s journey is acknowledged and valued.

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Group therapy at Gladstones

How does group therapy work at Gladstones Clinic?

Therapies

Group therapy isn’t just the same discussion on repeat. Our trained group therapy facilitators, whether as experts in substance abuse, eating disorders, or mental health disorders, have a variety of therapies at their disposal, each with their own set of goals and benefits. Although this is by far not an exhaustive list, the most common therapies used in group therapy include:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT as a group therapy creates a structured environment where individuals can learn to identify and challenge dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviours related to substance abuse or mental health disorders. It encourages open discussion, peer support, and feedback, allowing all participants to practice new skills in a safe and supportive communal setting.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

DBT in group therapy aims to build new skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. These skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Practicing these skills in a group setting once again provides a validating and supportive environment.

Schema therapy

Schema therapy is used to explore and address deep-rooted patterns, or ‘schemas’, that underpin substance abuse or mental health issues. Through open sharing, participants can uncover and start working on maladaptive coping patterns and develop healthier ways of meeting their emotional needs.

Logistics

Group therapy sessions can start during the detox process, provided that the patients are stable enough, or alternatively, immediately post-detox. Our group therapy sessions are exclusively run in small groups to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share their experiences and not be overwhelmed by a too-large group.

All of our group therapy sessions are run by experienced addiction specialists who are experts at creating supportive and trusting environments conducive to sharing and healing.

Group therapy sessions typically last 1 to 2 hours and are conducted on a daily basis; however, depending on your treatment schedule, you won’t be required to join every group therapy session.

"The more flowers that grow together, the more beautiful the garden."

Benefits of group therapy

Freedom of expression without judgement

Develop selflessness, compassion & understanding

Exposure to diverse perspectives & experiences

Develop new skills for coping and communication

Build a sense of belonging within a community

Increase your sense of accountability towards others

Reduce the stigma surrounding addiction

Gain insight from others with the same condition

Inspire & motivate others to reach their potential

Model healthy attachments and behaviours

Have more questions
about group therapy?

Feel free to contact us with any of your questions about the effectiveness of group therapy, confidentiality, logistics, or other issues surrounding group therapy.

We’ll gladly put you through to an expert who can answer any and all of your questions.

Learn more about group therapy

Group therapy at Gladstones

How does group therapy work at Gladstones Clinic?

Therapies

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Schema therapy

Logistics

Benefits of group therapy

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