Group therapy is an integral part of any rehab program. However, what kind of group therapy activities do people engage in during such treatment? Teaching people what to expect is an important part of helping them open up to the idea of rehab. Since every rehab center handles group therapy differently, the activities vary between locations.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, consider the group therapy program that Red Oak Recovery® has to offer. We are proud to offer a variety of group therapy activities to help people heal and recover. Call us at 866.457.7590 today for more information about how to obtain a brighter future.
Group Therapy Activities
Sober group therapy activities are an excellent way for people to remind themselves that they aren’t alone. In fact, it’s an important part of rehab because they get to bond with one another. It’s vital for them to see that they aren’t alone when it comes to rehab.
Some examples of group therapy activities include:
Process Groups
Process groups offer a secure environment where individuals can openly share their experiences and thoughts, fostering a sense of community and understanding among participants.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy encompasses a variety of activities, like equine therapy, which involves interacting with horses to promote emotional growth, and art therapy, where individuals express themselves creatively to process emotions.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings provide a structured approach to recovery, where individuals can work through each of the 12 steps under the guidance of a sponsor and with the support of fellow group members, fostering a sense of accountability and mutual support.
Skills Groups
Skills groups are focused on teaching individuals healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with triggers, aiming to equip them with the tools necessary for maintaining long-term sobriety and emotional resilience.
Support Groups
Support groups play a crucial role in ongoing recovery, offering a space where individuals can continue to share their challenges and victories, receive encouragement, and stay committed to their recovery journey even after completing their rehab program.
6 Benefits of Group Therapy
Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with one another through their shared experiences with addiction. It allows them to build a support network and create meaningful bonds that can continue outside of rehab. Group therapy also helps people learn from others’ experiences and perspectives, providing new insights that they may not have been able to see on their own. Some major benefits include the following:
1. Identifying Triggers
Identifying trigger is an essential part of all addiction treatment programs. Sometimes, working in a group is an easier way to identify these triggers. A group setting makes it possible for people to discuss them. Being able to see that they aren’t the only ones who experience these triggers is helpful for most people.
2. Examine Gender Roles and How People Respond to Anger
In some cases, it’s easy to forget that gender roles play a part in how people react to certain situations. Unfortunately, these stereotypes can make people bottle up their feelings. Group therapy activities help them break out of these stereotypes and share their feelings more openly.
3. Openly Discuss Relapse
Many group therapy ideas revolve around preventing relapse. However, it can be good for people to talk openly about relapse as well. They need to remember the consequences and negative results of using drugs. In a group setting, they can also encourage one another to avoid relapse.
4. Practice Communication
Of all the group therapy ideas, practicing communication is one of the most important. People have to know how to express themselves clearly and definitively. In fact, many rehab centers play communication-building games to show people the importance of effective communication.
One such game involves people sitting in a circle. One person gets a message that they have to pass on to the person to their left. The message goes all the way around the room and back to the original person. The goal is for the message to be the same when it reaches the end of the circle.
5. Discussion and Exploration of Role Models
Most people have role models in their lives. Maybe their role models are people they know personally or are television personalities. Regardless, it’s crucial for them to discuss their role models in a group setting. Sometimes, they learn that their role models aren’t the best people to look up to.
6. Increased Accountability and Support
In a group therapy setting, individuals are held accountable for their actions by their peers. This added layer of accountability can be crucial in helping individuals stay on track with their recovery and avoid relapse. Additionally, the support and encouragement from others in the group can be a powerful motivator in maintaining sobriety.
Start Group Therapy Today at Red Oak Recovery®
At Red Oak Recovery®, we know how important group therapy is. Don’t try to overcome addiction alone. Find out how group therapy activities can aid your recovery by calling us at 866.457.7590 or using our online contact form today.
