How Ventura County Group Counseling Helps Folks

By Roger Thompson


Working in a group along with a counsellor can be very helpful. It allows people to get a better idea of what is happening in their lives. It is not easy to have to cope with things like grief, abuse, depression, anxiety or addictions. However, when you begin to connect with others who are suffering in the same way, you can really begin to progress. This is what happens during Ventura County group counseling.

This type of counseling helps people to see that they are not alone in the world. They are not isolated and there are others out there who are struggling in the same way as they are, or in a similar manner. This could be something like grief or abuse. People need to feel as if they are understood. This can happen when everyone is in the same boat.

Often, a therapist can be very helpful. But you also will find that they will not have been through the same thing. They don't know what it is like to be abused, for example because they have not been in this position. They have studied this in theory and the patient will feel understood, loved and they will sense their compassion, but it is a different experience when you are going to a group.

It is a different relationship to that of a psychologist or a counsellor during one on one therapy. This is necessary because you need this interaction because you have more attention and you can get a better understanding of your situation. You also get to work with goals leading up to achievements in your life. However, having informal support is just as important.

A professional counsellor has more boundaries. They can't go and have a cup of coffee with you in between sessions when you say you are feeling depressed. There are more boundaries here. In a group, you can form long lasting relationships. When the group ends, you will often keep these connections and this is obviously helpful because you still need the support.

You will find that as time goes by that you begin to connect with others. You may be given tasks or homework to do outside of the homework and this can help you with the process. Reporting back once a week is encouraging and interesting to hear how everyone in the group managed in different ways.

You may be involved in this type of therapy while being involved in private therapy at the same time. A clinical psychologist may refer their patient to this type of counseling should they feel that they will benefit from it. It can help someone with self esteem problems as well as social anxiety. People with depression and those who have lost someone will take advantage of a small group. There are groups for addictive behaviours as well. The list just goes on.

Obviously it is also a good idea to talk to someone in a private nature because this may help you in many different aspects, depending on the type of person you are and the situation that you are facing. For example, if you are facing trauma in your life, you may need more attention and you may need goals which are individual to you.




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