Therapy is one of the most effective ways to gain control of your daily life and can be beneficial in treating mental health and substance use addiction. The two most common forms of therapy are individual therapy and group therapy, both of which are effective, however, each form offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages that can affect your overall experience. So, when it comes to individual therapy vs group therapy, which one is right for you?
Start Your Recovery Journey with Modern Psych
Check out our Programs
What is Individual Therapy?
Individual Therapy is a one-to-one form of therapy between you and a therapist. The individual therapist will use various methods to make sure each patient receives customized treatment. It usually takes place in an office setting, but can also be performed online video calls or even on the phone.
There are several types of individual therapy including cognitive-behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. A typical individual therapy can last up to one hour, although some sessions may last longer.
Advantages of Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers several advantages, such as:
- Receiving full attention from the therapist
- Speaking privately without the fear of being judged
- Getting direct feedback on your progress
- Sessions can be arranged to fit your schedule
What is Group Therapy?
Group Therapy is a form of therapy that allows patients to have the opportunity to learn from patients with similar life situations and challenges to show that they’re not alone. A typical group therapy session can include a group of 5-15 people and may have more than one professional therapist.
The goal of group therapy is to connect with others who are going through the same things as you. Like individual therapy, group therapy has various types including supportive therapy, self-help therapy, interpersonal group therapy, and modified dynamic group therapy. A typical session can last between one to two hours.
Advantages of Group Therapy
Group therapy isn’t for everyone, but it provides numerous benefits including:
- Learning how to socialize with others
- Improving your self-esteem by helping others
- Understanding that you are not alone
- Putting your own circumstances into perspective
Which Type of Therapy is Right for You?
Both individual and group therapy are great options for patients, but the right one for you is dependent on your customized treatment plan. Modern Psychiatry and Wellness offers both individual and group therapy sessions. If you are looking for help in combatting your mental health or substance use addiction, the team at Modern Psych can help you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and which of our programs is right for you.
