How To Take Advantage Of Ventura County Group Counseling

By Roger Thompson


Group counseling has had a lot of success over the last couple of years. It comes as no surprise since this is something that a lot of people are drawn to because of the interaction element and the way in which they are able to be understood. There are many other advantages in Ventura County group counseling which is the reason why it has been so effective.

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.

A professional group like this is led by a psychologist who has been trained specifically to manage people in this context. It is not always an easy task because of the nature of human beings. It is not a job that anyone can take on. A psychologist who manages the groups will have to maintain the balance between those people who are more extroverted and those who tend to bottle up their feelings.

It is important to find the right group for you. You will want to find something that specializes in something that is appropriate to you. You also need to find a group that is the right size. It is preferable to find something that is smaller in size because this will help you to feel more comfortable as you move through your sessions. It is easier to get to know one another.




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