I never got anything out of group therapy. My experiences with it were the first time I had therapy (before my bipolar diagnosis) and during hospitalizations and Intensive Outpatient Programs. In most cases, we'd have to go one-by-one around the room and say what was on our minds. The therapist usually just sat there saying/doing nothing for their money. Often I found that people in the group bored, annoyed, triggered, or further depressed me. I found no support in group therapy. For support, I'd prefer a peer-led support group like DBSA. In the hospital and IOP, I only found coping skills and special interest groups helpful. I have gotten a lot out of private therapy, particularly CBT, depending on the therapist.

The only really good thing I, personally, got out of group therapy was in the first group therapy I attended. I started it depressed and anxious and then 4 sessions later I was clearly getting manic. The psychiatrist that led the group tapped me on the shoulder to stay after, then told me I had bipolar disorder. I may not have exhibited as clear-cut manic symptoms in a private session that day. I recall being angered by another group member and then going off on a manic rant about...something.