Hi spikes. I agree with fern about catching the therapist before the group and letting them know that you haven't had time to speak lately, and that you really need it. I know from many of your posts here that you need the time. If you're willing, you can even ask that "brownie time" be limited so more people can speak. Really, "brownie time" need not even happen until lunchtime. If your therapist doesn't take that feedback into consideration, you might want to send a note to the IOP Director. I would. I know that many people feel reluctant, but speaking up does often make a difference.

Doesn't your IOP have a dual diagnosis group? Or an addictions group? If not, they really should. I understand fully how addicts can take up a lot of time. I was in dual diagnosis IOPs on a few occasions. I remember complaining to my husband about how the group talk was solely about addictions and barely about what triggers it...the mental health aspect. Well, not everyone self-medicates with a substance. A lot of us exhibit our mental unwellness in other ways, including stuffing it or keeping it secret, or some type of self-harm, etc. I am glad that your therapist has encouraged the quiet girl to speak up. But it sounds like you've been forced to be a bit quiet lately, too. There are always the not so quiet ones that try to claim all of the time. A good therapist should be able to facilitate the groups appropriately so that doesn't always happen.

Again, I understand IOPs/PHPs. I've attended them 12 times in the past, some lasting months. Some of the therapists were great and some sucked.