I haven't been able to get individual therapy for some months, but about 2 months ago, I joined an interpersonal process group to work on my social issues in the meantime. I had another weekly session on Friday on Zoom and, like most of the time, it's left me mad and irritated.

The group is 9 people, including the leader. It's 90 minutes and it is so SLOW and BORING. No one really wants to talk. When someone does say something, the other group members sit in silence with thoughtful expressions on their faces for 3-5 minutes (I timed it). Eventually, when someone speaks, it will be something mildly related to what the previous person said. The group is like 50% sitting in silence and 50% people making statements that change the subject. The group leader will call on people and ask what they are thinking or feeling in response to what someone said. The answer is usually “I don't know. I'm just thinking about it” or “I feel (insert emotion), but it's because (insert story about what is going on right now in their lives).

I've really decreased what I say and don't bring issues into the group because it's upsetting to open up about something and then get several minutes of blank stares and someone changing the subject in response. When I do speak up, (I hate to say this) it's almost like a joke because I share something that's not really personal to me just because I want to see how long people will be sit in silence and what another person will change the subject to.

I hate that this is happening because I need the therapy and I want to get better at socializing with others. I'm so frustrated. I don't want to quit the group because I keep thinking what if it gets better. It feels like such a waste of time every week though.