Group CBT Therapy

Symbolic · Mar 03, 2015, 03:23 AM

I recently signed up for this, and start in a week. It's 2.5 months of weekly group cognitive behavioural therapy sessions for people with depression and/or anxiety. I'm curious if anyone else here has done it, or something similar to it, and what benefits they got from the experience.

Crazy Hitch · Mar 03, 2015, 03:09 PM

Hi Symbolic,

Thank you for asking this question.

It is not something I have personally done.

But it is something I would be open at looking into.

I would be interested in hearing members responses to this one too.

Symbolic · Mar 05, 2015, 05:21 AM

I'll update everyone on this as I go through it. if it works for me, hopefully it'll motivate others to try it too.

Little Jay · 11:39 AM

I'm about to start CBT again (I had it about 5 years ago), but not in a group - I barely have the confidence when it's one-on-one I'd be terrified to have therapy in a group! I hope it goes well for you

boogiesmash · Mar 07, 2015, 02:01 PM

Hi symbolic, where did you find group cbt? I have gad and social and would love to do it, but have no idea where to look.

Symbolic · Mar 08, 2015, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogiesmash

Hi symbolic, where did you find group cbt? I have gad and social and would love to do it, but have no idea where to look.

I found out about it on the province's mental health website, and asked my doctor to write me a referral. There's another one being run by a local hospital as well. I'm not sure if they have the same sort of thing in NJ, but you should be able to get more info about services for your area here: New Jersey Mental Health Cares

Hopefully that'll at least get you pointed in the right direction.

CosmicRose · Mar 09, 2015, 12:04 PM

I've thought about doing this, but I was always too scared to go through with it. Tell us how it goes and keep us updated on your progress.

rollymoody · Mar 09, 2015, 07:53 PM

I loved it. I'm going to do it again this year. My cognitive distortions became virtually non-existent and it boosted confidence!

Symbolic · Mar 10, 2015, 02:18 AM

I was scheduled to start today, but had an unexpected matter to deal with which prevented me from attending. I've rescheduled to start in 2 weeks.

Possible trigger:

Cat got really sick, and had to take him to the vet to have him put down. It was sad, but he was 19, and had been struggling for a little bit. Didn't get bad until last week. It was sad, but I knew it was coming, so I was prepared for it. Still sucks, but he made me happy, and that's what I'm focusing my thoughts on.

Symbolic · Mar 23, 2015, 12:56 AM

First session in the morning. I'm always apprehensive leading up to doing something new and unfamiliar, but always breeze through it when the time comes. Should be educational, at the very least.

Symbolic · Mar 23, 2015, 03:11 PM

Attended orientation today. Basically just went over the basics of "What is anxiety & depression." Wasn't very informative, but wasn't an uncomfortable environment. Pretty relaxed. Diverse group of people ranging from early 20s to 70s. Pretty small group to ensure everyone gets time to discuss how things are going that week. Seems like it'll be pretty helpful. Looking forward to next Monday.

Mar 23, 2015, 03:24 PM

^^ glad it seems helpful.

boogiesmash · Mar 23, 2015, 03:58 PM

Remember nothing to lose. Please fill us in. Good luck.

made08 · Mar 25, 2015, 02:33 PM

Hi, I would like to do something like this. But I don't know where to find it.

CosmicRose · Mar 25, 2015, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by made08

Hi, I would like to do something like this. But I don't know where to find it.

You can search on google for group therapies in your area.

boogiesmash · Apr 03, 2015, 04:28 PM

Symbolic how did last one go?

Fuzzybear · Apr 03, 2015, 05:27 PM

IchbinkeinTeufel · Apr 03, 2015, 05:59 PM

I'm also curious. I've been thinking of doing this. I've been in one-on-one CBT which helped to a point. By the way, it's either CBT, or CB therapy. CBT stands for Cognative Behavioral Therapy.

But yeah, glad you posted this! Best of luck and hope it works well for you.

Symbolic · Apr 05, 2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwangsstörung

I'm also curious. I've been thinking of doing this. I've been in one-on-one CBT which helped to a point. By the way, it's either CBT, or CB therapy. CBT stands for Cognative Behavioral Therapy.

But yeah, glad you posted this! Best of luck and hope it works well for you.

Thanks. By the way, it's Cognitive, not Cognative.

Symbolic · Apr 21, 2015, 06:15 PM

So after multiple delays, I finally had my first session today. It was pretty good. Felt a little tense going into it, but once things got started I was fine, other than having to interact one-on-one with the person sitting next to you. It was good though, because I'm not good with small talk, and found I can actually start up a conversation with a complete stranger, and hold their attention for more than a few seconds.

First session was mostly an introduction to what we'll be doing over the next 2 months. We were taught breathing exercises & relaxation techniques, as well as the importance of journalling, so we can keep track of our progress.

It was two hours. All in all, it was a positive experience. I won't say I look forward to going again next week, but I'm not dreading it, now that I know what to expect.

boogiesmash · May 11, 2015, 10:06 PM

Hey how has it been going?

May 11, 2015, 11:10 PM

I believe CBT group or individual should be compulsory for all with "mental illness". I did it over 10 years ago and still use it everyday. Very helpful for anxiety.

Symbolic · May 12, 2015, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogiesmash

Hey how has it been going?

Very positive so far. Just had my 4th session today. I slacked on the "homework" this week (doing the muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and journalling), but there's no judgement from the group, just lots of encouragement. I find it's really helping being around people who go through the same thing, so you don't feel like a hopeless loser. You just realize it's something people go through, and we're given tools to help us cope.

I definitely recommend, at the very least, looking into a support group, if not group therapy, especially if you're dealing with any social anxiety. Being in a group with other anxious people just doesn't seem as scary, and the more you talk with everyone, the less anxious you feel.

mountain human · May 13, 2015, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Symbolic

Very positive so far. Just had my 4th session today. I slacked on the "homework" this week (doing the muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and journalling), but there's no judgement from the group, just lots of encouragement. I find it's really helping being around people who go through the same thing, so you don't feel like a hopeless loser. You just realize it's something people go through, and we're given tools to help us cope.

I definitely recommend, at the very least, looking into a support group, if not group therapy, especially if you're dealing with any social anxiety. Being in a group with other anxious people just doesn't seem as scary, and the more you talk with everyone, the less anxious you feel.

The "homework" part is a big part of treatment. I can get lazy or procrastinate about it. I try to think of it like flossing or going to the gym--if make myself do it every day, it eventually becomes part of my daily routine and I no longer have to make myself do it.

Also, I believe that some sort of social support system is hugely important to recovering from almost anything, physical or emotional. Especially those of us with social anxiety who are prone to isolating.

mountain human · May 18, 2015, 10:57 AM

Hang in there and keep us updated please!

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