[Br0k3nW1ng3d]

After months of waiting I finally got admitted to a group for therapy. My personal therapist said she could only help me so much and that I needed a more intensive program. The one she chose is a 6 month program teaching coping techniques, mindfulness, social skills, and goal setting. I have went to one session and all I can say is its a scary place. At 30 years old I am the youngest in the group. I am nervous about actually opening up to a room of strangers. I feel exposed when I try to do so, and my anxiety makes me bumble like an idiot. I know I have to be open for this process to work. I desperately want to learn so I can get back into the real world and be productive.

Any advice or words of encouragement for how to handle group therapy and get the most out of it? I would love to hear others experiences to take the edge off.

Hi. I did a similar program recently except it was only two-weeks long. It was everyday, mon-fri, for four hours. We had four 1hr group sessions a day. We learned all about coping skills and distress tolerance. We had a meditation everyday and learned the basics of mindfulness. Granted, I was really hypo when I started the program so I was really outgoing and talkative right off the bat. I would just suggest being open and honest because that's the only way you're gonna get anything out of it. Everyone's in there for a reason, so don't be afraid. Step outside your comfort zone and jump in. What have you got to lose??? Good luck!

[vjdragonfly]

Never done the group therapy thing, but it sounds like a good step to your overall wellness. To me coping skills and being mindful is a major part of taking care of myself. I hope you are able to open up, I'm sure no-one is there to judge you. Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

[gina_re]

Group therapy is scary at first. I haven't done it in a while, but it does help. Eventually you will comfortable enough to share and embrace the program. Good luck!

[Nammu]

In my 30's I I was in something similar, it meet everyday from 9-5, it was for a couple months. There were a few people younger and some older but I think most were in their 30's. For the first few weeks I didn't say much. It helps to concentrate on what others are saying and not think too much about how to reply.

[Slowbrains]

I had once a 10 session short group therapy which was called "coping with bipolar symptoms". My Pdoc prescribed me to join. I never ever had any idea this kind of things even exist. It was awesome. I'm socially quite awkward and was really reserved to go to sessions but somehow it just took off and we had absolutely great time in there. We even put a private facebook group together just to be able to keep in touch. There you'd meet a full scale of people like you. Me & one girl were quite hypomanic in first session, which broke the ice. one guy never spoke anything but once told having a major depression ongoing. He was accepted just the way he was. One rapid cycling owned 19 snowmobiles 'cause he couldn't resist buying those. One shamed of her condition, One alkie, Teenager hospitalized already before finishing highschool... You name it. It was just awsome.

[Crazy Hitch]

I have never had group therapy but just wanted to wish you the best as you begin this.

I've heard positive feedback from some who have used this form of therapy

[Br0k3nW1ng3d]

So I went back for my second session yesterday. I forced myself to participate. Another woman younger than me had shown up so I felt a little more comfortable.Over all it was a really positive experience. I got a lot out of the lessons we are working on regarding Mindfulness. I felt much more at ease as soon as I got involved. Thank you for all your words of encouragement and stories you have shared. It really helped putting me at ease.