[whatawhat]

Group therapy starts Thursday! I'm so nervous. I do not know what to expect. I'm very awkward around tears and I'm scared someone will cry and they will be angry with me because of my response. Will they except me? What will my therapist think when she sees me in the group? This is really out of my comfort zone. I'm scared that my response to tears will make the people in the group angry with me. Then I will feel embarrassed and not want to return. My therapist says I can't walk out of the room but if I'm upset that may be what I want to do. I know I have to face my fear of everything but I'm scared. What if my therapist judges me after seeing me in the group session? Has anyone ever been in group therapy? How was it? Did people cry? What did the other people do while the one was crying? What was the therapist doing? How did the group therapy time frame end? Were you all friends or did you all go your own separate ways? Clearly I'm scared and anxious. I have less than 48 hours to figure this all out and I am worried.

I was in group therapy for a bit over a year with a wonderful group of women led by two therapists. Yes, absolutely there were tears. And it was okay with all of us. The therapists were attentive and supportive, so were the other group members. No one was angry with anyone. In fact, I remember one particular session where all of us were crying at once. The therapists handled the situation like the pros they were and helped us figure out what dynamic was going on that we were all triggered at the same time.

Our group ended because we lost the location we were meeting and quite a few of us were not going to be able to meet at the new location. We chose to disband. We did not stay in touch with each other, but I know I think of them regularly. It was a great experience . . . difficult, but very healing.

[growlycat]

I think people will be understanding of tears. You may be expressing something they want to but can't.

[Solepa]

Hello I am going to group therapy right now for about 6 months I think. I was very scared and anxious too before I went for the first session but it was really ok. There are people like us you know, with their problems and worries. They are usually nervous too.
In my group people are very understanding and nice. We have two leading Ts male and female they are both fantastic and keep the group safe and comfortable place.
I am very glad I have the option to go and share experiences it gives me sense of belonging and support.
I am not emotional person and I do not cry or express myself emotionally but of course other people in the group do. I have anxiety response to emotions in people which reflects in a way that I smile. It is of course very awkward for others and me but I explained why it happens and that I really can´t control it even if I try very hard and people understand. So even I have this really bad reaction people are understanding.

You will be ok ((hugs)) ... good luck

[coolibrarian]

Group therapy is different from individual therapy in a variety of ways. You might not get to talk in every session of group, but sitting there listening is very important. You hear how others feel and find similarities to your own feelings. I don't agree with your T who said you can't leave the room. If you do leave the room, that action will be discussed in your absence and then probably again when/if you return. Good luck.

[mixedup_emotions]

I'd imagine it depends on the type of therapy. I've been in a gestalt based group therapy for over 5 years - and it's been an incredibly painful, excruciatingly grueling process - but with immense rewards. The most difficult and painful situations seem to bring about the most learning and growth opportunities. It takes a while to get used to the process - months, even.

[whatawhat]

Originally Posted by Solepa

Hello I am going to group therapy right now for about 6 months I think. I was very scared and anxious too before I went for the first session but it was really ok. There are people like us you know, with their problems and worries. They are usually nervous too.
In my group people are very understanding and nice. We have two leading Ts male and female they are both fantastic and keep the group safe and comfortable place.
I am very glad I have the option to go and share experiences it gives me sense of belonging and support.
I am not emotional person and I do not cry or express myself emotionally but of course other people in the group do. I have anxiety response to emotions in people which reflects in a way that I smile. It is of course very awkward for others and me but I explained why it happens and that I really can´t control it even if I try very hard and people understand. So even I have this really bad reaction people are understanding.

You will be ok ((hugs)) ... good luck

OMG! Your response to tears is mine. I'm scared they will be mad at me. I'm very uncomfortable around emotions. I'm scared they won't accept my awkwardness. I want to work on it and do better at responding to others. I have empathy and/or sympathy but I can't express it in the moment. If it's on TV, I'm ok. Will I disclose all of this tomorrow at the first meeting?