When we think about mental health support, we usually think of individual counselling and therapy, where a counsellor and client work one-on-one to address personal struggles and emotional challenges. Then, the focus often shifts to group sessions, where a larger number of individuals come together in a collective setting. But something that many people still overlook is that there are several different ways to support individuals going through tough times. Group therapy and support groups, with their focus on shared experiences and collective healing, could be powerful tools that many people are missing out on.

Simply put, group therapy is a structured mental health support session where a small group of people come together to talk, reflect, and learn from one another about their common issues, all within a safe and confidential space. What makes group therapy so effective is its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences who face similar challenges. It’s not just about focusing on how these individuals see their problems, but also about how they have tackled their issues so far. Gradually, the conversation shifts to how others’ experiences can change our own perspectives and help us think about our struggles differently.

Support groups and group therapy differ from individual therapy because the focus is on the group as a whole. The idea is that everyone in the group is in the same boat, sharing coping strategies and offering emotional support to each other. This collective healing can be a huge benefit. It’s one thing to talk about your problems with a therapist, but it’s something else entirely to hear others talk about their struggles and realise you’re not alone. In a support group, you know you’re surrounded by people who understand because they’re living through the same thing.

This idea connects closely with social support theory, which holds that we thrive when we have positive relationships and social networks. Being part of a support group not only helps reduce feelings of isolation but also provides a safe space to express your emotions without fear of judgment. And sometimes, the people who can relate to your struggles the most aren’t therapists, they’re the people who are going through it with you.

Support groups can be especially helpful in workplaces, where individuals often face shared stressors, work pressure, performance expectations, and personal issues that spill over into their professional lives. Community-based groups can provide a supportive space for people dealing with common struggles, and they’re also incredibly beneficial for those affected by shared traumatic events, like the recent Gen Z movement.

Events like these can leave people feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and for many, talking about their experiences in a safe, collective space can be more healing than an individual therapy session.

One more reason support groups can be so effective, especially in larger settings, is their ability to reach and help more individuals in less time. However, this doesn’t mean that people who attend support groups no longer need counselling. Rather, it highlights that support groups offer an additional method of self-care, helping individuals address their struggles in ways that may be more accessible or comfortable for them. For some, joining a support group can be a better option than traditional therapy, offering a sense of community and shared experience that individual counselling might not.

One key difference is that group therapy fosters a sense of community and shared healing. In individual therapy, the focus is entirely on your personal experiences. But in group therapy, you hear others’ stories and can relate to them. This can shift the way you see your own struggles and give you new insights or coping strategies you may not have thought of on your own. Plus, when you’re part of a group, there’s a sense of collective problem-solving and emotional support that can feel much more powerful than just working through things solo.

It’s easy to associate therapy with vulnerability or even weakness, but in reality, support groups can help break down the stigma surrounding mental health struggles. When people attend individual therapy, they can often feel like they’re the only ones dealing with these challenges. This can make it hard to fully open up and be honest about what they’re experiencing.

On the other hand, in a group setting where everyone shares similar struggles, the conversation becomes normalised. Instead of feeling isolated, participants realise that mental health challenges are common, and that makes it easier to open up. In fact, many people report feeling empowered and validated when they hear others talk about their own difficulties. This can be even more comforting than individual therapy, which focuses only on one person’s experience. The shared vulnerability in a group helps normalise mental health struggles, making them feel like part of life rather than something to hide.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes, just talking to a friend who understands can make you feel a lot better? Support groups are a lot like that, individuals who understand what you are going through and listen, support and empower each other.

As more and more people, especially younger generations, struggle with mental health challenges in today’s fast-paced, pressure-filled world, support groups offer a solution that’s more relevant than ever. So ask yourself: Could group therapy or a support group be the path to healing for you, or someone you know? The choice is always there. There can be multiple solutions to a problem, and support groups offer that choice. A solution and a safe space for individuals with shared experiences.