The Circle of Healing: A Journey Through Group Therapy
Let me tell you a story.
It begins, as most stories do, with a group of strangers. But instead of sitting in a circle of chairs, they’re sitting in squares—little digital windows on a screen. Some are in their living rooms, others in their bedrooms, one person is even sitting in their car (we don’t ask why). The faces are hesitant, the energy uncertain. You can almost hear the collective thought: What am I doing here?
This is how every online group therapy session begins. Awkward. Vulnerable. Human.
But let me fast-forward to the end of the story, just for a moment. Picture the same group, ten weeks later. They’re still in their little squares, but now they’re leaning in, not away. They’re laughing, crying, interrupting each other with “Me too!” and “I get that.” They’ve become a strange little family, bound not by blood but by shared pain, growth, and the courage to show up—even if it’s through a screen.
This is the magic of online group therapy. It’s not just a process—it’s a transformation. And if you’re wondering whether it’s for you, let me take you on a journey through what it’s really like.
The Stages: From Strangers to Soulmates (Sort Of)
Group therapy unfolds in stages, much like a good novel. There’s the exposition, the rising action, the climax, and the resolution. But instead of fictional characters, it’s you. And instead of a plot, it’s your life.
The Awkward Beginning: The first session is like speed-dating, but instead of trying to impress, everyone’s trying not to cry. Introductions are made, ground rules are set (confidentiality is queen), and the therapist gently nudges the group toward openness. It’s uncomfortable, but that’s the point. Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone.
The Testing Phase: By week two or three, the group starts testing the waters. Someone shares something raw—a breakup, a betrayal, a loss—and the room holds its breath. Will they be judged? Will anyone understand? Then, like a dam breaking, the empathy flows. “I’ve been there.” “That must have been so hard.” The trust begins to build.
The Deep Dive: This is where the magic happens. Around the midpoint, the group becomes a mirror, reflecting back truths you didn’t even know you needed to see. Maybe you realize you’re not alone in your anxiety. Maybe you discover that your “flaws” are actually your superpowers. The therapist guides the process, but the real work happens between members.
The Resolution: As the group nears its end, there’s a bittersweet quality to the sessions. People start talking about what they’ve learned, how they’ve changed, and what they’ll carry forward. There are tears, hugs, and promises to keep growing. It’s not goodbye—it’s “see you later.”
The Structure: A Safe Space to Fall Apart (and Put Yourself Back Together)
Group therapy is structured chaos. There’s a framework—a start time, an end time, and a therapist to guide the conversation—but within that, anything can happen. One week, the group might focus on grief. The next, it’s anger. The week after that, it’s how to survive family dinners without losing your mind.
The therapist’s role is to hold the space, not dominate it. They’re like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring everyone gets a chance to play their instrument. But the music? That comes from the group.
The Purpose: You’re Not Alone
Here’s the thing about pain: it loves to isolate you. It whispers lies like “No one understands” and “You’re the only one.” Group therapy silences those lies.
The purpose of group therapy isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to connect you. To show you that your struggles are universal, your feelings are valid, and your story matters. It’s about learning from others, seeing yourself in their experiences, and realizing that healing is a team sport.
The Results: What Happens When You Show Up
The results of group therapy are as unique as the people in the group, but here’s what I’ve seen time and time again:
You feel less alone. There’s something profoundly healing about hearing your own thoughts come out of someone else’s mouth.
You gain new perspectives. Maybe you’ve been stuck in a narrative for years, and someone in the group offers a fresh take that changes everything.
You practice vulnerability. Group therapy is a crash course in being real, which spills over into your relationships outside the room.
You build resilience. Watching others face their fears gives you the courage to face your own.
The Benefits: Why Group Therapy Might Be Your Best Decision
Group therapy isn’t just a cheaper alternative to individual therapy (though it is often more affordable). It’s a unique experience that offers benefits you can’t get anywhere else:
Community: You’ll meet people who “get it” in a way even your closest friends might not.
Accountability: When you share your goals with the group, you’re more likely to follow through.
Diversity: Different perspectives mean different solutions.
Hope: Seeing others heal gives you permission to believe you can too.
The Invitation: Come as You Are
If you’re still reading, I’m going to take a wild guess: you’re curious. Maybe even a little hopeful. But also scared. That’s okay. Fear is just the price of admission to anything worth doing.
Group therapy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about showing up with your messy, complicated, beautiful self and saying, “This is me. And I’m ready to grow.”
So, here’s my invitation: take the leap. Sign up for one of our groups below. Turn on your camera. Share your story. Listen to others. And watch as the magic unfolds.
Because the truth is, we’re all just strangers until we’re not. And healing? It’s always better together.
