Why does group counseling work?

When people come into a group and interact freely with one another, they usually recreate those difficulties that brought them to group counseling in the first place. Under the skilled direction of a group counselor, the group is able to give support, offer alternatives, or gently confront each other. In this way, the difficulty becomes resolved, alternative behaviors are learned, and everyone develops new social techniques or ways of relating to people.

During group counseling, people begin to see that they are not alone. Many people feel that they are different because of their problems and it is encouraging to hear that other people have similar difficulties. In the climate of trust provided by the group, people feel free to care about and help each other.