In the winter of 2015, I made the decision to end my career in the automotive industry and begin my journey to become a licensed professional counselor. In the car business, there exists a simple maxim, ‘the better I do, the worse you do.’ I was tired of living under that maxim, and believed that becoming a counselor would offer a new way to work, ‘the better I become at what I do, the more likely the better you will do.’

While I learned a lot by travelling weekly to Richmont (both experientially and academically), my most profound experience was the opportunity to co-facilitate three different story groups with by best friend in life, Justin Hitchcock. I look back now on my facilitation of those groups and think: first, was I qualified to be doing that, and second, that was possibly the best experience I had in all of my graduate education.

The Difference between a Support Group and Therapy Group

Both group therapy and support groups offer participants valuable perspective. Oftentimes when we’re going through a challenging time or situation we may feel quite alone thinking our problem or life situation is unique. Group therapy and support groups both offer a place where members can learn that they are not alone, which offers a comforting camaraderie when working through an issue or particularly difficult time. In both types of groups, participants are at different places in their journey through life. As a result, participants can see that change is possible simply by listening to the stories of different members, which often instills hope.

Realistic Expectations When Joining a Therapy Group

Expectations can often prevent us from fully engaging in the moment, which detracts from the way we experience life. Rather than being guided by expectations and the fear they produce, group therapy helps participants to face life as it unfolds in all of its beautiful uncertainty. Are you ready to experience life as it happens?

For Your Consideration

follow me