Dr. Laurane McGlynn
Private Practice
An Integrated Counseling and Wellness Center
Wholeness ∞ Awareness ∞ Energy ∞ Transformation ∞ Connection
GROUP THERAPY
What is Group therapy?
Group therapy is a powerful treatment approach that facilitates positive growth and
change. Participants have the opportunity to receive understanding, support, and
encouragement from others facing similar issues in a safe, confidential environment.
Theycan also gain multiple perspectives and feedback. Group members can deepen
self-awareness, enhance relationship skills and experiment with new ideas and ways of
relating to others. Most people, though somewhat apprehensive at first,report
that the group experience was helpful far beyond their expectations.Group therapy
can be one of the most effective tools for addressing issues common among many individuals.
Why Group Therapy?
Group therapy is a very effective treatment approach for many issues because psychological
problems are often interpersonal in nature. Very often they stem from our relationships or
from our personal patterns of relating. Group therapy offers the rare opportunity to explore
and understand how you relate to others and get specific feedback on how others react to you.
For some people, groups can be more effective and produce quicker results than individual
counseling. The lessons group members learn from each other and the chance to work
through problems with other people who share similar concerns are what makes group
therapy effective. Only in group therapy can you directly work on how you relate to others.
The group environment of trust and safety can help you build the skills you need to create
the same kind of trust and safety in your real life, work, with friends, family, and intimate partners.
The group experience can help you learn about your style of relating, and your personal
effectiveness in relationships, and gives you the unique chance to see how others struggle with
these concerns. It also offers the opportunity to explore a broad range of personal concerns.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
There are many:
Group can afford the opportunity to be open and receive support from others in an environment of safety, trust and respect.
Group can help with feelings of isolation and a sense of being alone with your struggles, thoughts and feelings.
Members are able to try out new behaviors.
Group can provide members with diverse views, responses, and feedback.
Members often develop insight into their typical patterns of relating to people,
allowing for an opportunity to challenge and change these patterns.
Group can allow members the chance to explore and better understand themselves.
In group, members can learn new social techniques, ways of relating, and how to better cope with difficulties.
Isn't individual therapy better?
Group therapy can be more efficient than individual therapy for two reasons.
First, you can benefit from the group even during sessions when you say little by
listening carefully to others. You will find that you have much in common with other
group members, and as they work on a concern, you can learn more about yourself.
Second, group members will often bring up issues that strike a chord with you,
but which you might not have been aware of or brought up yourself.
No one will force you to do anything in group counseling.
You control what, how much, and when you share with the group.
You do not have to share what you are not ready to disclose.
You can be helped by listening to others and thinking about how what they are saying might apply to you.
When you feel safe enough to share what is troubling you, a group will likely be very helpful and affirming.
Most people are anxious about being able to talk in group. Almost without exception, within a
few sessions people find that they do begin to talk in the group. Group members remember what
it is like to be new to the group, so you will get a lot of support for beginning to talk in the group.
How do I join a group?
Please contact Dr. Laurane McGlynn at 6102-248-6907.
Prior to joining a group, a meeting will be scheduled between you and Dr. McGlynn.
During this meeting, you will have a chance to discuss your interest in the group,
ask questions, identify goals, and determine if group is right for you.
Fall 2023 Groups Now Forming_
All groups are 75 minutes long. Fee is $50 per session. Private pay only.
An intake appointment is required prior to joining a group.
Insurance is accepted for the intake appointment.
Co-ed General Therapy Process Group
Are you feeling disconnected and looking for some support?
This insight oriented process group will provide you with a safe environment for
exploring yourself and interpersonal style. Common themes include social anxiety, trust, intimacy, assertiveness, learning and practicing social skills and dealing with relationships. The group will focus on building skills to communicate your thoughts, feelings and needs, discussing ways to initiate and sustain healthy relationships and feel comfortable in social situations, increasing your ability to have a deeper, more compassionate awareness of yourself
and others and learning techniques to manage depression, anxiety and stress.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
This eight-week group for stress management focuses on mindfulness meditation, mindful eating, mindful movement, visualizations for relaxation, body scan, techniques to manage anxiety and depression, deep relaxation and stress
management skills. The benefits of mindfulness include feeling emotionally calmer, awareness and acceptance of the present moment, clear and creative thoughts, taking responsibility for your well-being, develop your own
stress management and cultivating kindness and compassion for yourself and others.
Chronic Pain and Chronic Medical Illness
This group is for people with chronic medical illness and chronic pain. This group will provde a place to discuss your social, emotional and physical experiences of living with these issues. We will explore self-care, impact on relationships, social support, mindfulness skills, meditation, coping strategies, lifestyle choices, shifting from the role of "patient" and changes in your relationships with your medical provider and family members. The group will offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your fears, feelings and concerns with others who are learning to manage chronic illness and chronic pain.
An intake appointment is required prior to joining the group.
Dr. McGlynn has over 20 years of experience facilitating groups and teaching group therapy to psychology graduate students.